Andy Koritz posted on facebook a link to an article about how self-centered college students are. Today the Lawrence Journal World ran pretty much the same story. It’s hard not to be narcissistic when our parents have told us since we were little “we are the best, smartest, prettiest, or most talented…” Growing up most of us never had to work to help support our family. If we had a job we could spend our money on whatever we wanted. Our attention was on ourselves. “What do I want? What do I need?” Our culture also tells us to be an individual and be independent. How can you expect us not to be self-absorbed? We are self-centered but I think our generation is more pro-active. We have more opportunities than past generations and we are more likely to take advantage of them. The number of college students that study abroad grows every year. KU is one of the largest senders of students for the Peace Core and Teach for America. Even though we are self-absorbed, I think there are just as many people reaching out and trying to help others. We still care about the world and want to make it a better place. I don’t think older generations should under-estimate us. We will be running the country when they are in nursing homes!