My name is Michaela Jampierre and I am a sophomore Communication and Journalism double major at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. I grew up in Westport, CT in a quaint home with my mom and sister. Growing up with a single mother, my sister and I learned at a young age the importance of being able to provide for ourselves and what it means to have a strong work ethic. Since coming to Amherst, I've been named a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society, made Dean's List every semester, and joined the Commonwealth Honors College. I am fortunate to have a parent who pays for my tuition, and one way I try to give back is show her that I am making the best of my education. I try to show this, in part, through scholastic achievements.

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I hope to show that social media usage doesn't, or at least shouldn't, overwhelm all aspect of one's life. It is undeniable that advancements in technology can be problematic, as we care too much about what goes on behind a phone screen. However, as unknowing members of society are quick to criticize these advancements, I hope one day the notion that social media is "evil" is eradicated. Like everything else in this world, it should be used in moderation, and although my generation may seem the most distracted, we are also the most interconnected and diverse. We are aware of international phenomena within seconds and have created global safe havens for people of all races, ages, sexualities, and more to speak their mind. In a world where it is so easy to feel ostracized, I pride my generation in being so welcoming. This is all thanks to social media.