TAKE RESPONSIBILITY Twenty-Something Myth.(LEADERS & SUCCESS)(IBD'S 10 SECRETS TO SUCCESS)

Byline: Amy Alexander

10 Twenty-somethings. They were children during the go-go 1980s, graduated from college to launch their professional careers in the middle of the dot-com craze and got a bad reputation in the process. They're frequently deemed freeloaders; lazy, full-sized kids who have no idea what sacrifice, hard work or duty mean.

Yet take a closer look. Could it be that the twenty-something stereotype is a myth? Has the generation gotten a bad rap? Definitely, say responsible twenty-somethings who have, in fact, paid their dues and worked like the dickens to be good citizens and successful employees.

"I think that my generation really does have a lot more to offer than people give us credit for," said Christopher Lauretani, a 25-year-old physical therapist in New York City, in a recent interview.

Lauretani considers other people's regular workdays to be short. He begins seeing clients through his business, Sky's The Limit Wellness, at 5 a.m., and sometimes doesn't finish until 10 p.m.

"The most important thing in being successful, no matter what you do, is hard work," he said. "Nothing is going to be given to you for free."

Lauretani, a Boston native, got his start by volunteering in a local physical therapy clinic. He still believes in serving others.