…add “founder” to your bio for a group project.
…ADD “FOUNDER” TO YOUR BIO FOR A GROUP PROJECT.
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Remember that unwritten rule? A group project, no matter how small, suddenly demanded someone declare themselves a “founder.” It wasn't enough to contribute; you had to lead, innovate, "found" something. This wasn't just about grades; it was about the narrative, personal brand, and early “prestige behavior” defining so much of our time.
This phenomenon extended beyond the classroom. It permeated our club lives, where everyone vied for executive board positions, not just for passion, but for that coveted resume line. Every volunteer initiative became a "non-profit," every social gathering a "network." The pressure to be building, scaling, or launching became an unspoken curriculum. If you weren't adding "founder," "CEO," or "director" to a nascent endeavor, did you truly engage with the institutional spirit?
An undeniable drive and ambition fuels this, a desire to make an impact. Yet, a subtle performative layer exists, where pursuing a prestigious title sometimes overshadowed the actual work. It forced us to think bigger, articulate contributions powerfully, and understand self-promotion. This ingrained habit of framing every experience as groundbreaking is a hallmark of our shared journey.
It’s a unique part of our experience, shaping campus years and career trajectories. The continuous pursuit of "impactful" roles and the need to stand out, to build, to "found" something new, continues long after graduation. It’s less about a specific project and more about an ethos: the relentless, often performative, drive for distinction.
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