Being asked, “So what do you do now?” like it better be impressive.
BEING ASKED, “SO WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?” LIKE IT BETTER BE IMPRESSIVE.
Follow us for more authentic reflections on the Ivy experience.
That question. It hits different, doesn't it? Especially for us. The one that demands an answer that isn't just "what," but "what that validates the immense effort, the sleepless nights, the very name on your diploma." It's the silent pressure of the brand, an invisible backpack packed with expectations we didn't always ask for.
We are shaped by an extraordinary environment. We learned to excel, to strive for impact, to connect with brilliant minds. This identity, this "Ivy" label, undeniably opens doors and sparks conversations. But sometimes, it feels less like a key and more like a golden cage, where every choice, every step, feels scrutinized through the lens of what's "impressive enough."
Remember this: while our institutions gave us an incredible foundation, they do not own our potential or our definitions of success. Your worth isn't determined by a job title or a salary figure, especially not one designed to appease an external gaze. It's in the quiet resilience, the genuine connections, the courage to build a life that feels authentic to you, not just impressive to others. We share this journey, this unique pressure. Let's remember to define our own triumphs.