Being called “pretentious” for saying where you went.
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Remember that exhilarating, yet terrifying, leap from campus quad to corporate cubicle, or wherever your post-grad journey began? Nobody truly warns you about the weird transition. One minute, you’re debating philosophy in a seminar room, the next, you’re deciphering office politics and wondering if your liberal arts degree truly prepared you for this.
There’s the undeniable weight of “Ivy League” on your résumé. It opens doors, sure. It validates years of late-night studies and intense competition. We worked hard for that name, and there’s a quiet pride in it. But then comes the moment when the question arises: “Where did you go to school?”
Suddenly, that badge of honor feels like a social landmine. Do you state it plainly? Do you downplay it? The fear of being instantly labeled “pretentious” hangs in the air. You sense the shift in the conversation, the unspoken assumptions. It’s a strange paradox: proud of your achievement, yet cautious about how it’s perceived. We’ve all been there, internally debating whether to deflect, simplify, or just brave the potential eye-roll. It’s not about bragging; it’s simply stating a fact, a significant part of our journey. Yet, the perception often precedes the reality. Let’s talk about it.
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