Being called “pretentious” for saying where you went.
BEING CALLED “PRETENTIOUS” FOR SAYING WHERE YOU WENT.
Follow for more real talk about navigating life after campus!
Remember that campus bubble? The one filled with intense discussions, late-night study marathons, and a shared sense of intellectual adventure? The leap from that structured, stimulating environment to the messy, unpredictable "real world" is often weirder than anyone warned us about. One minute you're debating philosophy, the next you're navigating corporate politics or the gig economy.
Then there's the Ivy League name. On the résumé, it’s supposed to open doors, right? But out there, it’s a double-edged sword. How many times have you carefully, almost casually, mentioned your alma mater, only to watch a subtle shift in the room? That slight narrowing of eyes, the immediate assumption of privilege, or worse, being instantly labeled “pretentious.”
It’s an odd dance. You worked incredibly hard for that acceptance, for those grades, for that diploma. You’re proud of the rigorous education, the critical thinking skills, the incredible network you built. Yet, there are moments where you find yourself downplaying it, or strategically omitting it from conversation, just to avoid that immediate, often unfair, judgment. It feels like we’re constantly having to prove our worth beyond a university name, to show that we’re more than just a label.
This isn't about flaunting; it's about acknowledging a significant part of our journey. The real value lies in what we learned, how we grew, and the resilience we developed. So, how do you navigate this unique aspect of your post-campus life? Let’s share our stories.