Believing you're only valuable when you're achieving.
BELIEVING YOU'RE ONLY VALUABLE WHEN YOU'RE ACHIEVING.
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From the moment we step onto these esteemed campuses, a silent contract is signed. We are immersed in environments where excellence is not just encouraged; it is expected, a default setting. This unique pressure cooker often instills in us a powerful, yet perilous, belief: our value is intrinsically linked to our achievements. Every grade, every internship, every promotion, every groundbreaking project becomes a measure of our worth.
This pervasive mindset can be incredibly taxing. It transforms our personal growth into a relentless pursuit of external validation. When we inevitably face setbacks, when the next big achievement isn't immediately apparent, or when we simply need to pause and breathe, the internal narrative can turn harsh. We question our capabilities, our intelligence, our very right to be where we are. Imposter syndrome flourishes, fueled by the terrifying whisper that if we're not constantly climbing, we're falling, and thus, failing.
But here’s the crucial truth: your worth is not a spreadsheet of accomplishments. It’s not a GPA, a job title, or the number of accolades adorning your resume. Your value lies in your resilience, your character, your capacity for empathy, your unique perspective, and the person you are evolving into. The Ivy identity shapes us, undoubtedly, sharpening our minds and broadening our horizons. However, it should never be the sole lens through which we define our intrinsic value. Let’s challenge this conditioning. Let’s remember that our existence, our health, and our authentic selves are achievements in themselves, far greater than any external recognition. You are valuable, simply because you exist, not because you constantly achieve.