Measuring self-worth in number of club positions held.
MEASURING SELF-WORTH IN NUMBER OF CLUB POSITIONS HELD.
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Remember that subtle, yet pervasive, pressure? It wasn't just about grades or internships; it was about the number of lines under "Extracurriculars" on your resume, the breadth of your involvement, the sheer volume of commitments. We all felt it, right? The unwritten rule that more was always better, that a vacant hour was a wasted opportunity. Your worth, or so it seemed, was quantifiable by the sheer number of presidencies, directorships, or even just general memberships you could accumulate.
This unique crucible fostered a particular kind of anxiety. You’d see peers juggling five leadership roles, acing classes, and still finding time for an elite sports team. It made you question: Am I doing enough? Am I even trying hard enough? The fear of not measuring up, of not being “busy” enough, was real. For many, it led to burnout, a quiet exhaustion hidden behind a meticulously crafted facade of enthusiasm. We signed up for things not out of genuine passion, but out of a perceived necessity, a desperate attempt to prove our value in a fiercely competitive environment.
This wasn't just a phase. Many alumni can attest to how this mindset subtly shapes your adult life, the lingering feeling that your accomplishments must be visibly numerous to validate your existence. It’s a struggle difficult to articulate to those who haven’t walked these hallowed halls. It’s an "Only at an Ivy" mental burden. Let’s talk about it.