Others assuming your life is perfect because of where you studied.
OTHERS ASSUMING YOUR LIFE IS PERFECT BECAUSE OF WHERE YOU STUDIED.
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That prestigious education, that iconic diploma—they open doors, yes, but they also often come with a hidden cost: the unspoken expectation that your life will be, by default, perfect. You carry the weight of a powerful brand, and with it, the assumption that every career move is flawless, every personal relationship is idyllic, and every challenge simply melts away.
We’ve all been there. The casual question about our background that suddenly shifts the entire conversation. The knowing nod that implies you’re operating on a different plane, immune to the everyday struggles of job hunting, imposter syndrome, or simply figuring things out. People see the label, not the relentless effort, the late nights, the moments of profound self-doubt, or the very human imperfections that define us all, regardless of where we earned our degree.
This identity, this "Ivy" experience, undeniably shapes us. It fosters a certain drive, an analytical rigor, a unique network. But it must never define us entirely. Our individual journeys are messy, full of unexpected detours and valuable failures. The true strength lies not in fulfilling an external image of perfection, but in navigating life authentically, embracing vulnerability, and sharing the real stories—the triumphs and the struggles—that truly make us human. Let's reclaim our narratives.
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