People assuming you’re a genius—until you mess up.
PEOPLE ASSUMING YOU’RE A GENIUS—UNTIL YOU MESS UP.
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Remember the campus buzz, the late-night study sessions, the feeling of being among the brightest? Then you graduate. Suddenly, that prestigious university name on your resume isn't just a credential; it's a statement. It opens doors, yes, but it also casts a long shadow of expectation. People often assume you're not just smart, but a genius, pre-programmed for success, possessing all the answers before you even start.
This assumption is a double-edged sword. It feels good for a moment, but then the pressure sets in. Every decision, every project, every presentation feels magnified. You’re expected to excel effortlessly, to innovate constantly, to never miss a beat. The thought of a misstep, a simple mistake, can feel disproportionately catastrophic. It’s as if a single error might shatter the carefully constructed illusion of your infallible intellect. We often find ourselves holding back, afraid to admit when we don't know something, or when we need help, for fear of disproving the "genius" label.
But here’s the truth nobody explicitly told us: The transition from campus to career is weird for everyone, and it’s okay to be imperfect. Your diploma represents hard work and immense potential, not an exemption from learning on the job or making human errors. It’s a shared experience among us—the quiet struggle beneath the veneer of assumed brilliance. Let's ditch the perfection myth and embrace the genuine journey of growth, stumbles and all.
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