Realizing every single person here was once “top of their class.”
REALIZING EVERY SINGLE PERSON HERE WAS ONCE “TOP OF THEIR CLASS.”
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The transition from being the brightest star in your high school constellation to just another brilliant mind in an Ivy galaxy hits differently. Remember that initial shock? That first time you realized everyone around you – from your dorm neighbor to your seminar peers – had also aced their exams, founded non-profits, or won state championships? It’s a humbling, exhilarating, and sometimes utterly bewildering experience. Suddenly, "top of your class" meant something entirely new: being among hundreds, even thousands, of others who were also "top of their class."
This unique environment breeds a specific kind of pressure. The unspoken expectation of constant excellence, the quiet imposter syndrome that whispers, "Am I truly good enough to be here?" even when you're excelling. It’s the late-night library sessions, trying to keep pace with intellectual titans. It's the unique stress of collaborating with peers just as ambitious, driven, and sleep-deprived. These are the moments you can’t quite explain to friends from home or family who see the prestige but not the daily grind, the internal battles, or the profound growth.
It's a crucible that forges resilience, critical thinking, and an unparalleled network. But acknowledging the struggles within this elite setting is crucial. You’re not alone in feeling this way.