Fitting In as a first gen
Hi All,
I recently somehow broke into a BB for a summer internship I managed to get the return offer but despite all this I struggle to feel like I fit in.
Most people on my team and other interns I met on other teams all grew up extremely wealthy or at least upper middle class. I’m the complete opposite, my family lived in a 1 bedroom apartment with 5 people in it until a year ago, I went to public school in a bad area, went to community college and then went to a non target (I didn’t even know what a target school was), I’m the first in my family to go to college and get a job like this.
Due to this I kind of struggle relating to the people I’ve met and I feel like I don’t really fit in.
I recall other interns talking about vacation spots in Europe and what car they got when they turned 16, many of them never even worked a job that wasn’t an internship, I struggled to relate to them and fit in.
I’m coming back full time next summer so I would appreciate any tips from others who have similar experiences.
Thanks!
First off, congratulations on getting here - I know it couldn't have been easy. In the exact same boat (albeit slightly different, as I was fortunate enough to receive a full ride to a semi-target surrounded by even wealthier kids). Unfortunately, from my experience, it doesn’t necessarily get easier. You just get better at navigating it.
My biggest advice is to stay true to yourself and your values, and never forget where you came from. Over time, you learn to play along with some of the conversations and social dynamics, but I’d also caution against feeling like you need to constantly explain or emphasize your background. You don’t want to create an unnecessary sense of separation between yourself and your peers.
Keep your head down, continue to outwork everyone, and recognize how fortunate you are to have made it this far. And when you’re in a position to do so, extend those same opportunities to people who come from backgrounds similar to yours.
Good luck!
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