This was such an intriguing read. Almost felt like I was reading an alternate version of gossip girl. I have never been in elitist environments as such but hearing stories about how these people move is truly fascinating to say the least. Like you said, a reflection of broader society
hiii. love that we’re kin <3 yes, these places can be *hellish* but they’re best used as trampolines. so jump very, very high to compensate for everything else. i will keep writing; please keep reading x
oh yes i jumped alright. graduated in 2017. finished grad school at another place just like it in 2023. we have to jump but also keep our hearts and our roots.
I LOVED THIS. I did not go to Harvard but I did attend private school in DC and I saw/grew up around a lot of similar dynamics. The game is still the same.
I listened to the audio so I’m just saying like as a genuine critique and honestly I hope all writers do this but you should consider how slang sounds when it’s being read by ai. It’s very weird.
Obviously you can do what you want but this is a good faith critique.
i appreciated it! and mentioning you listened to the substack generated audio of the essay adds nuance to the critique and will factor in when i write moving forward. thank you again for your feedback <3
"daddy harvard was never the issue. it was always the progeny you had to keep an eye on." oof, THIS. I was class of 2018 <3 I always say that Harvard taught me how to move & be comfortable in elite circles. It was the first time I encountered power & privilege of that scale. It's mind-boggling.
Oh absolutely fab read! You wrote this is a way that felt like very articulate gossip? I was hooked till the end
"very articulate gossip" is such a vibe. thank you for reading my essay and for your kind words. it means the world <3
This was such an intriguing read. Almost felt like I was reading an alternate version of gossip girl. I have never been in elitist environments as such but hearing stories about how these people move is truly fascinating to say the least. Like you said, a reflection of broader society
very much a reflection of broader society! we need to do better!!
This was a *delicious* read. I always marvel at the finesse and tact that is required to navigate elite spaces. Nothing really is as it seems.
i always assume the opposite of what i see.
Thank you for this! We’re kindred—I’m thinking/writing a lot about my experience as a working class Black woman at Princeton. Please keep writing.
hiii. love that we’re kin <3 yes, these places can be *hellish* but they’re best used as trampolines. so jump very, very high to compensate for everything else. i will keep writing; please keep reading x
oh yes i jumped alright. graduated in 2017. finished grad school at another place just like it in 2023. we have to jump but also keep our hearts and our roots.
exactly. roots and hearts. even as we take on the characteristics of these places, we must remain true to ourselves.
Hi girlie. I’m also a black woman at Princeton could I message you about your experience?
hi babe!! yes, please dm 💓
I LOVED THIS. I did not go to Harvard but I did attend private school in DC and I saw/grew up around a lot of similar dynamics. The game is still the same.
the game will forever be the game! nothing changes, which is what makes it all absurd.
The use of slang in this was cringe as hell, but understand your perspective as it pertained to the racial dynamics.
to each their own, no?
I listened to the audio so I’m just saying like as a genuine critique and honestly I hope all writers do this but you should consider how slang sounds when it’s being read by ai. It’s very weird.
Obviously you can do what you want but this is a good faith critique.
i appreciated it! and mentioning you listened to the substack generated audio of the essay adds nuance to the critique and will factor in when i write moving forward. thank you again for your feedback <3
"daddy harvard was never the issue. it was always the progeny you had to keep an eye on." oof, THIS. I was class of 2018 <3 I always say that Harvard taught me how to move & be comfortable in elite circles. It was the first time I encountered power & privilege of that scale. It's mind-boggling.
mind-boggling indeed!! it was, and unfortunately will likely always be, the progeny you have to keep an eye on.
this is everything that's occupies my mind from nicki minaj to attending an ivy as a poor african girl lol loved every word of this
thank you baby <3 also, adore your header ("ex-gallery intern"); love that for you
thank you baby!! thank you for engaging with my work <3