How do I tell people I go to Harvard without getting abused?

Question

Since I have moved to Cambridge, people ask me what I do and where I go to school. Any time I say that I go to Harvard (to a non-Harvard person) they act like I just said "my daddy is a millionaire and bought me this BMW." I get a mix of unpleasant reactions from a litany of insults against the school to personal "joking" insults which are not funny. Sometimes, the entire conversation turns into an IQ test where the other person tries to figure out what I don't know and derives pleasure from it. I am then expected to know everything, and people will openly question my intelligence if I am not 100% genius 100% of the time. I've been here 1 month and I am already tired of it. I avoid the question at every possible turn, but if someone explicitly asks me, I'm tempted to just lie and say I go to BU already. By the way, I'm in grad school... in undergrad - this NEVER happened (I went to Berkeley - still a good school, right?).

"In harvard and asking questions like a teen gurl at a sleepover?"

-- Yes... this is what I'm talking about. I am subjected to a different standard, and on a daily basis, it gets annoying.

The BMW thing was an analogy...not for real.

Answer 1

Why care if you get made fun of by an idiot.

Answer 2

To the majority of intelligent people, Harvard is a very good university. Congratulations on getting into it, to me that says enough of your hard work and commitment to study.

Ignore people who treat you to a pop-quiz just by your education merits - why should they, what is their right? My advise would be to ask the person making the comments as to what they are basing there streotypes on. I'd assume the media, and try and explain that the media representation of university life isn't 100% accurate.

If you are driving around in a BMW and you parents did pay for it - ask yourself why you need a BMW - would a Honda be adequate? If you brought the car yourself, it says you can make it in the world on your own and can depend for yourself.

Failing this, walk away... some people will always be just want to make fun of people, this is just another way to for some people to bully others.

Answer 3

This people are suffering from an inferiority complex. Its a common problem.

Don't worry about them. Ignore them when they become sarcastic. Report them if they become abusive.

Perhaps you can also show your good side. Help others when they need help. Over time, these people will get to see the better side of you. Try also to mix around with other non abusive people. Your good image can spread.

I am glad you brought this up. Print out a copy of our replies (enlarged) and hang it in your room. So that the next time people see it, they will know.

Answer 4

When people treat you like you hvae all this money mentioned how you had to sell two organs on the black market to pay for your tution. If that doesn't shut them up...
But seriously, all you can do is politely tell the person how much you enjoy Harvard and how much you would enjoy Cambridge if people just weren't so nosy all the time!

Answer 5

Tell it like you did here. Next time someone asks, you just say, "I'm afraid to tell you where I studied because ... (list your reasons here plainly)...", after which, the questioner may try to guess the Insitution. If they're right, they'll usually just try to tone down their surprise so you won't feel so out of place and even if they guessed wrong, by then theyd be feeling 'put in place' themselves. You may even go a step ahead, in case they feel embarassed for having been pre-empted, and say, "why don't you ask me what I would like to hear from you?" (fif you do have somethin you like to hear from them), which usually puts them at ease after because you will be saying this in a respectful tone and they can hear and see your attitude behind the question.

You dont learn this in Harvard, do you?

;)

Answer 6

I downplay what I do in life when others ask me in person, so they then leave me alone ! On-line no one can bug me so I share it when asked.

Instead of telling them I am a business owner, private tutor, chef & landlord, I simply say "I sit at home, eat bon bons and watch tv." This comment usually bugs the people enough to realize they are being nosey so they move on to the next person they feel like questioning.

Works wonders for me and it has become quite the joke and something me and my family laugh at.

Be happy with where you are in life (or you need to make a change like ONLY you can) and keep this phrase in mind : "What you think of me is none of my business ! " It will help you focus on YOU and forget the morons who are simply nosey, jealous, or looking for someone to hound.

Happy Sunday : )

Answer 7

I think the words you used in your question may have given a clue as to why people may "abuse" you...and I think you mean...treat you like you think you're better then them.
In your second line, you yourself divide people in non-Harvard and those others who donot go there. Maybe you are inadvertently giving the appearance that you are in a different sphere then those pesky non-Harvardites.
Also, people don't like class differences to be shoved in their faces, you have to admit, persons who go to Harvard, are (usually upper class)...I bet not too many coal miners kids go there.
And also, who are these people you are talking to? Mature adults do not care where you go to school, and they certainly are above playing mental games with you.

Answer 8

Tell people that you worked very hard to get into Harvard, and it has nothing to do with wealth or your intelligence. Getting into an Ivy league School is very hard work and I commend you. Hope this works.

Answer 9

I think Tiny T is a little jealous that you go to Harvard. He's one of those people that make those snide remarks, I'm guessing.

Answer 10

In harvard and asking questions like a teen gurl at a sleepover?

Sad