Away Quote by Walter Kirn
“I grew up in a little town in Minnesota, 500 people. I went out to Princeton, and I wasn't very well-accepted out there by the fancy folks of Princeton University, I felt. I came away bruised and feeling rejected.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, “Small Town Roots”, 2015
Feeling alienated in elite academia can bruise self‑esteem and sense of belonging.
In simple terms: Being rejected at a prestigious school can hurt confidence.
Key Takeaway
Seek supportive communities that value your background.
Themes
identity
belonging
education
class
Mood
thoughtful
determined
Type
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- college orientation
- career counseling
- peer mentorship
- networking events
Key Concepts
social psychology
elitism
self‑concept
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions improve inclusion for outsiders?
- What personal strategies help cope with rejection?
A Different Perspective
Not all elite environments are hostile; some foster inclusion.
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
