Cousin's Meltdown Over College Rejection Divides Family
The story
At 18, I recently started college at a prestigious university, which I'm thrilled about. However, my cousin, also 18, had his heart set on this school ever since middle school but was rejected. He experienced a major meltdown when he learned he didn't get in, which I only heard about since I wasn't there with him. His reaction was intense, particularly as he received his rejection just days before my acceptance arrived. My acceptance, which also included a generous scholarship, seemed to ignite a storm.
My cousin, along with my aunt and uncle, bombarded me with calls, texts, and unexpected visits, pressuring me to surrender my spot to him. He was infuriated by my acceptance, claiming his grades and dedication surpassed mine, even though I participated in numerous extracurricular activities, which he dismissed as irrelevant. He went as far as accusing me of stealing his dream, and warned me I'd likely drop out because I couldn’t handle the pressure like he could.
Their campaign to make me change schools lasted until my departure day. My cousin dropped by to declare that if I went through with attending, we were no longer family since I was so ready to snatch his dream away. Brushing off his remarks, I left for college. Now settled in, I'm enjoying my time; my classes are engaging and my roommate is fantastic. Yet, my cousin continues to lament on social stories about betrayed dreams and worthless hard work, which is quite tedious.
Imagine if this drama unfolded on a reality TV show, the viewers would have a field day! There would be team meetings, dramatic music every time my phone lit up with texts or calls from my family, and perhaps a teary confessional scene where I question my decisions under the immense family pressure. How the audience would react to this familial tension and my cousin’s public outbursts, it would probably make for some highly-rated episodes!
So, what do you guys think? Was it wrong for me to proceed with my education at this school? Should I have considered attending another institution just to keep peace in the family?
Should I have chosen a different college to avoid conflict?
Points of view
BoisterousLemonMetalToothpasteInTaipeiWithJealousy
3mo agoAh ah, seriously?? 🤣
Seriously, you think this is funny?! 🙄 It's a messed-up situation, not a joke. Dealing with family drama ain't no laughing matter, especially when it involves dreams and ambitions clashing like this. Maybe take a step back and see the bigger picture instead of just finding amusement in the chaos.
ShiningIvoryWaterTelephoneInCairoWithContentment
3mo agoThis story sounds like a total mess, and tbh, it ain't really fair on your cousin. 🙄 I get you're stoked about the school and all, but seriously, couldn't you have looked out for your family? Education can happen anywhere, not just at this 'prestigious' uni. It's rough your cuz got rejected, and then you gotta show up flaunting the whole acceptance with a fat scholarship? That's gotta sting for him. Plus, dissin' on his grades and chilling on the extracurriculars isn't cool - you can't just brush that off. Family's got each other's backs, and turning your back on him like that doesn’t sound right. Dealing with your cousin's moping might be lame, but it's what family does.
You shoulda thought about your cousin's feelings before diving into this whole college thing, and maybe trying to figure out a compromise would have been wise. Now, you're all settled in, and he's still throwing shade online, making every situation a bit more stressful. I mean, it ain't just about the education; it's about relationships, you feel me? It might be tough, but sometimes you gotta look at the bigger picture. The drama and public outbursts on a reality show would be wild, but in real life, it's just causing unnecessary beef.
BouncingBlackShadowFathomInQuitoWithAmusement
1mo agoYour story's kinda unfair to your cousin. Family should stick together, not compete. It's tough he didn't get in, but there's always other options. Your happiness shouldn't come at his expense; maybe considering another school could've avoided all this drama. Staying strong and hopeful is good, but family bonds are more important. Think about the bigger picture; there's always a way to make it work for both.
CrazyKhakiLightFantodsInHongKongWithLoneliness
1mo agoYour story's kinda unfair to your cousin. Family should stick together, not compete. It's tough he didn't get in, but there's always other options. Your happiness shouldn't come at his expense; maybe considering another school could've avoided all this drama. Staying strong and hopeful is good, but family bonds are more important. Think about the bigger picture; there's always a way to make it work for both.