Is she kidding with this “authentic self”.. grow up kids this is the real world. You’re competing with people.. She “need a place where I can experiment and build myself, where I don’t need to be polished.” Stop. That’s what college is for and your first job and your second . News alert everyone feels like they can’t measure up wether you’re first or second generation to attend college. The pressure is real. For everyone. Use college boards, volunteer, intern, find mentors. Ask for help. But this “I’m a person and not a resume “ is tough when every job listing s hundreds of responses. Unless you have an engineering degree or some highly sought after credentials this is how you find a job . No formula, no shortcuts.