Where was the heads-up? There was no warning from parents, no preamble from professors or mentors, no cautions from older siblings or close friends. How is this possible? Post-college life can be amazing, but it is also hard. So much will happen to us during this phase in our lives, but nothing speaks to the whole of it. And the whole of it can be unexpectedly frustrating, demanding, and disappointing—as well as exciting, dynamic, and filled with opportunity. Then We Grew Up is a moment of introspection. Four years after college, I sometimes still feel just as lost and hopeful as that young man who walked alongside thousands of graduating peers into a period defined by overwhelming ambiguity. I hope that my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned from them can spark a conversation—a dialogue around what I and countless others have slammed up against: the shock of adulthood, the loss of clear direction, the expectation of instant gratification, and the fear that everybody but you has their entire life figured out. The stories in this book are my truths—experiences that have come to define this in-between period. May they become a gateway for the exploration of your own journey into adulthood, no matter how far along that path you might be. Reviews: "Honest, revealing, and relatable. Then We Grew Up transported me back to a very distinct period in my life and will help readers reflect on their own post-college experiences." — Brian Frons, Professor UCLA Anderson School of Management and Former President of ABC Daytime Television "A compelling read for every twenty-something. Raw, honest, and powerful storytelling hooks readers and offers a valuable outlet for reflecting on the challenging post-college period." — Catherine Birndorf, MD, Psychiatrist and New York Times Bestselling Co-Author of The Nine Rooms of Happiness "An intriguing and entertaining exploration through a pivotal and tumultuous time in every young adult's life. Then We Grew Up is an extraordinarily well written, interesting, and memorable story that readers will relate to their own personal journeys." — John Gatins, Hollywood Director and Academy Award-Nominated Screenwriter of Flight "Andrew Marc Berman's Then We Grew Up is a marvelous hybrid, a coming of age story and an advice book that beautifully captures the fugue state of one's early 20s. Join the author, a charming, talented Ivy League student, as he embarks on a touching, frustrating, comic, joyful, and bracingly honest journey from college to independence." — Valerie Ross, Director of the University of Pennsylvania's Critical Writing Program About the Author: Andrew Marc Berman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2014. He was previously an Associate at an asset management firm based in Greenwich, Connecticut. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California and is working at a healthcare startup. Like so many others, he is still trying to navigate his 20s.
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