Natalie Portman has always been vocal about how much of an importance she places on education. According to the New York Post, she once reportedly said that cracking open the books is far more important to her than any form of stardom she might have. “I’d rather be smart than a movie star,” she declared.
In 2003, she attended Harvard University. But despite placing such a heavy value on education, her time in college was no easy feat. Of course, no one would exactly consider attending Harvard a walk in the park, but for Portman, her struggles extended beyond the curriculum. As she revealed in her 2015 Harvard Commencement Speech, she was struggling with impostor syndrome while at school and felt as though she didn’t deserve to be there. “I felt like there had been some mistake,” she said. “And that every time I opened my mouth, I would have to prove that I wasn’t just a dumb actress.” Portman continues, saying that she felt as though she just got in because of her celebrity status as opposed to her genuine intellect.
Furthermore, the star was dealing with mental health issues throughout her college career. In Portman’s speech, she reveals that she was on a particular birth control at the time, which affected her moods and caused her to be bedridden most mornings.
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.
Nicki
