Final answer:
Joel may feel unqualified to talk to college graduates due to insecurities, imposter syndrome, or a perception that he lacks equivalent success. Literature and anecdotal evidence suggest that negative labeling and self-doubt can heavily influence one's sense of adequacy in such settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Joel may feel unqualified to talk to college graduates due to a sense of imposter syndrome or a belief that he lacks the achievements or accolades that are typically associated with success in an academic or professional setting. In the context of various literature and studies, it has been observed that negative labels or a lack of past academic success can impact a person's confidence and self-perception, which can extend to their ability to speak to others who have recently achieved a milestone like college graduation.
For instance, Jeremy Iverson's book High School Confidential highlights the lasting impact that negative labels from authoritative figures can have on students. Also, articles such as "College Graduates Struggle to Find Employment Worth a Degree" by Lorin Janet and Jeanna Smialek from Bloomberg, discuss the challenges college graduates face, which could contribute to Joel's feelings of inadequacy when addressing them if he relates to these struggles.
Moreover, personal stories like Jarrett's, who struggled with the idea of success and self-worth, echo the feelings that Joel might be experiencing. Jarrett overcame his insecurities and with support, achieved his academic goals, suggesting that with the right mindset and encouragement, feelings of unqualification can be surpassed.