Have you ever doubted your ability to succeed or felt like you didn’t truly deserve your accomplishments?
If so, you are not alone. This feeling, known as imposter syndrome, happens when you believe you are not truly qualified for your achievements or that sooner or later, people will “find out” you don’t belong. It’s more common than most people realize and affects students everywhere.
For first-generation college students especially, the weight of imposter syndrome can be even heavier. Without family members who have walked this path before, figuring out how to navigate college can feel overwhelming and isolating, and it becomes so easy to question whether you really deserve your place or if you are just “faking it.”
In my first biology lab, I remember watching classmates handle pipettes like experts with complete confidence. Meanwhile, I felt clumsy and out of place, convinced everyone else knew exactly what they were doing, and I didn’t belong. What I didn’t realize at the time was that most of us were learning together. Imposter syndrome had tricked me into believing I was the one struggling, when, in reality, my uncertainty was completely normal.
The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is simply acknowledging it. Naming the feeling takes away some of its power and prevents it from controlling you. From there, reframing negative thoughts into more positive ones can help shift your perspective. I’ve also found it helpful to celebrate my successes, both big and small, and to keep track of accomplishments. Looking back at those moments is a powerful reminder that what I’ve achieved isn’t about luck or chance but the result of my own effort and persistence.
Imposter syndrome grows stronger in silence. When we hide it or ignore it, it chips away at our confidence. But when we talk about it, share experiences and lean on others for support, it loses its hold on us. By speaking openly about these feelings, we can build a campus culture where students feel supported. So, the next time you feel like you don’t belong, remember that you earned your place.
