You read right, this is about my battle with imposter syndrome.

This isnt a “how to get over imposter syndrome” post, this is a “my reality of imposter syndrome” post.

Ever since high school, I felt like I wasnt qualified to take the courses I was taking or how I didn’t “measure“ up to my peers. I’ve had a parent basically tell me I wasn’t good enough while the other cheared me on. I’ve always had a fear of not being smart enough or good enough, somewhat due to constantly getting yelled for not knowing the answer immediately or just struggling in general.

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Fast forward to undergrad, where I started off as a bio major, then eventually a double majors in psychology and geology (I wanted to study animal behavior at hydrothermal vents...still do). I was told by my academic advisor, I wouldn’t be successful with my double majors, and had a professor tell me I should consider another field. So all of this is feeding into the imposter syndrome I already had. Not to mention, I had to take years off from finishing my bachelors due to an issue with my financial aid, which had me feeling like it was a sign that this just wasn’t the path for me. So in December 2015, despite what my advisor and previous professor said, I graduated without anyone’s assistance and my friends and sister and cousin being my buggest supporter.

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On to my masters and doctorate program...I’ve never had anyone tell me steaigh up that I’m not qualified to be where I’m at, although sometimes I feel it at the PhD level. However, even though I have these thoughts often, I’m fortunate enough to have a research supervisor who embraces my educational background and utilizes my knowledge, especially on behavior. I know things won’t get any easier as I progress through my program but I just need to remind mysel, I wouldn’t have made it this far if I was meant to fail.

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So with that being said (which was actually a venting session for me), youre bigger than imposter syndrome and you’re on this path for a reason! No matter what you’re situation is, keep going!

Candace

The Studentvfor Life