IMPOSTER SYNDROME
Dealing with Imposter Syndrome in College
It’s intimidating to sit in a college classroom surrounded by students and feel like they are all better than you at everything. The culprit to this feeling? Imposter syndrome–feeling unable to believe in one's merits in the face of success. A common explanation for the inner voices in your head saying you aren’t good enough.
I still remember feeling this way very vividly when I first arrived at UNC, much like many new college students. Coming from Greensboro, I had been part of a close-knit community, so naturally, the transition to a big, bustling campus was overwhelming. As a freshman, I started to hear students talk about how they got an offer for an internship with companies like NASA or ESPN, how they worked abroad this summer in Milan with the biggest fashion house, or how they have an acceptance letter from Harvard Law. I was a tiny fish among these sharks that came right out of their high school’s top ten; I came in with normal grades, below-average scores, and a bit of a sob story in my college essay. Amidst this sea of Carolina blue, I felt like an anomaly.
As an artist, the thing I’ve always hated is the incessant tugging apart of my work and myself—from needing to view my work as valuable as others might see it, to the inner voice screaming to me, “I’ll never be enough.” This is commonly referred to as the “artist’s curse,” which was essentially my own creative form of imposter syndrome. There were countless nights spent staring at a canvas or sketchbook, frustrated that what I was producing didn’t align with the vision in my head. I would compare my progress to my classmates, wondering how they made it seem so effortless, while I felt like I was constantly battling this inner critic.
Ever since freshman year, I sometimes still feel this sinking feeling of imposter syndrome when I walk into my MEJO (Media and Journalism) classes. I would often hesitate to share my thoughts, afraid they wouldn’t measure up. During one group critique in my advertising creative class, I remember looking at the resumes of others and thinking they had more leverage over me while mine didn’t even compare to their opportunities and projects. I always tried to stay silent, instead I sat there wishing I could be as good as my peers. That nagging inner voice told me, “This isn’t good enough.” It’s almost like my self-doubt would rear its head just as I was about to open up or share my experiences.
But over time, I’ve learned that this feeling, though paralyzing at times, is a part of the process. It doesn’t define my abilities or the value of my work. Slowly, I’ve found small ways to silence that inner critic–like celebrating the little wins, whether it’s finishing a project or having a professor point out something they liked about my work. These moments remind me that maybe, just maybe, I belong here too.
I am someone who doesn’t like to brag or toot my own horn. I’ve always believed in staying humble, especially when it comes to the amazing opportunities I’ve been fortunate enough to receive. I’m deeply grateful for every success. However, I think this mindset–along with imposter syndrome–sometimes leads me to downplay my own achievements. In an effort to avoid an inflated ego, I often fail to give myself the credit I deserve.
This has been especially challenging because, with ADHD, the struggle to stay focused or finish tasks often feels like an uphill battle. When I finally accomplish something, instead of celebrating it, I tend to minimize it, thinking I should have done more or that it wasn’t done perfectly. But I’m learning that taking pride in my accomplishments doesn’t mean I’m being boastful—it’s an acknowledgment of the effort it took to get there, especially when dealing with the daily hurdles of ADHD. By recognizing my hard work, I’m not only giving myself credit but also embracing the progress I’ve made despite the challenges. While humility is important, I’m learning that it’s okay to acknowledge my hard work and take pride in my accomplishments, without letting it affect my sense of self. It's about finding that balance between humility and recognizing my worth.
So with all of this to say, how do we combat imposter syndrome when it feels like we’re swimming against the current? First, I find it very important to remind myself that everyone struggles with doubt, no matter how successful they appear on the outside. The polished stories we hear about other people’s achievements don’t show the full picture—they also face their own challenges and moments of insecurity. Recognizing that you’re not alone in this feeling can help reduce that overwhelming sense of isolation.
One key step I try to take when fighting imposter syndrome is to start keeping track of my wins—no matter how small. Sometimes we get so focused on the next goal or comparing ourselves to others that we forget to celebrate how far we’ve already come. Whether it’s jotting down a few accomplishments in a journal or taking a moment at the end of the day to reflect on something you did well, these little reminders can help shift your perspective. When those inner voices start whispering that you’re not good enough, you’ll have a list of receipts proving otherwise.
Another important thing is to give yourself permission to learn and grow. It’s okay to not have everything figured out right away. Imposter syndrome thrives when we expect perfection from ourselves, but nobody starts out as an expert. Instead of fearing mistakes, try to see them as opportunities to improve. Be patient with yourself, and remember that progress is progress, even if it doesn’t look like someone else’s.
Finally, I always find it good to surround yourself with people who lift you up. Whether it’s friends, family, or mentors, having a support system that reminds you of your strengths and encourages you when you’re feeling doubtful can make a huge difference. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or share what you’re going through—you’d be surprised how many people can relate.
At the end of the day, it’s about giving yourself grace. You are here for a reason, and you’ve earned your spot. The challenges we face don’t define us, but how we rise above them does. So, take a deep breath, acknowledge your worth, and give yourself the credit you deserve. You are more capable than you realize.
