Transferring to Florida A&M as a 24-year-old student was very challenging. I had so many thoughts in my head like “Will I fit in?”, “What will my peers think of me?”, “Do I even belong here?”, and so many other thoughts running through my head. I mean, this was my third school and my third major. Did I even deserve another chance to prove myself? I did. After 8 years of being in school on and off, I finally graduate this December from the School of Journalism. It took a lot of work for me to get to this point. I had to overcome Imposter Syndrome almost daily, and I still have to work on it, even today.
Factors That Contribute to My Imposter Syndrome
Of course, age was the number one factor that had me feeling out of place. I am currently 26 years old, and it is easy to feel behind in life, especially being around peers that are younger than me. In today’s society, youth is valued. The younger you are, the more advantages you have, because you have more room to make mistakes. At least this is what I observed from the world around me. People my age today have already started their lives. I still feel behind and as if my life hasn’t even started yet. Being that I am still in undergrad, it is very hard sometimes to not compare myself to other people. It is a daily fight that I have to conquer, but I am fighting, with my head held high.
Comparing myself to my academic peers has also been a struggle. I sometimes think wow. They are younger and have so much going for themselves. Why couldn’t I have done things right the first time, at that age? But I had to realize that everyone’s story and journey is different. Whatever happened in my life was meant to happen.
Strategies I Use to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome is very challenging. I struggle with it in every area of my life and have to actively put in work to overcome it. Here are some things I do to actively overcome it:
- Daily Affirmations: I have a set of affirmations that I speak over myself daily. Our words have power. Speaking life over myself out loud helps me become what I know I am capable of.
- Mentorship: I stay connected with leaders and mentors who are successful and have life advice that I know will help me succeed. I always check in with them.
- Social Media: I follow pages and people who are where I want to be in life. Every post that I resonate with, I save. I imagine myself in their shoes and believe that one day, I will be where they are.
- Eyes on the Prize: I keep my eyes focused on the end goal. I believe in my heart that no matter how many setbacks I face, I will be where I desire in life.
- Celebration: I celebrate every win in my life as if it is the greatest, no matter how small.
Words of Encouragement
If you are dealing with Imposter Syndrome, just as I am, I want to encourage you. Don’t lose hope. Believe in yourself, put in the work, and hold on to the little faith you have. I promise you. It will all work out for you in the end.
