Imposter Syndrome
Now that the spring semester has begun, some students may feel nervous or unhappy about their performance in the fall semester and how this might impact their ability to graduate “on time.” Students who find themselves in this situation may also question whether they made a mistake in choosing to attend NC State; this doubt is called imposter syndrome, and it is all too common among college students.
Throughout my years in high school, I never failed a class or had a final grade drop below a B, all while participating in extracurricular activities, which earned my acceptance into NC State. So, I will admit I thought that the same study habits that allowed me to excel in high school would do me the same justice in college, and I was wrong. I struggled almost immediately in a class, and that pulled more energy from my other courses, I then struggled in those classes as well.
I didn’t know it then, but I was experiencing Imposter Syndrome. This is a very common experience for college students, especially at an institution with a high reputation like NC State. Students may get overwhelmed by the change in academic pace and may think they do not deserve the achievements that they have rightfully earned. However, this feeling is completely false, and fortunately, NC State students experiencing imposter syndrome have access to resources that can alleviate their anxieties.
Many students experience this at least once in their academic careers; it does not always have to be at the beginning, and it’s usually around the end of a semester. Something that helped me was talking to my mom. My mom has always been my biggest support system, and I am grateful for it. During this point, she allowed me to vent about my feelings and concerns. She listened attentively and used this opportunity to share her college struggles with me. We are closer because of our shared experiences.
My mom had suggested that I speak to a counselor at the Counseling Center. She also filled out a CARES Referral for me, and I was able to speak to someone to get the reassurance that I needed. I was also connected with the Academic Success Center to see what I could do to improve my study habits and my grades before the end of the semester. I found these resources helpful and sometimes attend academic sessions to learn more about ways to improve my study habits.
Also, I know of friends who have also felt better speaking to their academic advisors, professors, or a mentor. If your student is experiencing imposter syndrome, have a conversation with them about self-doubt and the importance of not giving up. Encourage your student to explore the wide range of resources available to students including advising appointments with their professors.
As someone who has overcome imposter syndrome, I can only express how helpful these resources were to me during my freshman year. As I finish out my junior year and closer to the end of my academic journey at NC State, I am grateful that that I took advantage of these resources.
Alina Jackson
Parent Ally
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