“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” – Suzy Kassem

Pinterest

As college students, we’re constantly surrounded by high achievers, ambitious peers, and an ever-increasing workload. It’s easy to start doubting whether we belong, questioning our abilities, or feeling like we’re not “good enough.” This nagging self-doubt has a name: imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is the internal belief that your achievements are due to luck, not your abilities and that sooner or later, others will figure out you’re a fraud. It’s a mental battle many college students face, often silently. But why does it hit us so hard in college, and what can we do about it?

Growing up, I moved schools and even countries multiple times, and with every move came the challenge of starting over. Whether it was adjusting to a new curriculum, learning the unspoken social rules, or simply trying to make friends, I always felt like I was playing catch-up.

In every school, it seemed like everyone already had their place with each other—established friendships, shared experiences, and an ease that I envied. Meanwhile, I was the “new kid,” trying to fit in without drawing too much attention to myself. Even when I succeeded academically or socially, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I didn’t truly belong.

This pattern of starting over followed me into college, where I compared my journey to others. The doubts crept in again: Was I good enough to be here? Did I deserve my opportunities? These questions became a mental hurdle that made it harder to celebrate my achievements.

Over time, I’ve learned that imposter syndrome doesn’t just go away alone—you have to actively work to challenge those feelings. While I’ve made significant progress, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not perfect. I still struggle with self-doubt from time to time, but these strategies have helped me manage those feelings and move forward:

• Recognize That You’re Not Alone
  One of my biggest turning points was realizing that I wasn’t the only one feeling this way. Many people, even those who seem incredibly confident and successful, deal with imposter syndrome. Talking to friends, mentors, or classmates about my feelings helped me see that self-doubt is a shared experience, not a personal flaw.
• Focus on Your Strengths
  Instead of fixating on what I thought I lacked, I started identifying the unique strengths I brought to the table. My ability to adapt quickly, my global perspective, and determination to succeed despite challenges set me apart.
• Celebrate Small Wins
  I began keeping track of my accomplishments, no matter how small they seemed. Whether it was acing a quiz, contributing to a group project, or even speaking up in class, I took a moment to acknowledge my progress. Over time, these small celebrations built my confidence.
• Reframe Your Perspective
  I reframed my self-doubt as a sign that I was growing. Feeling out of your comfort zone means you’re challenging yourself, and that’s something to be proud of. I reminded myself that everyone starts somewhere, and perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
• Practice Self-Compassion
  I am learning to be kinder to myself (It is still a work in progress!). Instead of criticizing every mistake, I started treating myself with the same understanding I’d offer a friend. Growth takes time, and it’s okay to stumble along the way.

No matter how often you’ve started over or how many times you’ve doubted yourself, remember this: you belong here, and you are capable of achieving incredible things. Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t an overnight fix—it’s a journey that takes time and patience. Be kind to yourself and take it slow, one step at a time. Each small step you take is a victory, and every bit of progress brings you closer to embracing your full potential.