Ever had a moment at ASU where you looked around a room and thought: “I don’t belong here.” If so, you're not alone, and what you’re feeling has a name: Impostor Syndrome. Impostor Syndrome is the experience of doubting your skills, accomplishments, or worth, and feeling like a “fraud” despite evidence that you are capable. It can look like:
- Thinking your success is due to luck, not effort
- Comparing yourself constantly to others
- Avoiding challenges because you’re afraid of “being exposed”
- Believing you're the only one struggling
In college, where everyone seems to have it all figured out, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind or faking your way through. College is a time of major transitions: new environments, new people, new responsibilities. You're building your identity, setting goals, and learning to be independent. That’s a lot of change, and where there’s uncertainty, self-doubt often creeps in. When we think we’re impostors, we often push ourselves to overachieve, stay silent, or isolate ourselves rather than reach out for help. But the longer we pretend we’re fine, the heavier that mask gets. It is important to remember that the more we talk about our struggles, the more we realize they’re not so rare. Here are some ways to start fighting impostor feelings: Recognizing impostor syndrome is the first step. You’re not a fraud, you’re human. Next, challenge the feelings. Would you say the same harsh things to a friend that you say to yourself? Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing. Connect with others who get it. Peer support groups like Devils 4 Devils are a great place to talk about these feelings without judgment. A good habit is to track your wins. Keep a note on your phone or journal where you record accomplishments, whether big or small. It can be easy to forget how far you’ve come. Finally, reach out! Whether it’s a friend, a peer listener, or a counselor, talking about what you’re feeling can make it easier to manage. And remember, you don’t need to be perfect to belong. You don’t have to prove yourself every second. The truth is, most students feel unsure of themselves at some point. You’ve made it this far. You deserve to be here. And you don’t have to go through it alone.
Avery Carey
BS Psychology