As an honours student in journalism, when navigating the challenges of upholding academic
rigour and minimising self-doubt, I battle with myself.
Usually when I sit in my journalism lectures, surrounded by talented peers and esteemed professors, I often hear a nagging voice: You do not belong here. It’s a feeling that’s all too familiar: imposter syndrome. The feeling that I am just pretending, and everyone will soon discover my inadequacy.
Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon where individuals doubt their own abilities, despite evidence of their competence. In my own experience, I’ve seen talented students question their own intelligence and capabilities, attributing their achievements to sheer luck or
circumstance; rather than their own hard work and dedication.
A study published in the Journal of Student Research found that imposter syndrome is a significant predictor of academic anxiety and depression among young graduates.
Personally, I have been guilty of downplaying my own achievements, including my decision to pursue my honours in Journalism. I have often made jokes to my friends that I am only here by some miracle, or that I am just winging it and hoping for the best.
However, the truth is, I have worked incredibly hard to be here, and I have earned my place in this programme. I started to realise that it is time for me to own that; and recognise my achievements are not a result of circumstance, but of my own dedication and perseverance.
I’ve been so hard on myself; but hearing how my close friends and family are proud of me, has helped me to start celebrating my own accomplishments.
As I navigate my own struggles with imposter syndrome, I’ve learned to not take my inner voice too seriously. When self-doubt creeps in, I reflect on my accomplishments — like completing a challenging assignment or receiving positive feedback from a lecturer. By focusing on my strengths and reframing my mindset, I’m building confidence in my abilities and overcoming the grip of imposter syndrome.
I also try not to dwell too much on my mistakes by recoginsing that perusing this degree has offered me the opportunity to learn; while I get to focus on my passion of telling stories. This has helped me to see failure as an opportunity for growth. When I receive constructive criticism or face setbacks, I use it as a chance to learn and improve.
Also, surrounding myself with a supporting community has helped because they see me behind my current struggles. I believe by acknowledging and challenging our own imposter syndrome, we can begin to break down the barriers that hold us back from achieving our full potential, and we can learn to embrace our success. And as we do, we will find that we are more confident, more resilient, and more empowered to make a meaningful impact in the world around us.
FEATURED IMAGE: Katlego Mtshali: File/Leon Sadiki
RELATED ARTICLES:
- Wits Vuvzela: Editorial: Setting boundaries is self-preservation, May 2024
- Wits Vuvuzela: SLICE: Finding myself by getting lost in the story, April 2023
- Wits Vuvuzela: A skinny gal’s journey to self-love, May 2022
