Maddie C.

Photography by Margeaux Edwards

If you're reading this, you are right where you are supposed to be.

"Imposter syndrome" is something that is common across all college campuses throughout every major and area of study. While it can be inspiring to be around peers who are passionate about the same topics you are and have similar goals in life, it becomes so much easier to compare yourself against them at the same time.

I decided to follow my passion for neuroscience when I began college. Once classes began, I found myself surrounded by people I felt were "smarter" than me, more prepared than I was, more driven. During class discussions I would often feel inadequate, finding nothing to contribute with my seemingly baseline knowledge on the subjects being talked about. I found myself overthinking the future and the competition in my career path. Would I be able to stand out amongst all of these people? Am I behind?

I struggled heavily with this during my first two years in my major. I went back and forth deciding if I was "good enough" or "worthy," or if I should just give up.

The purpose of college is to learn and grow your knowledge to be better prepared for the future. As I am now halfway through my junior year, my mindset has changed tremendously. I take the knowledge of my peers as an opportunity for me to learn more instead of a challenge or something to compete against. I've been more open to meeting people and gaining nuanced perspectives in a field that is developing more every day.

I've made it this far, and now I am focusing on giving myself the same respect I give to my peers. Because at the end of the day, the most important thing is that I am pursuing my passion.

Maddie C., Washington State University

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