Have you ever felt like you don’t deserve your success? Does it feel like your accomplishments are fraudulent, and that you are waiting for the day you are exposed for not being the star that you have been made out to be? If so, you are not alone! This feeling is known as imposter syndrome, and it is a challenge many first-generation students face. According to a study published in Sage Journal, an overwhelming majority of first-generation students experience imposter syndrome during their academic journey. The good news? There are ways to combat this stress-inducing mindset.
Noemy Sigua, a senior at UConn studying finance, knows the struggles of imposter syndrome all too well. Coming into college as a freshman, she explains how she wrestled with feelings of inadequacy. “I entered UConn as an undecided student, and that alone made me feel out of place, as everyone around me seemed to have their careers figured out.” But Noemy’s journey toward overcoming imposter syndrome was not easy, and it was shaped by both her personal experiences and the support systems she found along the way.
One of the biggest triggers for Noemy that exacerbated her feelings of imposter syndrome came early in her academic journey. “As I started taking college courses, I compared myself to other students… Why can’t I be naturally smart like them?” Ironically, her outstanding grades said otherwise, however that didn’t stop her from feeling out of place. This self-doubt and constant comparison persisted throughout Noemy’s journey, shaped by a mix of external pressures and internal fears, including the challenges of being a first-generation student. Her sense of responsibility to succeed was not only for herself but also for her family. “Other family members tried, but they either dropped out or started families young. I constantly tell myself I can’t mess up, that everyone is watching me.” This pressure was compounded by cultural expectations. Noemy explained that her parents – Ecuadorian immigrants who had sacrificed so much for their family – fueled her motivation to succeed so that none of it would be in vain. Having this extra pressure to live up to this expectation, alongside her parents often reminding her of her accomplishments, further intensified the emotional pressure she felt to excel.
As Noemy progressed through her years at UConn, she faced several pivotal moments in her academic journey, particularly when she applied to the School of Business. Just when she thought she was making substantial progress, a comment from the mentor who reviewed her resume stung: “Are you even interested in finance? This doesn’t look like a finance person’s resume.” Noemy found herself battling even more self-doubt – “I felt like I had to constantly prove to myself that I belonged in the finance major.” Despite the success she had in landing an internship, these negative thoughts lingered.
As she continued with her application process and Finance journey, Noemy found ways to push past these lingering feelings through support systems, such as friends, roommates, and professors. As a result, she came to a powerful realization –
“Everyone is on their own journey… Even when I interned at a bank in NYC this past summer, I found that many of the workers had no idea what the future would bring.”
A strategy Noemy found helpful was therapy, though she understands that it is not the only approach and may not be right for everyone. “At first, I was scared to go to therapy because, in many Latino families, mental health is viewed as a ‘hoax,'” she explained. “But therapy helped me shift my perspective. It taught me to separate my feelings from facts.” For example, when she felt like she was falling behind, therapy reminded her that she is part of a small percentage of Latinos pursuing higher education. Not to mention that she is part of an even smaller percentage of Latinos that are in the Finance field. That in and of itself is a huge accomplishment, and all the accolades on top are simply further proof of her capability.
A Journey of Empowerment
For those currently navigating similar challenges, Noemy has some advice: “Talk to people! The more you talk to others, the more you realize there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. Everyone’s journey is unique.” She also encourages reflection –
“Take time to reflect on how much you’ve grown and accomplished. We often overlook the progress we’ve made because we’re too focused on what we still need to achieve.”
Noemy’s identity as a first-generation student has been integral in shaping her academic experience. “I’m extremely proud to be the first in my family to receive a higher education,” she said. “I want to set a good example for my younger brother and make my parents’ sacrifices worth it.” Despite the challenges, Noemy has discovered strength throughout her journey. She continues to move forward, acknowledging that imposter syndrome may remain a hurdle in her career, but it will never define her worth.
