Dealing With Academic Imposter Syndrome

By Features Editor Chloe Barrett

Hello dear readers, I hope you have been keeping well since we last spoke. Or, well, since you last read my editorial.

These past few weeks have been hectic enough for me. From getting ready for my graduation which is rapidly approaching, to getting involved with a doomed pigeon rescue mission, which you will be ecstatic to read about in my long article, I guarantee it. Something I have been struggling with recently though has been a case of imposter syndrome.

I do not believe that I have ever experienced it before, but since starting my master's in Creative Writing, it has been thriving beneath my skin and occupying a large amount of space within my brain. I don’t know if I have ever thought about writing a novel, and I doubt if I have ideas capable enough to sit inside of a book and captivate a person for hours. Despite my overwhelming fondness for reading, the task of writing a book seems incredibly daunting. As I sit in my regular workshops, and the lecturer asks how many students in the class are already working on their manuscripts, my hand stays lowered and I feel a sense of shame as almost everyone else promptly raises their arm. My mind spirals with thoughts mainly consisting of “Do I even belong here? Am I taking a spot away from someone more worthy?”

Many of my classmates have travelled from different countries to attend this course, and my guilt only intensifies at their pure enthusiasm and joy to be here. Do not get me wrong, I love attending all of the classes and feel honoured to be here, but the lingering feeling of “Should I even be here right now?” is always haunting me. I merely wanted to explore writing more and increase my academic achievements, and thankfully due to some grants I can do that, but am I worthy enough?

Thankfully, I am being constantly encouraged by my wonderful classmates, which makes a big difference. Sometimes these thoughts just kick your metaphorical butt.

A Note from the Editor in Chief: Chloe is a phenomenal writer that continues to wow us with her writing each week. Not many can say they’re a published writer, and it is a great honour to see that Chloe can. From everyone in the Express, we’re incredibly lucky to have you on our team and writing with us.