Impostor syndrome happens when an individual doubts their skills, talents or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud". An estimated 70% of people experience impostor feelings at some point in their lives. It is widespread across academic campuses, and Stanford is no exception. Feeling impostor syndrome can be an isolating experience that leads people to feel alone, insecure, or even ashamed of their success. It can seem like your classmates and colleagues perfectly understand all the topics that you struggle with.
A campus survey by Professor Margot Gerritsen showed that many students experience the feelings or fear of being a fake, of not having what it takes, the fear of disappointing advisors, of being "found out" to not be as smart as they were thought to be. Impostor syndrome can especially affect those that come from underrepresented and minority groups. In this workshop, she will share her findings and some personal experiences with the impostor syndrome, and discuss some ways to overcome it, or at least make steps toward it.
Participation in both sessions is required. The workshop is highly interactive and experiential and participants are expected to be on time and prepared for each session.
Learn more about Impostor Syndrome: "Am I An Impostor? And If So, So What?"
