Learning to Cope with the Inevitable: Imposter Syndrome - Jennifer Reif

It’s 1 am, the William and Mary library is deserted. I have been staring at genetic counseling student bios for hours and my eyes are exhausted, but I can’t stop reading, comparing, trying to convince myself I have a chance. I remember turning to my best friend and whispering “these people are incredible, why am I even applying?”

When I got my first interview, I was shocked. I kept telling myself, “If I get in, then I will believe I deserve this.” Two months later, I matched to Pitt, but guess what? I felt just as undeserving as ever. 

This undeserving feeling is known as imposter syndrome. It is the anxiety and insecurity that you are out of place, the sinking feeling that you don’t belong. It absolutely sucks, and even when deep down you know it isn’t true, the fear and shame can be exhausting and overwhelming.

Unfortunately, the very system we use to enter genetic counseling can breed insecurity and imposter syndrome. It is only understandable that such a competitive system would provoke anxiety and self-doubt. BUT, you deserve your spot. You worked hard to be here, and your program leadership and the rest of your cohort fully believe in you. You should believe in yourself too.

Trust me, I know these feelings can be heavy and, consequently, it is important to learn to combat them. In reality, it wasn’t until actually coming to Pitt that I began to feel power over my imposter syndrome, and let's be honest, it is still something I am working on. Even though I am still on my journey towards self-acceptance, I thought it may be helpful to share some of the things I have learned along the way, with the people I have learned it with.

1. Distract Yourself/Try Something New (this is a great school coping skill in general):

Some fun things I have found to do in Pittsburgh during the school year –

Fall: baseball games, Barcadia, Friendsgiving

Winter: Secret Santa, Putt Shack (mini golf), ice skating downtown

Spring: exploring the restaurants in Pittsburgh (Rita’s, City Kitchen, Mercurio’s

2. Remind yourself that you believe everyone else in your cohort deserves to be here: they actually think the same thing about you!

Picture of everyone who deserves to be here:

3. Give yourself grace: you have put in immense effort to be here:

(or in our cohort: give yourself time with Grace - featured below)

4. SELF CARE, SELF CARE, SELF CARE

Self-care looks different for everyone but is a crucial means to build a positive relationship with yourself.  Shower, nap, go to the gym, listen to music, grab a snack: try giving yourself some peace and love to combat the anxious thoughts.

5. Go to your cohort for support: they know what you are going through better than anyone else :) Love you guys!