CAST, Author at A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

April 14, 2025 by CAST

When I was in middle school in Saudi Arabia, I decided to become a lawyer. By 12th grade, I planned to study law in the U.S., only to learn that it required a bachelor’s degree first. Since many pre-law students chose political science, I did the same—despite having no background in American politics.

In class, I felt out of place. My classmates confidently discussed political theories and global affairs, while I struggled to keep up. I often wondered, “Did I get here by luck?” or “What if they realize I don’t know as much as they do?” These thoughts held me back, making me hesitant to speak in discussions.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was experiencing imposter syndrome—the feeling that I wasn’t as capable as others believed, despite my achievements.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is that persistent voice in your head telling you that you’re a fraud, that your success is just luck, and that sooner or later, people will “find out” you’re not as smart or talented as they think. Studies show that nearly 70% of people experience it at some point, especially in competitive academic or professional environments.

How It Showed Up in My Life

As a political science student, my imposter syndrome often flared up in these ways:

Comparing myself to classmates who seemed to grasp concepts faster.
Downplaying my accomplishments—even when I got good grades, I told myself it was just because the professor was lenient.
Avoiding participation in class because I feared saying something “unintelligent.”
Over-preparing for presentations to the point of exhaustion, just to avoid being “exposed.”

I remember once staying up all night rewriting a paper because I was convinced my first draft wasn’t “good enough,” even though my professor had praised my previous work. That’s when I realized: I wasn’t struggling with my abilities—I was struggling with my mindset.

How I Started Overcoming It

Recognizing the Pattern
- I began journaling my thoughts and noticed a trend: every time I succeeded, I dismissed it. Seeing this in writing helped me challenge those thoughts.
Talking About It
- When I opened up to friends, I was shocked to learn that many of them felt the same way—even the ones I thought were “naturally brilliant.”
Reframing My Thoughts
- Instead of “I don’t belong here,” I shifted to “I earned my place, and I’m still learning.”
- I started keeping a “win log” where I recorded small victories—like contributing in class or receiving positive feedback.
Embracing Imperfection
- I accepted that not knowing everything was normal. Political science is vast—no one has all the answers!
Seeking Mentorship
- Talking to professors and older students helped me see that even experts once felt unsure. Their advice? “Confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being willing to learn.”

Tips to Combat Imposter Syndrome

If you’ve ever felt like an imposter, here’s what helped me—and might help you too:

Normalize the feeling—most high achievers experience it at some point.
Focus on progress, not perfection—growth matters more than flawless performance.
Celebrate small wins—keep a journal of achievements to remind yourself of your capabilities.
Talk about it—you’ll realize you’re not alone.
Ask for feedback—sometimes, an outside perspective can silence your inner critic.

Final Thoughts

Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear overnight, but it does get quieter. Now, when I feel that familiar doubt creeping in, I remind myself: I am here because I worked for it. My perspective matters. And I don’t have to be perfect to belong.

If you’re struggling with these feelings, know that you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not a fraud. You’ve earned your place. Keep going.

Need support?

Remember, MSU’s Counseling Center is a great resource—you get 8 free sessions every semester to talk through anything on your mind. You can also reach out to CAST for student academic assistance—sometimes, a little guidance goes a long way. Plus, your peer mentors and coaches have likely been where you are and can offer real, relatable advice.

~Yomna

(Bio: I’m Yomna Awad, a grad student in my final semester of Project Management (with a Conflict Resolution certificate!). Fun fact: My birthday is March 20th—which also happens to be the International Day of Happiness… so yes, I take the “treat yourself” mentality very seriously.)

References

Clance, P. R. (1985). The impostor phenomenon: Overcoming the fear that haunts your success. Peachtree Publishers.

Hibberd, J. (2019). The imposter cure: How to stop feeling like a fraud and escape the mind-trap of imposter syndrome. Vermilion.

Mann, S. (2019). Why do I feel like an imposter? How to understand and cope with imposter syndrome. Watkins Media.

Parkman, A. (2016). The impostor phenomenon in higher education: Incidence and impact. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 16(1), 51–60.

Vergauwe, J., Wille, B., Feys, M., De Fruyt, F., & Anseel, F. (2015). Fear of being exposed: The trait-relatedness of the impostor phenomenon and its relevance in the work context. Journal of Business and Psychology, 30(3), 565–581.

Young, V. (2011). The secret thoughts of successful women: Why capable people suffer from the impostor syndrome and how to thrive in spite of it. Crown Business.

Meet the Success Coaches (Spring 2025, Week 12)

April 4, 2025 by CAST

Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! We have some more success coaches in our office that we’d love to introduce. Success coaches are graduate students who have been in your shoes as undergraduates and are here to provide academic and professional guidance to MSU students. As part of the Center for Academic Success and Transition, Success Coaches and Peer Mentors are here to support all Missouri State Bears!

Success Coaches

Abby Horn:

Academic Area of Interest: Speech Language Pathology
What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach? My personal philosophy is to support the student the best way I can. Every student is different, so that is why I strive to listen to their unique experiences and specific concerns. Rather than telling a student what to do, I want to collaborate with the student on goal setting and the steps to take to get there. I will always be checking in and supporting them along the way.
One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: It is okay to ask for help! Being a new student in college can be exciting and nerve wracking all in one. You are not expected to have everything figured out right when you start, and that is okay. There are so many people across campus that want to support you, so don’t be afraid to seek out assistance when needed!
End of Semester Advice: Remind yourself of why you started in the first place! You are almost one semester closer to where you want to end up. College is a lot of work, and your plate is likely very full. It is important to try to keep the motivation up and finish strong. But it is just as important to take care of yourself and to give yourself credit for all the hard work you have put in.
Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach? Students should meet with a Success Coach, because we are here to support them on their college journey! We want to help you set goals and serve as an accountability partner in achieving those. We can spend our meeting in a variety ways, whether that be discussing study strategies, time management, or getting involved. We also serve to connect students to valuable resources across campus.

Brooklyn Crawford

Academic Area of Interest: Master of Social Work
What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach? My philosophy as a Success Coach is to help students discover their strengths, how to stay focused, and just overall succeed in what they would like to do for their future.
One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: I wish that students knew that everybody struggles with motivation and that is okay. It is normal to have bad days and that sometimes a little support can go a long way.
End of Semester Advice: Take time for yourself and partake in self-care. I know that the stigma is to push through it and focus on your education, but it is okay to take time for yourself.
Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach? Students should meet with a success coach to have a little extra support. I always tell my students that I am here to help, provide resources, or even just be somebody that they can decompress to.

Takeaways:

As students, having access to resources like Success Coaches is incredibly helpful due to their relatable nature and the knowledge that comes with being a graduate student. Getting to know them and meeting with them can provide a lot of insight into building your academic success. Request to meet with a Success Coach by filling out the form found on our Student Academic Assistance page. There are many other Success Coaches and two Peer Mentors in the office this Spring semester, so I hope you take advantage of the services available to you!

~Daniel

(Bio: My name is Daniel Kim! I am a senior majoring in Biology: Microbiology/Biotechnology and minoring in Chemistry. Fun fact: I play more than 3 instruments!)

Meet the Success Coaches (Spring 2025, Week 9)

March 13, 2025 by CAST

Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! We have some more success coaches in our office staff that we’d love to introduce. Success coaches are graduate students who have been in your shoes as undergraduates and are here to provide academic and professional guidance to MSU students. As part of the Center for Academic Success and Transition, Success Coaches and Peer Mentors are here to support all Missouri State Bears!

Success Coaches

Claire Russell:

Academic Area of Interest: Speech-Language Pathology
What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach? My personal philosophy as a success coach is centered on building strong, trusting relationships with students. I believe that building a good rapport is essential to create a comfortable and supportive environment for each student. This dynamic allows me to better understand each student’s individual needs and help them develop the skills necessary to navigate college successfully.
One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: I wish all students knew that we are here to support them, and our meetings are designed to be completely individualized to fit their unique needs, concerns, and challenges. There is no one-size-fits all approach to success, and my role as a Success Coach is to provide personalized guidance that aligns with each student’s goals.
End of Semester Advice: Stay strong and keep pushing through! The end of the semester is just around the corner, so hang in there, you’ve got this!
Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach? Students should meet with a success coach to help them navigate the challenges of college. No matter where they are in their academic journey, a dedicated support system can make a big difference in reaching their goals.

Yomna Awad:

Academic Area of Interest: Project Management, Conflict Resolution
What is Your Personal Philosophy as a Success Coach? I believe in the power of empowerment! When we lift each other up, we all grow. As a Success Coach, I find joy in encouraging students and giving them the push they need to reach their goals. Sometimes, all it takes is a little support and reassurance for students to unlock their potential. Seeing them succeed is incredibly rewarding, and knowing I played a small part in their journey brings me so much fulfillment.
One Thing You Wish All Students Knew: You should be proud of how far you’ve come. Every step forward big or small is an achievement worth recognizing! Success isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making progress. Keep working toward your goals, one step at a time, and don’t forget to celebrate your growth along the way.
End of Semester Advice: Prioritize your mental and physical well-being while staying focused on your goals. Use the resources available on campus to help you finish strong. Remember, the break is just around the corner! Push through these final weeks, and soon you’ll have time to rest and recharge. Keep going; you’ve got this!
Why Should Students Meet with a Success Coach? Navigating university life can feel a bit overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Success Coaches are here to guide you, answer your questions, and connect you with the right campus resources. We also serve as a support system motivating, encouraging, and empowering you to reach your full potential. Whether you need help with time management, staying motivated, or balancing responsibilities, a Success Coach provides the accountability and guidance you need to take charge of your education and succeed.

Takeaways:

As students, having access to resources like Success Coaches is incredibly helpful due to their relatable nature and the knowledge that comes with being a graduate student. Getting to know them and meeting with them can provide a lot of insight into building your academic success. Request to meet with a Success Coach by filling out the form found on our Student Academic Assistance page.There are many other Success Coaches and two Peer Mentors in the office this Spring semester, so I hope you take advantage of the services available to you!

~Daniel

(Bio: My name is Daniel Kim! I am a senior majoring in Biology: Microbiology/Biotechnology and minoring in Chemistry. Fun fact: I play more than 3 instruments!)

Taking Care of Yourself During the Winter Months

March 5, 2025 by CAST

Please enjoy this guest post from Success Coach, Yomna!

When I moved to the U.S. in 2019 from Saudi Arabia, I was beyond excited for winter. Coming from a place where summer dominates most of the year and winter barely lasts a month, I thought I was escaping the relentless heat for a season I would love. I couldn’t wait to experience snow for the first time!

At first, I did love it. Seeing the world turn white was magical. But soon, that excitement faded. I started feeling unmotivated, sluggish, and constantly tired. Getting out of my dorm felt like a chore, and going to class became more challenging. I found myself sleeping more, eating more, and eventually gaining weight. At the time, I had no idea what was happening—I just assumed it was because I came from a hot country and wasn’t used to the cold.

Later, I learned that what I was experiencing had a name: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Back in Saudi, we never really had to deal with seasonal changes affecting our moods, so this was completely new to me. I started researching and realized I wasn’t alone—according to the American Psychiatric Association, 38% of Americans report a decline in mood during winter.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

SAD is a type of depression that occurs seasonally, usually in winter. Common symptoms include:

Fatigue and low energy
Mood swings, sadness, and feelings of hopelessness
Changes in sleep patterns (oversleeping or insomnia)
Increased appetite and weight gain
Social withdrawal and irritability

When I read about it, I felt like every symptom applied to me! But the good news? I learned how to manage it—and over the years, I found ways to not just survive winter but actually enjoy it.

How I Overcame It

After nearly six years in the U.S., I’ve found that embracing the little things about winter really helps me get through the season. For me, cozy coffee shops have become a go-to spot for studying because the warm, inviting atmosphere helps me stay productive. I’ve also developed a love for winter photography—I can spend hours watching squirrels play in the snow or snapping pictures of snow-covered trees from my window. And of course, I can’t resist wearing cute, comfy sweaters; they just make me feel good.

I’ve also learned to enjoy the fun side of winter—whether it’s building a snowman, having a snowball fight with friends, or just sipping hot cocoa by the window. Lastly, I’ve been more mindful of my eating habits during winter. Overeating always made me feel sluggish, so I now focus on balanced meals and sipping on herbal teas, which help me stay relaxed and energized. It’s all about finding the little joys in the season to keep my spirits up.

Tips to Beat the Winter Blues

If you’re struggling with winter, here are some tips that helped me:

Stay Active
- It’s tempting to hibernate, but movement is key! Try indoor workouts, yoga, or even a brisk walk to stay energized.
- If you go to the gym, stick to a routine to keep yourself motivated.
Eat Well
- Warm, nourishing meals like soups and roasted vegetables can boost your mood.
- Stay hydrated! We often forget to drink enough water in winter.
Take Care of Your Skin
- Cold air dries out your skin, so use a good moisturizer.
- Don’t skip sunscreen—UV rays still affect your skin in winter.
Prioritize Mental Health
- Get as much natural light as possible, or try a light therapy lamp (there’s one in Magers with a massage chair—definitely worth checking out!).
- Practice mindfulness, journaling, or talk to a friend when you’re feeling down.
Dress for the Weather
- Layer up to stay warm—invest in good gloves, a scarf, and waterproof shoes.
Stay Social and Connected
- It’s easy to isolate yourself in winter, but social interactions can really boost your mood.
- Join campus events, study with friends, or even set up virtual hangouts to stay connected.

Winter can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. Finding small things to enjoy—whether it’s a warm drink, a fun activity, or even just a cozy blanket—can make all the difference. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone, and there are ways to make winter more bearable (and even enjoyable!). If you think you’re experiencing SAD and feel like they’re affecting your academics, please reach out to the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) office to meet with a success coach or peer mentor. They can provide support, guidance, and helpful resources to get you back on track! MSU’s Counseling Center is also here to support you and your well-being.

Tip from the CAST office: This blog from a previous peer mentor also discusses seasonal depression.

~Yomna

(Bio: My name is Yomna Awad, and I am in my last semester pursuing a master’s degree in Project Management with a certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution. Fun fact: I do CrossFit and I absolutely love it!)

References

Magnusson, A., & Boivin, D. (2003). Seasonal affective disorder: an overview. Chronobiology international, 20(2), 189-207.

Nix, B. (2022, December 19). Nearly 4 in 10 Americans experience declining mood in winter, Apa Poll finds. Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Student Government Association (Spring 2024, Week 14)

April 16, 2024 by CAST

Welcome back Missouri State Bears! This week’s post is exciting because we are collaborating with an on-campus organization. The Center for Academic Success and Transition and the Student Government Association (SGA) thought it was important to come together and share each other’s services and opportunities. If SGA is something you want to learn more about after this blog post, you can find contact information in the attached link concluding the post.

SGA’s Mission

The tagline of SGA is “Your student body, your student voice.” SGA is an organization made up of students from all across Missouri State’s campus looking to improve the MO State experience for all students, whether that’s through the opening of the Commuter Corner in the PSU or serving as a student voice in the hiring process of the new university president. The Student Government Association provides students with an excellent opportunity to truly make their Missouri Statement.

Recent Resolutions

SGA has the opportunity to listen to the campus body and enforce changes that better the university. The SGA website has a tab titled “Student Proposals” where you can learn more on this topic, but in summary, any student has the chance to present their ideas of change to the representatives. Examples of recent resolutions that SGA has helped with are listed below:

Establishment of a Commuter Corner in the Plaster Student Union
Hosting a Leadership Summit for student leaders from across the university to develop their skills
Hosting a Women in Leadership Mixer for female student leaders to connect with each other
Construction of Bear Line shelters for stops along Greek Row
Hosting Sustainability Week events that encourage students to practice environmentally conscious and friendly behaviors

Student Testimonial

For a student member perspective of the SGA experience, we turned to Addie Kimmerle, a current first year student and senator. She says, “Through my membership in SGA, I have found that even though we each come from different experiences, we all share the common goal of creating a safe, inclusive, and entertaining environment on campus.” Addie also says that SGA is a great way to connect with other students with similar interests and diverse backgrounds. “SGA provides the opportunity for students to advocate for themselves, their peers, and their communities to inspire change that benefits everyone.”

Takeaways

The Student Government Association has and continues to do a lot of great things for Missouri State, many of which you have probably seen around campus. Not only do they advocate for the needs of students, but they are also an amazing opportunity for student involvement, especially if you want to gain leadership and advocacy experience. If you are interested in getting involved with Student Government Association, consider visiting the Student Government Association’s webpage on the Missouri State website. This page includes all of the information about involvement with the organization, as well as answers to any other questions you may have.

We hope that you enjoyed learning more about this incredible organization! As the semester approaches its conclusion, keep working hard and be sure to finish strong!

~Aubrey and Hallie