Campus Life Archives - 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 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!)

Actively Engaging in the Pillar of Community Engagement (Spring 2025, Week 7)

February 27, 2025 by Melyssa Hernandez

Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! I hope you’re having a fantastic semester so far. With the semester already flying by, now is the perfect time to think about getting more involved. At Missouri State, student engagement is one of our core pillars, and you can really embrace it by connecting with the campus community. Now that you’ve got your routine down, why not try something new? Missouri State has over 325 student organizations, ranging from academic-focused organizations to social ones, so there’s something for everyone. When you’re considering where to get involved, I’d recommend picking one organization related to your major or academic interests and another just for fun. That way, you’ll have a great balance of academic growth and a chance to unwind with friends outside of your studies.

Bear Link

Bear Link is an excellent resource for students looking to explore organizations, events, and more! It’s a great way to discover the variety of organizations MSU offers, stay up to date on upcoming events, and find important forms for your student groups. You can also access all this information on the go by downloading the Involve app.

With so many organizations to choose from, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest. If you don’t see a club that fits your passion, don’t worry—you can create your own! All you need is an advisor and five other students, and you’ll be well on your way to starting a new organization. The Office of Student Engagement is here to guide you through the process.

Involvement Incentives

Joining an organization on campus comes with countless rewards! Getting involved helps you build a deeper sense of belonging and connects you with both faculty and peers. Beyond meeting amazing people, you’ll have the opportunity to develop valuable skills, like interpersonal communication and leadership, which can enhance your resume.

When I joined organizations during my freshman year, I felt more connected to campus and had an inside track on what was happening around me. The friendships I’ve made through these groups have been incredibly meaningful, and I know they’ll stay with me long after graduation.

Takeaways

As students, we’re all here to focus on our academics and pursue our education, but it’s also important to remember the value of building connections that make our experience more meaningful and enjoyable. Joining an organization is a fantastic way to actively engage with Missouri State’s public affairs mission while forming those important connections. If you’re unsure where to start or need help finding an organization, consider meeting with a success coach or peer mentor. They can provide great guidance in navigating your options and aligning your interests with the right opportunities. Wishing you all a successful rest of the semester—Go Bears!

~Melyssa

(Bio: My name is Melyssa Hernandez, and I am a senior studying psychology. Fun fact: I am an out-of-state student from Chicago, Illinois)

New Year, Improved You! (Spring 2025, Week 4)

February 3, 2025 by Melyssa Hernandez

Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! I hope you enjoyed your first weeks back at school and are adjusting to your new routine. With the winter semester upon us, we can also celebrate the new year! While the “New Year, New Me” mentality may be cheesy we can apply this sentiment to ourselves this academic semester. With the new semester, we are in different classes, around different faces, and adapting to new schedules which may be intimidating at first. Don’t you worry, while change may be scary, change allows us to grow and be better versions of ourselves.

Tips on how to succeed in the new semester

1. Plan to attend classes regularly!

The cooler season can sometimes make staying cozy at home seem like the better option, but consistency is key when it comes to success in your studies. Attending class regularly helps you stay engaged, absorb new information in real-time, and allows you to participate in discussions and activities. Plus, missing class can lead to gaps in understanding and additional stress later when trying to catch up. The momentum of attending class regularly will help you stay on track for the entire semester.

2. Plan out your week in advance.

Organizing your time effectively is one of the best ways to keep stress in check throughout the semester. By using a paper planner or digital tools like Google Calendar, you can create a visual layout of your week, helping you identify deadlines, exams, study times, and breaks. Breaking down each task into manageable steps will help you keep procrastination down and make your tasks feel more achievable.

Peer Mentor tip: Don’t have a planner? Stop by the CAST office (Meyer Library 116) to pick up a free planner!

3. Reach out to your instructors early.

Don’t wait until you’re struggling to reach out to your professors. Getting to know them early in the semester can be incredibly beneficial. Introduce yourself, express interest in the course, and ask any questions after reviewing the first week’s material. By reaching out early, you show initiative and commitment to succeeding in their class.

4. Make a Friend in Class!

With the new semester, everyone is getting in the groove of their new classes. A familiar face in class will help you feel more comfortable and connected to the course. Having a study buddy or someone to share ideas with can significantly increase your understanding of the content. Making friends in class can lead to better engagement and create a more enjoyable classroom atmosphere. Plus, friends can help you when you miss a class or need clarification on something.

Reach out for help

Be sure to request to meet with a success coach or peer mentor if you have any questions. They are wonderful resources to use, whether to learn about Missouri State, and academics, or just have someone to talk to. The Center for Academic Success and Transition is always here to support the students in their overall success and well-being.

Takeaways

Take this new semester, new year opportunity and make it the best academic year yet! While I have only provided a couple of tips, be sure to find out what works for you! Being in the unknown this semester may be scary, take the strides to help improve yourself! Know that there are resources and people always there to support you. I hope everyone has a great rest of their semester and Go Bears!

~Melyssa

(Bio: My name is Melyssa Hernandez, and I am a senior studying psychology. Fun fact: I am an out-of-state student from Chicago, Illinois)

Upholding Tradition (Fall 2024, Week 11)

October 30, 2024 by Aubrey A. Hardy

Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! This blog is in collaboration with the Traditions Council (TC), a student-led organization that manages athletic and university life events. I had the opportunity to meet with Zach Class, the President of TC, and I learned how important the organization is on our campus. According to the TC website, “Traditions Council’s goal is to promote and preserve the tradition of Missouri State University that supports student engagement in athletics and university life, enhancing the BEAR experience.” Tradition at a university is essential for many reasons so I wanted to connect with the President of TC to see why he thought students should get involved in maintaining traditions.

How do Traditions Make an Impact on College Students?

Zach shared that he feels without tradition students have a harder time attaching themselves to their universities and taking pride. Traditions instill a great sense of community and gives students something to look forward to. When alumni share how they participated in the same tradition during their college years, it connects the student body to the university. Because the Traditions Council believes in the importance of their mission, they’ve created an app that allows students to earn rewards for completion of participation in differing traditions. Downloading the app Traditions Bearer allows students to log the events they attend and earn “achievements”. On the app, students can also find a list of events TC is hosting.

What Does Creating a New Tradition Look Like?

If a student wishes to propose a new tradition, they must present the idea to the Traditions Council Executive board. TC has funding to implement new traditions such as the Homecoming King and Queen’s new ideas and students can access the same funds if their tradition is adopted. Look first at the long list of traditions that TC offers and engage with the app to see what ideas may be sparked and what traditions already exist. Participating in these new activities will allow you to meet new students and grow a love for our university.

How can Students get Involved with the Traditions Council?

Zach shared that there will be information sessions held on January 15th and encouraged students to keep an eye out for more information and attend to hear more about the commitment. Applications can be found in Bearlink alongside a list of upcoming events for the organization. Traditions Council is made up of seven position titles but there are also General Assembly members who can attend meetings to have their voice heard and serve alongside the council members to put on great events. Traditions Council can be found on social media platforms and their events are continually being updated on Bearlink for students to access.

Takeaways

Allow yourself to dive deep into the campus experience and make memories that will make you proud to be a Missouri State student and future alumni. Partaking in traditions with the community and getting plugged in is a great way to grow your engagement on campus which will flow into academic success. Meet with a Success Coach or a Peer Mentor to discover other avenues for getting plugged into the university and creating a sense of belonging.

~Aubrey

(Bio: My name is Aubrey Hardy, and I am a senior studying special needs education. Fun fact: My favorite MSU tradition is Fountain Day!)