Fighting Imposter Syndrome During Finals Season

By Sierra Givelas, Sponsorship Coordinator

If there’s one feeling that creeps on me during finals season, it’s imposter syndrome. It’s something that I often don’t hear people talk about or even acknowledge, but it takes a toll on your mental health more than you would even know. The feeling that I’m somehow “faking it” and that everyone else around me is smarter and more capable than I am. The pressure, comparison and academic intensity of finals push these thoughts further until they start to feel more like facts, and less made up. The truth is, imposter syndrome is incredibly common, especially at a highly competitive school like Queens. It’s easy to assume that you’re the only one struggling during these heavy weeks, when in reality everyone is quietly unsure, stressed and overwhelmed.

During first year is when I realized that my imposter syndrome really peaks during exams, I was constantly surrounded by comparison and often running on less sleep and more stress. It felt like my brain went into survival mode, I was letting my grades define my worth and was quick to assume the worst in my abilities. I was assuming that others around me weren’t struggling simply because I didn't see it. All while struggling mentally to cope under all the pressure of the never ending study days. Once you start to get in your own head and undermine your own confidence, is really when you can put yourself at risk of burnout.

However this year I’m going into finals season with a different approach and trying to reframe the narrative in my mind to keep me grounded. The first priority for myself is a routine, I want to set out time to workout, see my friends, along with studying. By having breaks throughout the day, and still keeping up with things I love, I can make sure that I keep myself balanced and on track. The second reminder to myself is that my grades don’t reflect my worth as a person, that one bad test or class is just a moment, and is not a reflection on my character or how far I’ve come. Finally, I’ve learnt to take a deep breath, which sounds corny but it’s true. You’ve got to remind yourself to take a step back and realize that your effort has paid off and you deserve to be here. Hanging out with friends and doing things that you love during finals season, such as a hobby or playing a sport, will remind you of the bigger picture and keep you grounded.

Imposter syndrome thrives in silence, especially during finals season, but doubting your abilities doesn't mean you’re incapable. Everyday when you show up, push through and get things done is proof that you’re far more capable than your brain will allow you to think. This time of year is hard on everyone, but this is a reminder that you’re not alone, you deserve to be here and there’s so much more to life than that one exam.