The Road to Freedom

I guess it is okay to say "Happy Independence Day Nigeria!" 

It is?

Very good.

As the country celebrates its independence today, I can't help but think about what we as individuals also need independence from; yes, there are a lot of things we need independence from, but this one especially: Imposter Syndrome.

In July, while I was in the middle of my semester's exam, I received an email informing me that I was an awardee of an award for academic excellence. I didn't know how to feel honestly. On one hand, I was extremely grateful to God because I'd be nothing without his help. On the other hand, I was worried because my last semester's results had a wide gap from what earned me the award in the first place, so I only told my family members and I kept on moving. I also told my friend about it, and I told her not to tell anyone because the award felt like blowing a trumpet that wasn't there, and anytime I heard anyone call me Star, I'd tell them to keep quiet because people would think I have sense. So brazy, I know.

I attended the event as silently as I knew how to, collected my award as quietly as I could and kept the pictures I took away from prying eyes and a series of questions. 

I didn't think I had imposter syndrome, though; I just thought my worry(s) came from the fact that God, sweat and tears got me this far, and  I have experienced a fair deal of failure. So if anything happens later on I wouldn't have to explain myself. 

Again, lmao.

Anyway, I was to write a blog post on overcoming imposter syndrome as a student, so I went to look for a suitable definition to help my readers. What I didn't know was that the definition would slap me right in the face. I mean, I thought I knew the meaning of imposter syndrome, but looking at that definition was like revealing the battles I fought internally.

Below is one of the definitions I found:

'Imposter Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their abilities, skills, or accomplishments and fear being exposed as a "fraud," despite clear evidence of their competence. It often occurs in high-achieving individuals who feel they don't deserve their success and attribute their achievements to luck rather than ability. This leads to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and anxiety, even when performing well.'

Now, I know that my problem was (is) imposter syndrome. I was (am) battling with imposter syndrome. So when I say we need independence from imposter syndrome, I mean "WE" in every sense.

P.S. Not thinking that you are smart enough to have imposter syndrome IS imposter syndrome (Exactly).

If I say after finding out I have gained independence from it, then my independence will just be like Nigeria's: independent by words but not in reality and I don't want that.

Hence, this post does not have a resolution. While I did write a blog post on overcoming imposter syndrome, I'm still on the journey to overcoming it myself. But I am certain that I will, indeed, gain my freedom from it.

If you are battling with imposter syndrome or you have battled with it, please share your experience with us in the comments. It may just be the turning point someone needs♥️