Last night, I received an email inviting me to a National Engineering Conference. At first, I was excited—I’d get to reconnect with friends and colleagues in my field. But then, a single doubt crept in: Am I really qualified for this? It’s been over a year since I last practiced my profession. Suddenly, I was flooded with uncertainty, wondering if I’ve been doing things right all along.

Imposter syndrome is the internal experience of feeling like a fraud, where you doubt your achievements and constantly worry that others will discover you’re not as capable as they believe. For me, it manifests as a lingering fear that I’m not as competent as others think. Growing up, there were always high expectations placed on me as an achiever, but lately, I find myself doubting my abilities almost daily.

Scrolling through social media, it seems like most of my engineer friends have their lives perfectly curated—thriving careers, fulfilling love lives, and vibrant social lives to match. While I can see that I’m doing alright, I can’t help but question if I’m truly on the right path. I’ve returned to graduate school and work as a freelancer to support myself, but uncertainty lingers—am I really making the right choices?

But slowly, I’m trying to overcome these feelings. It often feels easier to succumb to sadness and drown in a pool of doubt. However, just because I feel like I don’t belong doesn’t mean it’s true. I can read countless self-love quotes, but in the end, I know I have to take responsibility for myself. As a friend reminded me last night, “You still belong.”

On Taking Small Steps

“Growth comes through challenges.” “Small progress is still progress.” These are the affirmations I repeat to myself every day. Honestly, I have so much on my mind right now. There are moments when part of me wants to return to the familiar 9-to-5 job cycle, but my intuition—and most of me—tells me to stay the course. Things may feel unclear now, but I hope that one day, the path I’m on will become a bit clearer.

I also remind myself that I’m fortunate to have a kind-hearted and loving family supporting me. Giving back that love is my highest priority. Their constant reminders to love myself and never doubt my abilities are what keep me going.

Among Us

If you ever feel like an imposter, know that you’re not alone. We care a little extra, and that’s okay—it means we recognize our potential and want to make the most of the life we’ve been given, even beyond what society might expect of us. Perhaps we’re actually more capable than we give ourselves credit for. I once read that adulting isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about our willingness to find them, to grow, and to learn along the way.

Tonight, before I sleep, I find myself on the balcony, staring up at the night sky, as I often do. I realize that imposter syndrome might never completely disappear, but I also know that, like the stars, there will come a night when I’ll shine the brightest.