I’m an Imposter

Life of South-Asian girl: Graduates from exclusive high school – “So what? My classmates are going to MIT but that’s not me”. Graduates from college – “Do you see how many other people are graduating today? I’m not anything special”. Graduates from graduate school – “Well duh, because how else am I going to get a job nowadays”. Lands a good job – “I’m thankful for my blessings but I’m just one of many here, there’s still nothing extraordinary about what I’m doing here”. 

Growing up in the Asian community you’re constantly compared to others, whether it comes to their grades, marital status, career, physical appearance, or pursuit in ministry. Judging a person based on where others are in life seems to have been something our parents were subjected to when they grew up, so it was only natural for them to continue that cycle when they had their own children. This concept is still prevalent today through the usage of social media. We no longer require the judgmental aunty asking why we didn’t go to medical school like her daughter.

This goes for every aspect of our life.

Our generation has problems realizing that we’re good enough and more so that our hard work and effort is something that should be applauded. Even when we reach heights of success, we still don’t give ourselves grace and acknowledge the levels we’ve achieved. Although others around us might celebrate us, internalizing that celebration is something a lot of us struggle with. I’ve noticed that there’s a strong correlation between this comparative nature prevalent in our community and the surgance of Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is defined as a condition in which a person doubts their abilities. It typically affects high achieving individuals. While there has been academic discussion between the differences of imposter syndrome and the overall bias that women of color have to deal with, there is an overarching problem emerging in that women struggle with their worth. Sometimes this makes no sense to me, especially when I see women that inspire me downplay the heights they’ve reached or when young women still doubt their strengths. In our community, we’re so easily impressed and awed by the accolades of others but not our own. 

Even though I may fail to acknowledge my own accomplishments, I have to remind myself that God gave me the abilities to raise myself higher. God blessed me with the position I’m in. God enabled me to pave the way for others to follow after me.

As Ecclesiastes 10:10 analogizes, your success was earned. Throughout the Bible, we see different leaders such as Abraham and Joseph that had journeys leading them through hard times but they were able to rise to high status’ due to their faith in God and the opportunities that God opened up for them. Although they may have doubted their worth and abilities in the beginning, they remained faithful to God and believed in his purpose for their lives. Note that arrogance and cockiness are not at all what I am referencing.

Proverbs 2:7 states that success will come to the upright. If we stay faithful in God and truly believe in the abilities and opportunities he’s opened up for us, why doubt ourselves any longer? Why doubt what has been blessed upon you? Have faith sister, you are more than enough. You have a purpose and be courageous in the path that God has set you on.

Love,

A Woman of Worth

#asiancommunity #opportunity #christian #changes #faith #impostersyndrome #abilities #struggle #life #God