Imposter Syndrome

 

Me: I feel like a crappy teacher. I don’t know where the feeling has come from. But it’s so real. And it makes me doubt everything I have ever done in my classroom.

 

Friend: You are in a sad place. Imposter syndrome—you know that one?

 

Me: No.

 

Friend: It’s feeling like a fraud. Like you have gotten to where you are based on luck or error and that you aren’t actually good at what you do. You’re an imposter.

 

Me: Yeh. I can see that.

 

Friend: It’s common. Especially in women.  Most common in women of color. It usually comes and goes. I get it, too.

 

Me: You do?

 

Friend: Definitely.

 

Me: You’re definitely good at what you do.

 

Friend: Yeah. And so are you.

 

Me: Thank you.

 

Friend: It’s just a new year. It makes us stressed and worried and feel that we aren’t good enough. But we are. Dammit!

 

Me: Dammit!

 

Friend: I thought it might help to know that you aren’t alone in those feelings.

 

Me: Thank you.

 

Dear God: For all who are dealing with imposter syndrome—especially teachers returning to work in a time of palpable stress and anxiety—have mercy. Help us each to know that we are not alone and that you have gifted us to do the work that you have called us to do. Help us always to do our best and to trust that our best is good enough—even when we cannot see. I am, because You Are. Thank you. Amen.