I'm attending the biggest education conference out there, #AERA2022. A little over 14,000 educators from all over the world merged here in the San Diego convention center. Although, it's great to see friends and be out and about, I'd be lying if I didn't share that my imposter syndrome has been creeping in.😔 I'll be watching someone present or be reading some publication and begin to question myself:
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Do I belong here?
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What do I have to offer this space?
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I'm never going to achieve the academic expertise that they have.
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Will I ever have something to contribute?
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Am I making an impact?
Before I was in a leadership position, I thought I was the only one that experienced these kinds of thoughts, imposter syndrome wasn't really a thing. It turns out that all levels of leadership question themselves in this way. Imposter syndrome is common and it's more common for #teachersofcolor because they constantly feel like they have to prove themselves.
I'm going to tell you, exactly what I told myself: -
YOU DO BELONG.
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YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED.
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YOUR PRESENCE IS NEEDED.
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YOU ARE MAKING AN IMPACT.
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YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE RELEVANT AND MISSING.
So, keep showing up. Show up for yourself and your students and show up for me. We need to see each other showing up and doing the work we feel passionate about. 👊🏽