"I’m just lucky."
Words I’ve found myself saying far too often.
Imposter syndrome is a pervasive feeling of self-doubt that leads people to question their accomplishments and believe they don’t deserve them. When we think about imposter syndrome, we often associate it with feelings of distress or fixating on mistakes. But there’s another side to it—a quiet voice that says we’re just lucky. That we barely scraped by. That, for some inexplicable reason, we were chosen.
It took me a long time to realize these were the feelings I carried at Princeton. I thought I was lucky to be here, grateful for an opportunity no one around me had. That mindset subtly followed me through every aspect of my college experience, unnoticed. Oh, that professor must have been grading lightly—this wasn’t my best work. The internship pool probably wasn’t that competitive this year—I’m lucky I got in. With every step forward, I was unconsciously doubting my abilities, the effort I put in, and ultimately, myself.
Slowly, I began to see the truth. My professors’ feedback, the kind words from my dean, the encouragement from my advisors—they weren’t strokes of luck. They were reflections of my work, my dedication, and my growth. Bit by bit, I began to understand that it wasn’t just luck. It was me.
These small affirmations became stepping stones, reminding me that I could take up space and claim my achievements. I grew into someone who embraced new opportunities, tackled big projects, and found confidence in my abilities. I realized the same energy I used to doubt myself, could be redirected to reassure myself.
With early action decisions coming out, I want you to know this: you aren’t just lucky. You deserve it. You earned it.
Words I wish I had told myself back then: I hope you take up space. I hope you dream big. I hope you recognize that your success isn’t just about potential—it’s about you.
My time at Princeton has taught me that I deserve my accomplishments and more. It’s given me the drive to push myself further and the confidence to acknowledge what I’ve already achieved. Mistakes, successes, and everything in between have shaped this journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. As I prepare to leave, I carry the confidence I wish I had started with. My hope for you is this: don’t wait. Know that it was never just luck. It was always you.
