According to a study from the University of Northern Colorado many doctoral students ask themselves, "Am I smart enough to be here? Many doctoral students experience intense feelings of intellectual inadequacy and subsequently worry their professors or peers will expose them as frauds. These feelings often invisible to others, manifest as anxiety, self-doubt, self- handicapping, or irrational fear of failure in light of previous successes (Bernard, Dollinger, & Ramaniah, 2002; Langford & Clance, 1993; Leary, Patton, Orlando & Funk, 2000). Clance and Imes (1978) first discovered this psychological experience while studying high-achieving female college students and professionals labeled it the imposter phenonmenon (IP).
While watching the NFL Network, I listened to Michael Irvin a former reciever for the Dallas Cowboys discuss his first game as an NFL player. He spoke about how nervous he was during his first year, however once he caught a few balls and scored his first touchdown. He stated, "thats when I knew I could play this game at this level." I believe a certain degree of the Imposter Phenomenon exists in every doctoral student until they contribute or do something that signifies they deserve a seat at the table amongst other scholars. I have experienced self-doubt and anxiety about the doctoral program, but I do not believe I am suffering from the Imposter Phenomenon because at the end of the day I embrace the challenges that I face as a doctoral student and see them as an opportunity for growth. However, I will admit to maintain this perspective it takes a lot of prayer and meditation.
While watching the NFL Network, I listened to Michael Irvin a former reciever for the Dallas Cowboys discuss his first game as an NFL player. He spoke about how nervous he was during his first year, however once he caught a few balls and scored his first touchdown. He stated, "thats when I knew I could play this game at this level." I believe a certain degree of the Imposter Phenomenon exists in every doctoral student until they contribute or do something that signifies they deserve a seat at the table amongst other scholars. I have experienced self-doubt and anxiety about the doctoral program, but I do not believe I am suffering from the Imposter Phenomenon because at the end of the day I embrace the challenges that I face as a doctoral student and see them as an opportunity for growth. However, I will admit to maintain this perspective it takes a lot of prayer and meditation.