Dr. Brandon Harrison-Smith is back with an in-depth exploration of imposter syndrome, a pervasive challenge that students and professionals alike may find themselves facing..

Through the story of Maya, a first-generation college student, Dr. Harrison-Smith illustrates the subtle pressures and biases that can trigger feelings of inadequacy, particularly for underrepresented groups in academia. He explains how imposter syndrome manifests in various forms, including perfectionism and fear of failure, and reveals the ways these feelings undermine confidence and performance.

Dr. Harrison-Smith then goes on to offer valuable strategies to recognize, understand, and combat imposter syndrome, encouraging listeners to embrace their abilities and navigate challenges with confidence. Ultimately, this episode highlights that imposter syndrome does not have to limit one’s academic or professional success. Instead, with the right mindset and tools, listeners can turn self-doubt into an opportunity for growth, unlocking their full potential.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Imposter Syndrome

01:09 Maya’s Story A First Generation Student’s Struggle

04:41 What is Imposter Syndrome?

05:50 Types of Imposter Syndrome Explained

06:46 How Imposter Syndrome Affects Performance

07:20 Key Drivers of Imposter Syndrome

07:47 Strategies to Combat Imposter Syndrome

09:10 Important Reminders as You Begin This New Semester

Key Takeaways:

"Imposter syndrome is a pattern where an individual doubts their accomplishments and fears being exposed as a fraud."

"Maya's story is one that many first-generation and underrepresented students can relate to."

"The microaggressions, though small in isolation, accumulated, leaving Maya feeling isolated and unsupported."

"Imposter syndrome may affect as many as 82% of people at some point in their life."

"Recognize that it's okay to feel this way. Acknowledging it is your first step."

"Challenge those negative thoughts. Replace 'I'm not good enough' with 'I've worked hard to be here and I deserve this.'"

"Learning thrives from the meeting of minds and the collective generation of ideas."

"Connect with others. Sharing your feelings can be incredibly liberating."

"Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and reassurance. They've likely been where you are."

"Your potential is not measured by how easily you succeed, but how resilient you are as you navigate your path to success."

Links:

B-Xcellent Podcast: https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/Academics/Graduate/b-xcellent/index_html

Dr. Brandon Harrison-Smith sits down with two first-year engineering students, Jada Andrews and Brooke Sanders, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of transitioning to college. They share their experiences with academic preparation, navigating the new learning environment, building support systems, and adjusting priorities. From pre-college programs to the importance of mentorship and embracing failure, Jada and Brooke offer valuable insights for current and future college students. Dr. Harrison-Smith adds his perspective, providing advice on extracurricular involvement, time management, and the importance of viewing college as a journey of self-discovery and career exploration.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and guest introductions 02:37 Academic preparation for college 04:01 Pre-college programs and their effectiveness 05:15 Reflecting on pre-college preparation 06:18 Academic challenges and support systems 09:30 Utilizing campus resources: tutoring, office hours, study groups 11:08 The challenge of seeking help & overcoming the ego 13:00 Finding community and support through MEP (Minorities in Engineering Program) 15:00 Accessing and utilizing academic support systems 16:00 Time management and self-directed learning 18:05 Shifting priorities and balancing academics and personal life 20:30 Lessons learned and strategies for success 22:25 Learning how to fail and bounce back 24:10 Advice for incoming college students 25:20 Seeking mentorship and guidance 27:10 The importance of networking and connections 28:20 Q&A: Students ask Dr. Harrison-Smith for advice 29:50 Prioritizing academics and extracurricular activities 31:00 Approachability of professors 32:20 Dr. Harrison-Smith’s experience with failure and the importance of resilience 35:30 Viewing college as a journey of self-discovery and career exploration

Key Takeaways:

• "Even if you understand everything that's going on in class, you do have to take the time on your own to go back and review everything." - Jada
• "Just be aware that college is different than high school. You have more freedom." - Brooke
• "Maybe failing a test will kind of help you get that mentality where it's like, it's okay, the world is not ending." - Brooke
• "It's not about failing, it's about what you do after you failed." - Dr. Harrison-Smith
• "College is just so fun and inviting… remember the main thing is the main thing, and that's getting your degree." - Dr. Harrison-Smith
• "Your GPA don't matter at that point [job applications]. So what is the main focus? The main focus is getting that degree." - Dr. Harrison-Smith
• "Each semester, each class you take, each internship, each interaction you have should really dictate what you plan to do with your life." - Dr. Harrison-Smith

Links:

B-Xcellent Podcast: https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/Academics/Graduate/b-xcellent/index_html Purdue MEP (Minorities in Engineering Program): https://www.purdue.edu/learningcommunities/profiles/engineering/engr_bootcamp.html

Embarking on a journey in higher education can be as daunting as it is exciting. To help ease this transition, I'm excited to share our latest episode from the B-Xcellent 7 Tip series: "Navigating New Beginnings in Academia."​

This episode is dedicated to students stepping into the world of higher education and aims to equip them with essential strategies for success. From creating a productive environment and setting SMART goals to staying organized, we've compiled seven key tips that are crucial for navigating this new chapter.​

Whether you're a freshman or returning to academia after a break, these insights are designed to help you build a solid foundation for your educational journey. Here’s what you can expect to learn:​

- Crafting Your Success Space​

- SMART Goal Setting: What It Is and How to Do It​

- Organizational Strategies for Academic Excellence​

…and more.​

We believe that success in academia is not just about hard work; it's about working smart and creating a supportive ecosystem for your studies. So, if you or someone you know is about to start their academic journey, this episode is a must-listen.​

🎧 Tune in to "Navigating New Beginnings in Academia" and start your educational journey on the right foot.