Latinx College Students Struggling with Imposter Syndrome and Self-Hate
Message by Ernesto Mejia, CoolSpeak Speaker
Recently, I read an article by Gwen Aviles of NBCNews.com. The scholars in the article describe the microaggressions of racism, experiences with discrimination, and feelings of internalized racism experienced by Latinx college students. The article begins with this quote, “My hope is for the student to realize that racism is not the student’s fault,” states UC-Denver scholar Carlos P. Hipolito-Delgado. Please read the article when you have a moment.
My insight into this article is based on first-hand experiences. My experience with CoolSpeak has granted me the opportunity to meet and speak with thousands of students across the country.
This year, as well as previous years, has shown us that some first generation students – and not just them – feel as if they do not belong in prestigious institutions of higher education. They experience the “Imposter Syndrome” early and start making up excuses like “no one can guide me” or “none of my family members have gone to college.”
However, we quickly inform the students that many of their parents went through similar experiences when they first arrived to this country, and they figured it out. That’s because we are fighters, we are determined, and when we want to accomplish something, and focus, we tend to finish any task put in front of us.
Our work has allowed us to empower students and in particular students from the College Assistance Migrant Programs (CAMP) Scholars. We help them better understand why it is that they want an education and help them better understand that intrinsic motivator they have within themselves.
We like sharing a TED presentation by Amy Cuddy that talks about body language but states a very important point. “Don’t fake it until you make it, fake it until you believe it!”
We know that our 1st gen Latinx students are resilient, they’re fighters, they’re hard workers, and they possess all of the qualities needed to succeed, and more importantly belong on any college campus in this country regardless of what some may say, think, or show them.
CoolSpeak is passionate about helping students. Reach out to us today, and let’s work together to plan a great program for your students. Contact us here.
By: Ernesto Mejia, VP & Partnership Cultivator, CoolSpeak Speaker
