As students transition into life at Carolina, it’s common for them to experience moments of self-doubt, especially when things feel stressful or unfamiliar. Some students may question whether they truly belong, compare themselves to others, or feel like they’re “faking it” despite the accomplishments that have led them to where they are now. Everyone struggles with feelings of self-doubt at times, and there are ways to overcome them. Families play a critical role in helping students understand that these feelings are normal and manageable.
Celebrate their achievements.
Many high-achieving students tend to minimize their successes and focus more on challenges or setbacks. You can help support your student by helping them recognize and reflect on strengths, skills, and accomplishments that have brought them to UNC-Chapel Hill. It can be meaningful for students to hold onto the positive feedback they receive. Encouraging messages can help, especially when confidence feels low, to stay grounded in their progress.
Reframing their perspective.
- Think differently. Students may benefit from learning to reframe negative self-talk and approach obstacles with a more balanced perspective
- Set realistic goals: Reminding your child to break down their goals into manageable steps and celebrate their successes along the way can help.
- Visualize success. Families can also support students by encouraging them to envision success and reflect on times they have overcome challenges in the past.
Think differently
Students may benefit from learning to reframe negative self-talk and approach obstacles with a more balanced perspective
Set realistic goals
Reminding your child to break down their goals into manageable steps and celebrate their successes along the way can help.
Visualize success
Families can also support students by encouraging them to envision success and reflect on times they have overcome challenges in the past.
Connect around it.
Rather than immediately reassuring or dismissing their concerns, help them reflect on their strengths, past successes, and the progress they have already made. Sharing your own experiences with uncertainty, celebrating effort alongside achievement, and reminding students that they were admitted to Carolina because they belong here can help foster resilience, confidence, and a stronger sense of self-worth. Talking openly about times in which you may have felt self-doubt can help normalize these experiences, reduce their intensity, and create a safe space for discussion. Invite reflections by asking questions such as:
“What’s making you feel uncertain right now?”
“What would you say to a friend in this situation?”
“Can you think of a time you’ve overcome a challenge like this before?”
While at Carolina, it is important to ensure that your student feels supported and can talk through imposter feelings to develop strength and resiliency. They belong here.