Overcoming ‘Imposter Syndrome’ in College

Dahlia Carrillo-Sanchez, a computer science major, worship team leader, and Latin Heritage Club member, draws strength and inspiration from her family and her heritage

When nerves and anxiety get the best of her as she waits backstage to lead chapel worship in front of hundreds of people, or when she feels like an imposter as a woman of color in her computer science classes – a field traditionally dominated by men – Dahlia Carillo-Sanchez doesn’t give in to the doubts. Instead, she hears her mother’s voice.

“She says, ‘You come from a background of hard workers and people who are very determined and resilient,’” Dahlia says. “She reminds me that I have all of that in me.”

Dahlia's connection with her family and campus mentors has helped her push through her fears and hesitation to continue her path toward graduation. Watch the video below to hear her story.

Video Transcript

Dahlia Carrillo-Sanchez: I still get very anxious and nervous. I’m a very shy person in general. When I am very challenged and I’m not doing so well, the imposter syndrome really comes up, and I just get these thoughts like, “Well, maybe I’m not supposed to be doing this.”

I often compare myself, especially to the men in my major that are really good at it and they’re really committed to it. It can sometimes discourage me because it’s so hard.

Every time I do get in that headspace of “I can’t do this,” my mom's voice, I can hear her saying, “You can do it. Don’t listen to those lies.”

Gabriela Carrillo-Sanchez (mother): What I appreciate most about Dahlia is her sincerity. She is compassionate. She is, say, in one word, it would be “selfless,” and that’s something we’ve tried to instill in her, and I see it in her.

Lugardo Carillo-Sanchez (father): Every parent, we all want the best for our children. We have always instilled and told her that education is very important for humanity. Every parent wants their child to be a good person in society, and most important, teaching them our values and that she should be a good citizen.

Dahlia: You are more than capable of doing it. Don’t let those thoughts overcome you. You’re intelligent, and you can do this. You have all these people supporting you, and have confidence that you’re more than capable of doing it.

The first semester was kind of lonely, and then I finally met somebody who was a part of the LHC, the Latinx Heritage Club, leadership. I think when I started making those friendships with other Latinos, I got to feel more at home, like, ‘Oh yeah, this is what my home feels like back at home.’ To finally have that community where I could share that culture with, eat the same food, listen to the same music, and express how much we love our culture together. It was really nice. I no longer felt outcasted or isolated. I felt like I had finally found my community.

I think praying with my team and reminding them why we're here is also reminding myself why I’m here and ultimately who I’m doing it for, which is the Lord. It’s a rollercoaster. At times, I feel very proud of myself because I’m the minority, and I am being a voice and an example that I am more than capable of doing it, and that I’m here not just for myself but for everybody – for all the other Latinas after me who also want to do this.

Interviewer: So, Aliye, what are your favorite things about your big sister?

Aliye Carillo-Sanchez (sister): My favorite things would be how she’s confident in herself, very self-assured, and also how she gives tough love. She’s the kind of person who, if somebody were to tell her a flaw, she’d be like, ‘Oh, well that's just me,’ and then just go on with her day. And also her voice; she sings really good.

Dahlia: My name is Dahlia Carrillo-Sanchez. I am an interdisciplinary major focusing on computer science, and I am from Jalisco, Mexico.