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“I Belong Here Too”: Engaging First-Gen Students in Conversation to Combat Imposter Syndrome

Saint Joseph's University

Anthony Carbone

Mar 19, 2026
Day of Dialogue event poster and title card with outlines of several people on computers with time to talk written on the outside.

Each year, students and members of the community across Saint Joseph’s University’s three campuses are invited to participate in our Day of Dialogue, featuring practical, interactive, and action-oriented events and sessions that build upon SJU’s mission of creating an educational environment of inclusiveness. All classes are canceled that day so that our university community can easily attend in-person and/or virtual sessions of their choosing. In addition to keynote and concurrent sessions, there are a number of creative, meditative and reflective opportunities available as well.

This fall, one of our incredible student leaders, who serves as both our Tri-Alpha Honor Society student president, as well as president/founder of our brand new First-Generation Student Association, facilitated a session titled “I Belong Here Too: Reclaiming Confidence as a First Generation Student.” Open to both first-generation students and faculty/staff, as well as continuing-generation students and community members, 50 participants filled the room and gathered to engage in thoughtful discussion and meaningful activities, allowing participants to:

  • Reflect on personal experiences with imposter syndrome and self-doubt;
  • Connect with other first-generation students through story sharing and open discussion;
  • Learn tools for managing imposter syndrome;
  • Learn what campus resources are available to them and how to utilize them for their benefit;
  • Empower themselves to see their first-gen identity as a source of strength not as a limitation;

Participants engaged in small group discussions concerning several pertinent questions: 

  • “What does it mean to be a first-generation college student?” 
  • “What unique strengths come with being a first-gen student?”
  • “What unique struggles come with being a first-gen student?” 

Then, participants reflected on how often they identified with select statements: 

  • "I'm afraid I won't be able to live up to others' expectations." 
  • "I have earned all of the successes that I have experienced." 
  • "I don't know what I'm doing or how to ask for help."“I belong here.”

This was an effort to help them better understand their experience at SJU and identify the impact of imposter syndrome on their lives. Facilitators then shared tips for identifying and managing imposter syndrome and guided participants through an activity in which they would help others reframe self-defeating thoughts and mindsets.

We continue to be grateful that our university community prioritizes events like this and opens space for students and the broader community to gather and converse with one another. Our participants shared so much wisdom throughout this session and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the challenges they face without fear of judgment. And as comfortable as students were leaning into the vulnerable moments, they were equally enthusiastic about lifting up their peers and offering words of encouragement to help combat challenging thoughts that can foster discouragement and doubt. Support and celebration were the themes of the day, and I hope each person left that day reminded of the fact that they do, in fact, belong here at SJU.

For more information on SJU’s approach, please visit their website here.