Imposter Syndrome: "Am I Enough?"
You work hard. You've earned your place. And still, a quiet voice creeps in: "Maybe I just got lucky." "Maybe I don't belong here." That voice gets louder in today's world during political debates, DEI conversations, and especially when you're the only one in the room who looks like you. John Leguizamo recently said, "They have to make us feel like we're getting a leg up and we don't deserve it, but all the Black and Latin people that I know who are in positions of power have to be five times better than their white brothers and sisters." That pressure isn't just external. It settles deep inside. It feeds something many of us already carry—imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome tells you your success is a fluke, that you're a fraud, and that it's only a matter of time before everyone sees through you. While many people experience it, it often feels more intense for migrants, first-generation Latinos, and other BIPOC professionals. It's not just about personal doubt; it's about cultural history, family expectations, and the absence of representation in spaces of influence. You may carry the weight of being the first. The only. The example. It's more than self-worth. It's about being seen. Being heard. And making room for others to follow. Yet that inner voice keeps whispering that you're not enough, even when you've already proven otherwise.
Growing up Latino often means being taught to stay humble. You may have heard things like "Don't show off" or "Calladita te ves más Bonita." We learn not to draw attention to ourselves. Even when we succeed, we downplay it. Pride is seen as arrogance. These messages follow us into professional settings. So, when we're finally in those spaces, we can shrink ourselves because self-promotion and singing about our wins, which may well be needed to progress in many spaces, goes against everything we were taught.
At home, the weight gets heavier. Many of us are children of immigrants who gave up everything for us to have more. We grow up hearing, "Make us proud," or "This is why we came here." That love can feel like pressure. We become the first to translate, graduate, and earn a steady paycheck. There's no room to fail. So, when we struggle, which is normal, we can be inclined to feel shame instead of grace.
Being the "first" also means navigating a world without a map. We learn to code-switch. We shift how we speak and act just to fit in. Sometimes, we hide parts of ourselves to survive. In one space, we're not "Latino enough." In another, we're not "professional enough." That constant balancing act leads to profound exhaustion. When no one else looks like us or shares our background, we wonder if we truly belong anywhere. Then there are the microaggressions. Someone comments on your accent. You're mistaken for someone with less authority. You hear, "You don't look like a therapist," "a manager," or "an engineer." These may seem small to others, but over time, they build up. They reinforce the belief that we're outsiders and only conditionally accepted.
Imposter syndrome doesn't stay in our minds. It shows up in our bodies: in anxiety before meetings, perfectionism that leads to burnout, and staying small to avoid being seen as "too much." We question our worth not because we haven't earned our spot but because we've been taught to shrink.
So, what can you do?
Start by naming it. This is imposter syndrome, not truth. You're not alone. So many of us carry this weight in silence. Talk about it. Share your experience. Connection helps dismantle shame. Next, challenge your inner critic. Write down your wins. Reflect on your journey. You didn't just get here by chance. You worked hard. You made it happen. And if you're ready, consider therapy. It is not just any treatment but therapy with someone who understands your origins. A bilingual, bicultural therapist can help you explore the layers: identity, migration, family pressure, and the need to belong. Therapy isn't about fixing you. It's about making space for all of you, your story, strength, and truth.
You are not an imposter.
You are a pioneer.
You are building a new path, not just for yourself but for those who come after you.
Your story matters. You deserve to take up space.
If this speaks to you, I invite you to take the next step. Therapy can offer a space where you don't have to explain your culture or history. Just be yourself. Reach out to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can work together. You deserve support that honors who you are and where you come from.