The 22 Year Old Imposter

There is something called imposter syndrome. It is a feeling of inadequacy or thinking you have been placed in a position by mistake. Recently my experience with imposter syndrome at work has centered about my age. I do want to elaborate by stating that, with regard to imposter syndrome, there are many intersectionalities that come into play with age being just a simple factor in a multitude of identities that shape someone's experience as a growing professional. Focusing on this topic from my perspective as a young professional, I have recently become more cognizant of the role that age can play in imposter syndrome. I have become keenly aware of how my age (and nothing else in particular) has shaped the way I see myself in an environment. I was aware of how my age made me different and could quite possibility create less or more opportunities.

I am the youngest person at my job and I try not to let anyone really know. Not that anyone would necessarily care, at least in my core team, but I am someone wanting to seek opportunity and when you're young people tend to see you differently. I have noticed that people talk to me differently before they know my age. Maybe they assume more commonalities or may be more comfortable placing responsibilities on my shoulders. It has happened before that when people know my age there is a moment of surprise. I can get away with appearing a bit older and I am mature for my age. So it has been interesting not being one of the youngest, but the youngest staff member that I have met so far in my entire building at work.

My first month or so on the job, I was very aware of my age difference, but as I have taken on work and been successful it has subdued. Still, it seems odd to want to keep my age off the topics of conversation. My roommate and I agreed that even saying twenty-three is better than twenty-two. It's silly to focus so much on a years difference, but people do that. I recall feeling a bit strange interviewing for various jobs where, in some instances, people are seeking a seasoned professional when in reality I was just in college a few months prior. It is daunting transitioning into a world of professional growth that can only be achieved by seeking or ideally being encouraged to take opportunities.

Sometimes there is added pressure when you are a younger professional. The thought may creep into your mind that in order to not have the door shut that you need to compensate by stepping up your game. There is this feeling that you don't need to be good, but that you need to be better. This feeling that you need to prove yourself and your importance more than others. And it is not lost on me that this thought process is true across the board for all instances of imposter syndrome- where some identities most definitely and most unfortunately have more boundaries than others. And when I look at the team that I have

been paired with I think of how grateful I am to have a supervisor, a director, and various bosses who not only saw potential, but actively work to uplift me. That's a unique situation and in a perfect world it would be a normal if not mundane situation. More bosses should follow with a mindset of promoting excellence and opportunity for all their employees. Creating opportunities for growth, challenge, advancement, and creativity for all their employees whether they be twenty-two or sixty-two.

It is essential to find a space that not just tolerates or allows, but encourages growth and acknowledges potential. It has been said to me before, "If your goals and happiness are not valued find somewhere else where they are." Age is not a predictor of skill set and capability. Age is a number that is irrelevant. It is drive, personality, humility, and the opportunities that you take or that others allot you for growth that define an employee.

I will become better because of my own determination and from the belief that my team has in me. We have to lift up ourselves, but we also need to find those who will lift us up as well. Being young is not a detriment, but it is a reality that we must seek out those who have not only achieved more than us, but recognize our potential as individuals- regardless of a number. Regardless of your identity, when you find yourself in moments of frustration remember that you are not an imposter, you are not out of your wheel house- you are learning and engaging and finding your place.