Imposter syndrome can sod off, or ways I am awesome.

[tinyjo]

I'm not even going to cut this because I have every right to say it. Inspired by this post on imposter syndrome and false modesty.

• I have a first class degree in Mathematical Science from Oxford University. Which I earned by being very very smart.
• I taught myself to code and to write websites and do CSS and actually, I'm very good at it. I have a good eye for design, I write neat, clean code and tidy, well structured databases.
• In my free time, I run a Brownie pack and a Guide company. It's tiring, but it's totally worth it.
• I'm taking OU courses in my free time because, hey, smart, and I love learning stuff. I got a distinction in my history course, which was effectively half of a second year of a history degree, totally based on free time study.
• I'm a good singer. Depending on how in shape my voice is, sometimes I'm a *really* good singer.
• I'm a good leader. I can cut through to the essentials of what needs to be done and let the other stuff go. I can organise people without making them feel like I'm taking over. I've lead teams and run meetings that I wasn't in charge of subtly enough that no-one noticed or minded.
• I'm a good teacher. I gave up a lot to do it, both financially and in terms of time, but it's totally paid off. I'm starting out good and I'm getting better.
• I'm a good cook. I love doing it and even my regular every day stuff tastes good and is healthy.
• I'm good at tae kwon do. I'm obviously not a black belt yet, but I'm making really good progress for a student at my level and I know that I can pursue the sport all the way. And I'm also proud just that I tried it - I'm not naturally hugely into physical activity but the idea attracted me, I went for it and I was right - I did like it.

Comments

Re: imposter syndrome

[tinyjo.livejournal.com]

I think my degree required both smarts and hard work - without either, I wouldn't have got the result I did.

I can tell I'm a good singer because I can sing RockBand on expert. I suppose if you want to be picky, that makes me an accurate singer :)

Enough people tell me at work that I'm a good teacher that I think I should accept it - they aren't just saying it to flatter, I don't think.