By: Megan Bryant

Even if no one says it out loud, a lot of students walk into class quietly, wondering if they are falling behind or just not “good enough” to be here. But it’s not always grades or talent. Sometimes, the fear of being judged, the pressure to perform, or the false idea that everyone has it all figured out looms over even the best of us.

Part of the problem is that we mainly see the online posts of others with their perfect story highlights and polished presentations instead of what leads to it all. Social media, though it can be a great thing, can make those feelings so much worse because of the stress, the long nights, and the constant second-guessing.

Comparison is such an ugly thing that can lead to the death of bright eyes and dazzling futures. I have fallen victim to it many times. I would always catch myself thinking that someone else took a better picture than me or designed a better art piece. It also doesn’t help that we are expected to succeed in friendships, jobs, and personal lives like it’s a simple flick of the wrist. If one part falls, it’s easy to believe that it is the end; that you are the only one in the world who feels this way. A single missed assignment or a bad group review starts the never-ending spiral of anxiety that feels like quicksand, and critiques often feel like a constant attack on what you believe and what you stand for. Moments like these can be internalized so deeply that many forget one simple thing; this is part of learning.

Students need reminding that improvement matters at every stage of life, and progression is far more important than perfection. This extends to every part of life, including academics. Because of this, it should be encouraged for professors to pull back the curtain and encourage honesty and collaboration instead of competition. Professors could share stories from their lives that made them who they are now; there were likely moments of failed drafts, abandoned projects, and extreme confusion that educators had when they were students too. Professors should attempt to humanize students and truly assist them instead of promoting competition. Competition can breed malice, anxiety, and fear; it doesn’t always bode well for strengthening bonds with others.

The truth is, feeling “good enough” is a lot less common than people give it credit for. Capability slowly grows over time instead of over a single night. To tell the truth, growth is rarely glamorous. Most days, it’s mundane and quiet. Taking small steps is essential for improving daily life. We would all be a little better off admitting our faults, supporting each other, and remembering that no one has truly figured life out. What matters most is that we keep growing, learning, and staying courageous enough to constantly keep trying until the very end.