“It takes a certain amount of humility in order to be taught.” a mostly verbatim quote from a teacher I respect. The meaning that I construe from this quote is that the student understands that they don’t know everything and is willing to take in new things or things at odds with what they have always thought were right. So….long pause…sigh…(squirm) I don’t know things. I am learning new things. My writing is getting better. But I don’t know as much as the student sitting next to me. How do I remain honest to the humility concept and yet cope with the desire to compare myself to that student, who may or may not subscribe to the humility?
This has been a rough week. Projects due, papers to write, a job, a family- all mine to juggle. It’s no wonder that feelings of irrelevance, invisibility and envy creep in. But what do you do with those nasty squids that tentacle your thoughts and make you go dark places, cold places?
Addendum: An article appeared, as if by magic, from the highly regarded Dr. Stephanie Vanderslice: http://www.careercontessa.com/advice/get-over-impostor-syndrome/ Check it out! She shared some wee bits of advice with this forlorn first year grad student. I am thankful to have mentors. Hug your mentors, if appropriate. Otherwise, let your humility smile on and say thank you.
Marrow & Bone 