FORMing Confidence

I know I am not immune to imposter syndrome, and I am not the only one impacted by these unwanted feelings. So, as a way to encourage myself and my teammates, I asked the 2022 FORM intern class to identify words and phrases they use as affirmations to overcome imposter syndrome, or any other workplace insecurities.

Abby Conrad, UX design intern: “You got this.”

Abby uses this phrase to remind herself of how far she has come. “I went from a school with practically no art program to being a design intern at a super cool place.”

America Fontenot, copywriting intern: “They wouldn’t have hired you if you weren’t right for the role.”

“I have to sometimes remember that the whole point of this internship is to not know everything,” America said. “I also like to remember all of the times I’ve started a job thinking I couldn’t learn it, only to watch that position become second nature.”

Brad Spencer, insights intern: “Just because you don’t know what you’re doing, doesn’t mean that you won’t figure out how to do it.”

Brad added, “[This quote] focuses on the idea that we often feel underqualified for situations, but this is part of the process.” He pointed out we are sometimes given difficult situations that we are uncomfortable in or find challenging because that is how we grow, both personally and professionally.

Chul Park, videography intern: “I can do it.”

Chul sees this phrase as a means to solve problems and move forward. “Whenever I face difficult situations — I keep telling myself I can do it.”

Jaye Rachel Johnson, photography intern: “The opportunities you have now were once a dream.”

“I love to reflect on how far I’ve come as a photographer and remind myself [of] how proud my younger self would be of my current self,” Jaye Rachel said. Jaye is motivated by opportunities sprouting in the field of photography and those currently provided by the FORM internship.

Lindsay Batten, project management intern: “Others believe in me, so I should too.”

“When I’m not feeling confident or self-assured, I remember that people who I respect and trust believed that I could,” said Lindsay. “The people who hired me believed that I was the best candidate for the job, so who am I to disagree or go against that?”

Nia Jolie Pinckney, digital media intern: “I am grateful for all that I have.”

Gratitude is something Nia truly values. “Even on my worst days or in tough moments, remembering the good things I have in my life encourages me to keep going and improving,” she said.

Travis Whitt, graphic design intern: “You are more.”

Travis uses this phrase to remind himself he is more than a designer or intern at Wray Ward. “When there are times I may feel as though I don’t belong, I know that I am more than [the] skill sets I have or education that may define me.”

Ask questions. Keep learning. Give yourself grace. These are all repeated sentiments at Wray Ward and, for that, I am extremely grateful. My affirmation phrase for the summer is, “I belong here.” I want to remain confident in the capabilities and experiences that have brought me to this point while embracing all of the change and growth that is yet to come.

Thank you, Wray Ward, for this incredible opportunity to transform into a stronger employee, student and friend. I cannot wait to make some magic happen this summer with this amazing team!