Palma
New member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2026
- Messages
- 11
I remember my first week at UT. Walking through campus, looking at all these confident kids, thinking "they're going to figure out I don't belong here." The imposter syndrome was REAL.
Four years later, I'm graduating in May. I've learned some things. Here they are, for whoever needs them.
You're not behind. Everyone seems to know things you don't. How to talk to professors. How to pick classes. How to use the library. They're not smarter. They just had someone show them. You'll learn. Give it time.
Office hours are for you. I didn't go to office hours freshman year because I thought they were for students who were struggling. They're not. They're for students who want to learn. Professors actually like when you show up. Use this.
Financial aid is confusing for everyone. Not just you. The first-gen office at UT helped me figure out scholarships I didn't know existed. Go talk to them.
It's okay to not be okay. My first semester, I cried in the bathroom at the FAC. Seriously. Thought about dropping out. Now I'm a peer mentor for other first-gen students. Struggle doesn't mean failure.
Your family's pride is real. They may not understand your life. But they're proud. My mom cried at every milestone. First A. First research presentation. First time I explained what I'm studying and she actually remembered. They're with you, even from far away.
You belong here. Say it until you believe it. You earned your spot. You deserve to be here. You're not an imposter. You're a Longhorn.
Four years later, I'm graduating in May. I've learned some things. Here they are, for whoever needs them.
You're not behind. Everyone seems to know things you don't. How to talk to professors. How to pick classes. How to use the library. They're not smarter. They just had someone show them. You'll learn. Give it time.
Office hours are for you. I didn't go to office hours freshman year because I thought they were for students who were struggling. They're not. They're for students who want to learn. Professors actually like when you show up. Use this.
Financial aid is confusing for everyone. Not just you. The first-gen office at UT helped me figure out scholarships I didn't know existed. Go talk to them.
It's okay to not be okay. My first semester, I cried in the bathroom at the FAC. Seriously. Thought about dropping out. Now I'm a peer mentor for other first-gen students. Struggle doesn't mean failure.
Your family's pride is real. They may not understand your life. But they're proud. My mom cried at every milestone. First A. First research presentation. First time I explained what I'm studying and she actually remembered. They're with you, even from far away.
You belong here. Say it until you believe it. You earned your spot. You deserve to be here. You're not an imposter. You're a Longhorn.
