Casey Lartigue Jr., center, seated at the table, with graduate students at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in this September 2024 photo / Courtesy of Casey Lartigue Jr.
Impostor syndrome is a pervasive challenge, especially in high-pressure environments like Harvard. Many individuals, regardless of their accomplishments, experience feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Despite its prevalence, impostor syndrome has never been a part of my personal journey. From my earliest experiences at Harvard, I developed a mindset rooted in confidence, authenticity and a deep understanding of my value. In this post, I reflect on my journey, share insights from transformative moments and offer perspectives on how I make impostor syndrome irrelevant in my life.
One, from the beginning of my Harvard journey, I was fortunate to meet a group of Black graduate students at the Harvard Divinity School who took me under their wing. They taught me a guiding principle: “Harvard is what you make it.” This wisdom encouraged me to take control of my experience, shaping it without waiting for permission or validation. I embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly, becoming an executive editor of The Harvard Crimson, I joined student clubs ranging from the Black Students Association, Democrats at Harvard, Republicans at Harvard, the Objectivist Club at Harvard, etc., and was a founder of an unofficial Sowell Brothers group (named after economist Thomas Sowell) that went around campus debating any and everyone.
My approach has always been grounded in authenticity. I don't believe in “faking it until you make it.” Instead, I focus on bringing my genuine self into every space I enter. This mindset has allowed me to confidently embrace opportunities as they come, free from the constraints of perfectionism or self-doubt. As socialist activist Emma Goldman once said, “If I can't dance, I don't want to join your revolution.”
A second pivotal moment in shaping my confidence was learning about W.E.B. Du Bois, the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. When asked about the honor of this achievement, Du Bois reportedly replied, “The honor, I assure you, was all Harvard's.” Initially, I thought this response was arrogant, but I later understood its profound meaning. Du Bois reframed the narrative, emphasizing that his presence elevated Harvard, not the other way around. But later, I saw that his comment turned the narrative around: rather than seeing Harvard as doing him a favor by admitting him, he emphasized that Harvard was fortunate to have him. There were many qualified candidates to choose from, so there must be something special about him that made Harvard want to admit him. From my sophomore or junior year, his words became a mantra for me: “The honor, I assure you, was all Harvard's.”
Years later, a Korean friend asked if I felt intimidated giving a speech to a room of Harvard students and alumni. I found the question strange. Why would I feel nervous? I was invited to speak on something I know well. The invitation alone was evidence that those who asked me to speak saw value in what I had to share. I told her, “I am one of those Harvard people. Why should I be intimidated by them, or anyone?” This mindset underscores the importance of recognizing your value in every space you occupy.
Over the years, I've aimed to help others see their worth and overcome impostor syndrome. Whether mentoring Harvard students, South Koreans, North Korean refugees, or others, my goal has always been the same: to encourage individuals to embrace their potential and value. I remind my mentees that admission decisions and opportunities are deliberate. I often remind my mentees that Harvard's selection process is deliberate and thorough. Each application undergoes multiple rounds of review, and every admitted student is chosen for a reason. The problem is that Harvard doesn't let people know the reason it has accepted them, but apparently there was a reason.
What I tell my mentees: “If Harvard made a mistake in accepting me, that's Harvard's problem, not mine.” What matters is how you use the opportunities you've earned or been given.
I've been accepted into Harvard twice, and I hold two diplomas from the university. I've never questioned whether I belong — I focus instead on what I can learn and contribute.
It isn't only related to Harvard. When people tell me that an award that I have earned was “well-deserved,” I usually respond, “even if I didn't deserve it, I am not giving it back!”
When I joined the Harvard Graduate School of Education Alumni Council last July, I didn't question my worthiness. Instead, I focused on contributing, learning and connecting. By approaching new roles with a mindset of growth and impact, I avoided the trap of self-doubt and embraced each opportunity fully.
Impostor syndrome is a challenge many face, but it doesn't have to define your experience. By embracing authenticity, reframing doubts and recognizing your value, you can move beyond self-doubt and make the most of every opportunity. As I reminded students at the Chatter and Cheers reception, “The honor is not just yours — it's Harvard's.” Carry this confidence into every space you enter, knowing that your presence and contributions matter deeply.
I will conclude by mentioning the ways I don't allow impostor syndrome to seep into my life.
First, embrace authenticity, not perfectionism. Reject the need to “fake it until you make it.” Instead, focus on authenticity and leveraging your unique skills, experiences and personality. This allows you to engage genuinely and stand firmly in your own identity. Whenever anyone asks me about a speech I have given, I respond, “It was great!” That's because I would have done my best.
Second, focus on contribution over validation. Approach every role, opportunity, or environment with a mindset of contributing value. Shift the narrative from seeking validation to asking, “How can I make a difference here?” This proactive approach keeps you focused on impact rather than self-doubt. Rather than letting impostor syndrome hold you back, reframe challenges as opportunities to deepen your expertise, improve your skills and prove that you belong.
Third, shift the perspective: “The Honor is Theirs.” Adopt the mindset that institutions and opportunities are privileged to have you. Inspired by Du Bois' statement, “The honor, I assure you, was all Harvard's,” this method repositions you as a valuable contributor rather than an outsider seeking approval.
Casey Lartigue Jr. (CJL@alumni.harvard.edu) is a member of the Harvard Graduate School of Education's (HGSE) Alumni Council, an HGSE Alumni admissions ambassador, a member of the Harvard Clubs of Korea, Seattle, Broward County, Fairfield County and Washington, and a member of Harvard Alumni for Education and Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs.