Among Us may have died out, but sometimes I still feel like an impostor faking my way through life. 

Everyone always seems to know what they’re doing, but even after being a part of the newspaper staff for 28 weeks, sometimes it feels like I’m back at day one; just a lowly newcomer in a room of efficient and talented individuals. What could I possibly contribute in comparison to all of these other people with years of journalism experience? Each idea, article and graphic pales in comparison to the well-thought-out and developed work of my fellow Nexans.

This kind of thinking isn’t confined to just the newspaper, though. Despite being a member of the theater set crew, I still feel awkward walking into the theater. It always feels like everyone’s looking my way as I reassure myself over and over that I’m supposed to be there. I stand and pose for a photo with the rest of the theater company but do I really deserve to be in that photo? It’s only my first show and maybe I haven’t done enough to deserve to be there. 

I also joined track and field this year. Although I’m not the only member on the long jump team, it seems like everyone else has already figured out what they’re doing. I still haven’t been able to beat my PR and sometimes I question whether I’m putting in enough effort since it seems like everyone around me just continues to improve. Am I really allowed to call myself a part of the team?

Each of these things is only a small drop in the sea of self-doubt that makes up my journey through high school. Everyone here has that one thing that makes them a part of this larger community that is Westview, whether it be sports, clubs or electives; these things that give them a sense of belonging.

But despite all these things swirling around inside my head, there are still moments of clarity where I feel reassured that I truly do belong. The more I pour myself into these activities and the more I push myself, the more I feel like I’m just like all these other people who do the same with their own passions. 

I realized that the thing that makes these people seem like a part of their activity was because they were so devoted to it, and I feel inspired to be the same way.