The Strange, Complex Feeling of Always Feeling Behind

Since I was applying to colleges almost four years ago, I’ve had the constantly looming feeling that I’m always behind.

Every morning, immediately after I wake up, I roll over to play LinkedIn’s daily games. Almost inevitably, as soon as I open the app, I see another student, just like me, announcing their flashy new internship for the summer or showcasing their latest achievements. I’m always impressed - it’s incredible to see the kinds of things college students can accomplish in a few short years. However, there’s another reality to come to terms with: it’s impossible to see things like that and not get jealous.

I know this isn’t some revolutionary feeling I’m the first person to vocalize. Impostor syndrome is real with so many students, especially at a competitive, prestigious school like UNC. However, after grappling with it for so long, I’ve been able to figure out how to deal with it. In 2026, I’m hoping to be more conscious of this feeling (and hopefully casting it aside), so here’s a few things I’ll be keeping in mind.

Everyone works on their own timelines. Sure, some people in my classes may have had their first internship immediately after freshman year, whereas I got rejected from the ones I applied for. Instead, I spent my summer at my high school grocery store job, where I was able to reconnect with some important people in my life and save up some money before moving off-campus. It may not have had a huge impact on my career prospects, but it put me where I needed to be personally. Plus, I’m a big believer that one thing leads to another, and if I had spent that summer in a low-level internship where I knew nobody, I may not have started my current one that I love deeply. Even if it takes you a little longer than those around you, there’s still big things coming your way.

Also, even if I really was “behind” in my first year in college, there’s time to make up for it. It took me until this year to find 1893 Brand Studio, a creative agency that aligns perfectly with my goals for the future. While I wish I could have found it earlier and gotten more involved, I still did it, so it’s hard to have regrets. Sure, don’t put off finding the things you love, but it’s normal for it to take a while to find them.

Lastly, it may be an overdone phrase, but comparison really is the thief of joy. Even though your best friend may have a flashy scholarship or a post-grad job lined up at Google, everyone has something. You can admire someone else’s achievements without casting yours aside. Sure, I’m amazed at my roommates who all have leadership and research experience that I don’t have, but I’d be mistaken not to recognize my own work. You don’t have to have a three-page long resume to be a worthy student.

Even as I tell myself things like this, it’s still an impossible feeling to avoid. Just remember, you wouldn’t be where you are if you didn’t belong. So no, you’re not behind - just working on a timeline that makes sense for you and excelling at what matters to you most. In the new year, take some time to take it easy on yourself. You’re never as far behind as you think.