Column by ErinCramer

I can’t do this. I’m not ready. I’m not as smart or capable as these other girls. I’m really not accomplished enough.

Believe it or not, these are the exact thoughts that went through my mind the day I arrived at Cornhusker Girls State at the beginning of this summer. 

Girls State is a youth program held in all 50 states that teaches rising seniors about the inner workings of our democracy and the political systems of our country through interactive projects, campaigning and conversations with local and state leaders. 

When I arrived at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and started to meet the delegates on my floor, it dawned on me that I wasn’t used to being surrounded by this sheer volume of involved and ridiculously accomplished people. Instead of letting that uplift and inspire me, I became incredibly self-conscious about my achievements. I certainly hadn’t started a charity or won a national award. I instantly began to minimize myself and my accomplishments because they simply didn’t seem as impressive. 

However, as the week went on, I had the opportunity to listen to speakers from across the state share their experiences and personal journeys. Again and again, I heard the message, “Don’t underestimate yourself — You are just as qualified as the next person. You will never know if you could have accomplished something if you don’t try.” 

Something inside me clicked and I instantly connected with this message. Nothing about me or my achievements had changed, but my perspective definitely had. I realized that even though I felt wildly behind and wholly unimpressive, so did everyone else. And ultimately, those feelings had little to do with our actual abilities.

Society tends to demand young women and girls to always achieve perfection while simultaneously maintaining humility. This combination leads to young women holding themselves back from opportunities because of the fact that they might not be perfect and that there is always someone else who is more qualified for the role. 

This kind of thinking doesn’t just affect young women’s self-esteem. It can also affect the opportunities they are willing to pursue.

One particular speaker at Cornhusker Girls State detailed her journey to how she came to be the youngest person ever in the Nebraska State Legislature. She remembered her college application process, and how she was planning on applying to just the same schools as everyone else. However, she decided to apply to an Ivy League, believing that it was a complete and utter reach. In the end, she was accepted and obtained her bachelor’s degree in political science from Yale University. 

As Marian students, the standards in and out of the classroom are higher than anywhere else. We cannot forget that a Marian education in itself is an incredible accomplishment, and the experiences and activities that we participate in are more substantial than we could ever recognize. 

Stop minimizing yourself and your achievements because someone waves a ribbon in your face. You deserve not only to be in the room where decisions are made, but to be making impactful decisions yourself. 

Marian girls are more qualified than they ever could realize. There are endless opportunities in our community and world that are waiting for us, if only we would put ourselves out there and try. 

Enter yourself in that competition. Apply for that internship. Submit yourself for an award. Raise your hand. Take that chance. 

Your future self will thank you. 

Because sometimes, the biggest thing standing between you and an opportunity isn’t a lack of qualifications. It’s the belief that you aren’t qualified enough to try.