Open Dreams Summer Academy: "Maybe I’m not supposed to be here" | Guilian Asongtia

One of the quiet battles our pre-scholars face at the Open Dreams  Summer Academy #ODSA is not academics, it’s belonging.

Despite their brilliance, some look around at the accomplishments of others and think, “Maybe I’m not supposed to be here.”

That feeling has a name: Imposter Syndrome.

It thrives on comparison. It whispers that your wins aren’t enough, that your journey doesn’t measure up.

But here’s the truth: Open Dreams is not just about where you’ve been, it’s about where you’re going. Every student here belongs, not because of perfect scores or shiny resumes, but because of their potential, courage, and willingness to grow.

At Open Dreams, we walk alongside them to help silence those doubts by:

Talking to them and reminding them of the brilliance they already carry.

Acknowledging their unique journeys so they don’t use someone else’s example to carve out their own.

Encouraging them to craft their own story and reminding them they owe themselves the responsibility of making it a story worth sharing with the world.

To every pre-scholar: you belong here. And your story, your own story, matters.

: Open Dreams Pre-scholars Douala Batch of Fortitude

• Guilian Asongtia | Open Dreams