I remember the first time I got a job as a camp coordinator. I was stoked and never imagined obtaining the position. There were a lot of responsibilities, such as supervising staff, planning trips, and ensuring that all the children were safe. So before jumping into the position, I was scared.
I was scared I might mess up on my job duties, as there were many rules and policies to remember. In fact, I sometimes questioned my ability to do my job correctly. I wondered if I had the potential to direct staff, as no one had previously listened to my commands. And I wondered if I could mentor and guide a team through thick and thin.
Perhaps, it was my imposter syndrome kicking in. But I felt I wasn’t qualified enough and that the job entailed too many responsibilities.
The first two weeks were super tough. I made plenty of mistakes. I wanted everything to be perfect and the children to behave as orderly as possible.
But as the weeks dragged on, I began to feel more comfortable in my role.
The counselors trusted me, and I also began to trust them. I learned about some of my strengths, which include administration, interacting with children and parents, and problem-solving.
Seeing how my strengths impacted the job, I began to feel more comfortable.
I learned that you need a team aware of their responsibilities to lead. You need a team that finds value in their work. By having a good team, you can execute any plan you put your mind to. You have to rely on your staff.
However, the job gave me a sense of confidence in myself.
I felt more confident in my abilities and skills. I could delegate and contribute to greater things in life. This gave me more motivation and confidence in my plans, especially when returning to school.
Seeing how I tackled challenges and situations at camp made me realize the importance of hard work, resilience, and trust. Sometimes I wanted to quit and resign from my position. However, I just took these hard lessons with a grain of salt; no one is perfect in their role, and we all make mistakes.
Moreover, seeing how the children enjoyed the trips made me feel ecstatic.
Field trips were one of the best parts of camp. We walked, commuted, and bussed to many places as a group. Some of these trips were a once-in-the-lifetime experience for many children, and just seeing the smiles on their faces made me realize the value of my hard work.
Ultimately, being a camp coordinator allowed me to see my potential and what I could do.
I saw how I could plan trips and execute them with the team. I saw how I was able to manage interactions with parents and children. Moreover, I noticed how I could collaborate with staff and provide direction.
Even though I never imagined myself to be a camp coordinator, especially after a bad experience at a camp last year, I’m more than happy to say that this experience has compensated for all. And I’m more than happy to say that this job has motivated me to fight my battles confidently.
So when imposter syndrome kicks in, remind yourself that your feelings are normal. You never know what to expect. But with time, as long as you put in enough effort, you’ll see the fruits of your labor before your eyes.
Featured image via cottonbro studio on Pexels
