The number 2020 is written with images of fireworks against a pink background. "Happy New Year!" is written in the corner.
January 7, 2020
Featured this month:
  • Tips for overcoming Imposter Syndrome
  • Brandeis Resilience Fair
  • Do you vape? Sign up for a focus group
  • This Is My Brave: Call for storytellers
  • Winter break hours
Tips for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
"I have written eleven books, but each time I think, 'uh oh, they're going to find out now. I've run a game on everybody, and they're going to find me out.'"
– Maya Angelou

"There are an awful lot of people out there who think I'm an expert. How do these people believe all this about me? I'm so much aware of all the things I don't know."
– Dr. Chan, Chief of the World Health Organization

Imposter Syndrome, or the feeling that one is a "fraud" or doesn't deserve their accomplishments, is pervasive across social groups and well-documented in academic settings. Here are a few tips for managing this common feeling.

  1. Remember that you are not alone. Feeling like an imposter is very common, even if other people don't talk about it.
  2. Talk about it! Share your feelings with friends or an advisor. You may be surprised to learn they feel the same way. You might also receive some helpful validation and reminders of your worthiness.
  3. Focus on what you've accomplished, not what you haven't. We tend to carry a negativity bias that works against our self-confidence. Spend more time thinking about what you've been able to achieve and less time thinking about what you haven't achieved yet. Keep track of positive feedback you receive, and revisit it as needed.
  4. Identify your role in your success. While it's true that we all carry different levels and types of privilege, we also play some role in our individual outcomes. Acknowledge your privilege, but also acknowledge the work you have done and the choices you have made that helped you get where you are.
  5. Spend time with people who value and validate you. Those who know you, and know what you're capable of, can help boost your confidence.
  6. Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone is working with a different and unique constellation of variables that make direct comparison impossible. Try your best to just focus on yourself.
  7. Contribute, even when you feel like a fraud. This is the idea behind the phrase "fake it until you make it." If you let your insecurity prevent you from trying new things, or contributing to a project, you will deny others your unique perspective and ideas!
  8. Hold yourself to a realistic standard and keep a growth mindset. It's okay not to know things. It's okay not to be good at everything. (No one is!) Keep learning and celebrate your progress.
  9. Remember, you do belong here. You got into Brandeis, and you deserve to be here. Really.
Yellow poster with info about the January Resilience Fair in blue text. Information is included in the paragraph below.
Brandeis Resilience Fair

The Resilience Fair will host interactive tables and drop-in programs for students to meet campus resources that support resilience--skills needed to bounce back from challenges, grow from failure, and build capacity to navigate and overcome difficult situations.

Departments supporting undergraduate and graduate student resilience across campus will host tables. Drop-in programs include mindfulness and information about peer leadership positions with Bridge to Wellness (BTW) and the Prevention, Advocacy, and Resource Center (PARC).

There will be raffle prizes, table giveaways, popcorn, cookies, and more! 

January 29, 2020
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Shapiro Campus Center Atrium & TV Lounge
The words "Do You Vape" are written over a two-tone blue background
Sign Up for a Vaping Focus Group
The Office of Health and Wellness Promotion (HAWP) is interested in learning more about vaping trends at Brandeis. Any student who vapes (nicotine or THC), undergraduate or graduate, is welcome to participate. Information gathered through these focus groups will be used to inform future health promotion programs and campaigns.

  • These focus groups (and the sign up form) are completely CONFIDENTIAL. Any records that contain identifying information will be destroyed.
  • Participants will receive a $10 Hannafords gift card.

Please contact Leah Berkenwald, Director of Health Promotion and Wellness Initiatives, with any questions or concerns.
This Is My Brave: Call for Storytellers
"This is My Brave" text in red and blue
Are you looking to make a difference in the conversation around mental illness and mental health?

This Is My Brave is a show about what it's like to live through mental illness and addiction and come out on the other side. Do you have a story to share? Craft your piece via poetry, original music, personal essay, dance or even a comedy set. Yes, experiencing mental illness can be funny, believe it or not! Examples of featured stories can be found on This Is My Brave's YouTube Channel .

This Is My Brave's College Edition show is currently accepting applications for new storytellers, and Brandeis students are encouraged to apply! This show is aimed at creating a positive and supportive conversation around mental health through students sharing their personal stories using creative expression.

To apply, email a 5-minute video of a piece of original music, poetry, personal essay, comedy or dance to the Producer: Elizabeth@thisismybrave.org .

This Is My Brave: College Edition is made possible through the generous support of the Ruderman Family Foundation and a 2018 Alkermes Inspiration Grant.
Winter Break Hours
Health Center:

January 2 - January 10, 2020
Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM


Brandeis Food Pantry:

Thursday, January 2: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
January 6 - January 10: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The Food Pantry will return to regular hours on Monday, January 13.
Brandeis Counseling Center:

The BCC is open for regular hours, as listed at the bottom of this email.

Help After Hours:

The Health Center and the BCC both have on call services for consultations that cannot wait until the next business day.
  • BCC: 781-736-3785
  • Health Center: 781-239-1948

If you need emergency assistance:
  • On Campus please call Public Safety/BEMCO at 781-736-3333.
  • Off Campus call 911.
Visit the Winter Break webpage to learn more about campus services availab le from Thursday, December 19 through Sunday, January 12.
Follow @BrandeisWellness!
Brandeis Health Center
781-736-3677
After hours consultation:
781-239-1948


Monday - Friday: 
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Closed Mondays from 2-3pm

Walk-In Hours:
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
B randeis Counseling Center
781-736-3730
After hours consultation:
781-736-3785

Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday:
9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Wednesday & Friday:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed daily from:
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Urgent Walk-In Hours:
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Health & Wellness Promotion
781-736-3678



Office hours by appointment: Schedule a meeting

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