Getting Over It

In his new book of essays, Here For It, R. Eric Thomas describes grappling with imposter syndrome after being hired to write a column for ELLE magazine—penning sharp, laugh-out-loud takes on the overlap of pop culture and politics that propelled him to internet stardom. “I’m convinced everyone will realize they made a mistake in giving me money to make jokes,” he writes.

It’s a scene many creatives will find familiar. In fact, a recent study found 65% of professionals suffer from the unsubstantiated belief they’re unqualified for their jobs.

Thomas recently sat down with SCU assistant professor of English Danielle Morgan for a talk hosted by the Center for the Arts and Humanities. In “Writing with Joy: A Conversation on Pop Culture,” the duo discussed the latest celebrity gossip and ways to get over self-doubt, from developing a strong personal voice to learning what you really love doing and sticking with it.

“People will tell you that you need to try everything and be a generalist. But I don’t believe that you need to be everything to everybody…We all have spaces where we don’t belong—I only know how to be human in the skin that I’m in. I used to be scared all day that they’re going to figure out that I’m not funny. And they might! But if that’s the case, I’ll grow and I’ll get better.” – R. Eric Thomas