Getting Over It

In a conversation on writing with joy, pop-culture writer R. Eric Thomas talks about getting over the idea that we’ll never make it—or that we’re frauds when we do.

Getting Over It
Image by Wannapik

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

Watch the full conversation:

From Scratch

The new leader of SCU’s adolescent mental health concentration wants to design better mental healthcare delivery systems to help more kids, now.

Green Is the New Black

Leaders in sustainable fashion shared career advice with student designers at SCU’s popular EcoFashion Show.

Hop 2 It

How do you get from hops to beer? Sustainability interns found out by turning hops grown at SCU’s Forge Garden into “Forge Ahead,” an English-style pale ale.

Racking Up

Tess Heal ’26 is nabbing awards left and right thanks to a stellar freshman year with Santa Clara women’s basketball.