University was a time of major self-doubt and uncertainty for me. I attended a university in India where I didn’t feel like I belonged. Everyone around me seemed certain about their futures—aiming to become software engineers or pursue academia—while I struggled to find my own path. My university only offered engineering degrees, leaving little room to explore other fields like business, art, or design. As I quickly realized that software engineering wasn’t for me, I found myself feeling lost and unsure about my direction.
This uncertainty led me to adopt a limiting belief: “I am the dumbest person in the room.” This belief impacted me in countless ways—how I interacted with professors, what I thought I was capable of, and, most importantly, how I spoke to myself. Looking back, I realize that this belief wasn’t just a result of academic pressure; it was also shaped by early emotional experiences and societal expectations. Feeling like I didn’t fit in, not knowing where I belonged, and constantly comparing myself to others contributed to a deep sense of inadequacy and worthlessness.
Everything changed in my third year when I had the chance to take electives. That’s when I discovered neuroscience, and I immediately fell in love with the subject. So much so that I decided to join the Cognitive Neuroscience lab and pursue my Master’s in it. My professor, Kavita Vemuri, played a pivotal role in my transformation. She wasn’t just a professor but a friend I could speak to openly.
The years that followed were eye-opening. As I delved deeper into the complexities of the brain, I began to recognize how incredible it truly is—a system so intricate, yet so adaptable. I learned that trauma, much like the experiences I was navigating, leaves lasting imprints on the brain. I realized that these imprints, like my limiting beliefs, could be rewired. The brain is capable of healing, especially when given the right tools and support.
I spent years reinforcing the belief that I was “the dumbest person in the room,” but neuroscience showed me how these beliefs were formed and how they could be changed. Feeling empowered with this knowledge, I began to reshape both my inner dialogue and my perception of the world around me. “I feel stupid” evolved into “I am a learner,” and “Rejection is failure” shifted to “Rejection is redirection.” Over time, I stepped into a version of myself I had always wanted to be—someone confident in herself.
These concepts have stayed with me, and I wish someone had shared them with me during my university years. If I had known then what I know now, I would have approached education and life with far more empowerment.
This is why I created the Mind Wellness Lab. I now facilitate workshops with high school and university students, educators, and employees to help them transform limiting beliefs into empowering ones and unlock their full potential.
As I continue my journey, I’m immersing myself in the mental wellness space, completing certifications like Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA). I’m also pursuing a Life Coach certification, learning emotional practices like EFT tapping, and seeking guidance from a life coach myself. These tools have allowed me to connect with my inner strength, empowering me to guide others through their struggles and break free from self-doubt.
As I continue to grow both personally and professionally, I am deeply committed to bridging the gap between neuroscience and mental wellness. My journey from self-doubt to self-confidence has shown me the incredible power of understanding the brain. By equipping others with the tools to shift their own narratives, I aim to create spaces where people can discover their authentic selves—before the world told them who to be. And as we continue to learn and heal together, we can unlock a future filled with possibility, resilience, and hope.
About the author: Shubhi is a Mental Wellness Educator dedicated to helping individuals harness the power of their minds. With a background in cognitive neuroscience, she specializes in making brain science accessible through engaging workshops and interactive activities that empower individuals to understand themselves, break free from limiting beliefs, and step into their true potential. As the founder of The Mind Wellness Lab, Shubhi collaborates with universities, organizations, and educators to bring these transformative experiences. She is passionate about empowering others to cultivate self-awareness, trust their inner wisdom, and embrace their authentic selves, all while exploring innovative ways to integrate research-backed techniques into everyday life.
The NYS TINRC ENews is produced by CCSI. The views, opinions, and content expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH).