I grew up middle-class, white, well-loved, supported, empowered, relatively popular, and disciplined appropriately. So why on earth am I lacking confidence in almost every part of my life? Even though I am a woman, I do not recall ever being told I could not do something. I am coming to realize what a rarity that is for women. The expectations were that I would perform well in school and receive a higher education. I met those expectations, did well in college, (barely) passed graduate school and have held successful jobs since. So how does one acquire confidence? Can one acquire confidence? I believe that all qualities or skills can be…