People are terrified of the word 'change.' I mean it's understandable, if your life is perfect the way it is, then why change anything?

The reason for change is to help people grow and learn, so don't be afraid of it.

When teenagers reach the wonderful age of 16, their parents start to urge them to look for a job. When I was at that age, I was scared about this change, because I enjoyed sitting around and not doing anything, while all of my friends began working and everyone in my family had jobs. I was also not excited to be screamed at by customers, because that seems very overwhelming and I'm not a fan of confrontation. I soon learned that working, although it was tiring and stressful, taught me so much about life. I also met so many wonderful people through it.

At the age of 18, I finally was given my first car since I got my license at 16. While all of my friends were driving themselves to school during our senior year, I still had yet to drive anywhere without my mom. So, once again it was scary for me to think that one day I will be driving everywhere by myself.

In my senior year of high school, I was given the opportunity to take part in an exchange program, and that was quite possibly one of the most nerve-wracking journeys that I have ever been on. There's change in that, even though it is only for about 10 days, I mean going to a new country, where they speak a completely different language, and living with a family who you do not know very well is an awkward experience. AT FIRST. Most things happen like that. Awkward doesn't mean bad, it just means different. Once the awkward stage is over, everything that once felt awkward will feel so comfortable, you'll forget why it was weird for you in the first place.

I just finished my second week of college. This has been the biggest change in my life thus far. Moving five hours away from home to a place where you know absolutely nobody can be scary. I have met people who I really consider some of my closest friends. My roommate is my best friend and I don't know what I would do without her. We're basically married. There are so many people here who I just love so much, and I don't know what I'm going to do on breaks without them. If I had been too scared to come, because I didn't know anybody or because it was too far, then I wouldn't have met any of them.

My first week of fall ball for lacrosse just ended and this was another big change in my life. I get up at 5:30am in the morning most days during the week for 6am practices. This was hard for me at first and I dreaded waking up so early, but now after the first week, it's not so bad. It's almost exciting for me, because I get to see my wonderful new teammates and we get to play the sport we love. They've made the transition much easier for me. It's a change, but it helps me start my day earlier and that way, I'm awake and ready for the rest of the day.

What I'm trying to say is, change happens; whether it's good or bad, like it or not, it happens. We are growing up, and even when we are 80 and retired, there will still be change and we'll have to accept it, because in the long run, it's what shapes us into who we are as people. Change alters our point of view on things and it helps us become more accepting of others. Don't run away from things just because they're scary or different from what you're used to.

It could just be the best thing to ever happen to you.