I will be the first one to admit that I’m an introvert. I can clearly picture a moment when my dad took me to McDonalds and I didn’t eat because I wouldn’t order my own food. Talking on the phone with people still strikes fear in my heart, but due to the fact that I no longer live with my mom, I have to face my fear of the voice on the other side of the line. All of this aside, I’ve realized that I constantly find myself in situations (that I have put myself into, no less) where I’m pushing the parameters of my social comfort zone. A prime example of me doing this has been the recent event of joining a sorority. How does someone who used to cry at the prospect of socialization find herself joining a group notorious for being outgoing? Well, here’s the thing about “adulting:” somewhere along the course of the process, you look back and find that you’ve grown.

I think what started the whole thing was music. I have been singing for as long as I can remember, and as I got older, I began to enjoy singing in front of other people. It was the only place where I could get up in front of people without having a crippling fear. When I reached high school, I had it set in my mind that I wanted to be on stage. Not only this, but I wanted a lead part in one of the school’s musicals. This was what I wanted and I overcame my fears to get it. When I stepped on the stage, I was able to take on the life of someone else. I liked being able to step in someone else’s shoes and it was something that helped me to come out of my shell. When I had to give a presentation in class, I pretended that I was someone else who had to give that presentation, just in a different situation.

Over time, I think taking these steps to be more comfortable in social situations has began to pay off. Speaking in front of a class was no longer a situation that had me sweating the night before. Fast forward now to college and looking back, I’m amazed to see how much I’ve grown. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still an introvert at heart. To me, a fun weekend is still one where I’m holed up in my room watching Dwight Schrute and Jim Halpert battle it out over paper sales and pranks. On the other hand, I’m also okay with the occasional outing with my sorority sisters that might involve talking to new people.

I can say now that I’m pretty proud of where I’m at. I’m involved with a lot of things I really care about and I’m more confident in my abilities. There have been a lot of opportunities that I’ve been able to take advantage of that wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t challenged myself. Good job past Abby. Now if you need me, I’ll be in my room, under a blanket watching The Office or Parks and Rec.