Have you ever wanted to be president of a club or try out for a musical but were too afraid? Honestly, I don't blame you. When I first got to college, I was terrified to try out for anything or even apply for that matter. It took me about a year and a half to step out of my comfort zone.

My sophomore year of college, I knew that I wanted to take on some more leadership roles. I decided to take on an editing role for Odyssey, which wasn't something ever on my radar. I was scared that I wasn't going to be good enough to do it. There was something in my mind telling me to just go for it.

Just go for it. What does that sentence mean to you? Does it mean going for the guy or girl of your dreams even if they turn you down? Does it mean writing a speech and actually delivering that? Does it mean advocating for something you believe in knowing other people might disagree?

Whatever your "just go for it" means to you, just know that it matters. We all have different things we want out of life, and we all have a different path. There will be times where you won't get a job or won't become president of a club, but you have to try. If you don't try, you will never know if you ever had a chance.

I took my own advice in the past couple of weeks and ended up running for two co-chairs. I remember my voice was trembling when I was speaking to a whole group of people I barely knew. I knew that there were many other people in that room wanting to take on these leadership positions. I decided to be honest with the people in the room, and it ended up turning out well for me. However, I had to realize that even if it hadn't turned out well, I did my best.

What is so beautiful about being in the world is that we have the freedom to try different things. All of these opportunities we are applying for or actually doing mean something. These opportunities are helping us grow into the person we are meant to be. It's okay to be shy, but just remember that you are amazing and you can do it.

I'm so glad that I ended up taking on various positions in the organizations I am in. I know that I am strong enough to do all of it and it has honestly made me so much more organized and professional. Everything that we do is a big lesson, and I hope to bring this new knowledge to my classroom when I end up teaching. We need to encourage each other to try out for things because it's an amazing opportunity to grow. Just do it, go for it.