I've always been a very quiet and conservative person. I never really want to "put myself out there" and definitely don't like taking risks. But I've been wanting to try something new and unique that no one in my friend group has done. For a change, I wanted to put myself in the spotlight and do something to set me apart from everyone else. So, on Sunday, I did something I never saw myself doing.

I competed in a beauty pageant. I always thought watching pageants were super interesting and cool to participate in, but I never took the initiative to actually participate in one. People who live comfortably generally play things safe, but stepping out of my comfort zone for the first time was definitely worth the hassle.

That morning, I woke up early and got ready for a situation I never imagined myself in. After getting ready, my mom, my friend and I went to the place it was being held. That day was the one of the coolest and most unique things I've ever experienced. Dressing up in multiple fancy dresses and answering personal questions about yourself and the future is something you don't do on a daily basis. After all of the rounds were completed, it was time for the winners' "coronation."

I didn't really care if I won or not. All I knew was that it was extremely fun participating. Of course, I thought it would be cool to win but what were the chances, right? Then, they finally got to the teen division and announced the second place, first place and Teen Queen winners. But, I still hadn't gotten called for anything. Thinking it was over, I thought to myself, "It's okay. I had a lot of fun."

But before I could leave the stage, the announcer exclaimed, "And the final winner of today's event as our Grand Supreme Teen Queen is Contestant 18!" As I walked up to the crown and my new trophy, I had on a huge smile and felt proud that I went out of my comfort zone to try something new.

It felt so amazing to put myself in a situation I wasn't always used to. I learned so many things and met so many people I never would've thought I would be able to meet. I was able to get more opportunities and had more adventures to take — all because I took the first step in moving out of my comfort zone.

Your comfort zone can be your happy place, and I'm not saying you should always live your life by taking a risk for every decision you make. But outside of your comfort zone is a huge world filled with many surprises. Who knows, maybe you will discover a secret talent you never knew about yourself in this new world! So taking that first step to putting yourself in new situations can do you wonders with the opportunities it may bring. It did for me, and I can definitely say that you won't regret it. Even if it doesn't work out the first time you attempt it, it doesn't mean you won't learn anything from it.