I have a lot of insecurities when it comes to taking a huge plunge into something new; the risk of failing, humiliation, and it not working out terrifies me. I have never been able to be that person who is good at anything and everything. I have my flaws, and one of them is being too scared to take that leap into something that I am uncertain about.

There have been times where I have wanted to speak up, but have been scared about what others would say or think about me. Looking back, I wish I could have done those things. I wish I could have had the guts to talk to new people, be on teams, and even join new groups on campus. You may ask, “well, why don’t you?” My answer to that is I am scared as well.

Starting a new chapter in life, starting anything new is a scary thing. Speaking up about what you want to whomever is a very hard thing to do. I regret nothing more than the words I should have said to certain people, to see what would have made a difference or not. I wish I could’ve been more outgoing and landed myself more resume builders. I look back and have all of these regrets-but you do not have to.

You have the opportunity to do what I wish I could do. You have the opportunity to speak out, to whomever you need to, and change whatever it is you are passionate about. Here is my message to you; jump. Take that leap that you have been concerned about. Do not let the opinion of others deter you from what you want to do. Let yourself embrace the full plunge and dive into whatever it is you are going through.

One of the main reasons we are on this earth is to make an impact on humanity and leave our footprint; as a human and as someone who wants to do so, I am saying jump. We are all here for a reason, and if we all are too scared to walk out on limbs, then as a society we will crumble. Do not be afraid to share your thoughts or ideas just because you think you are not capable. Together, we have a voice, a presence, and it needs to be heard.