To The Girl Who Is Afraid To Try New Things,

No matter what stage of school-life you're in, whether it be middle School, high School, or college, you've always been afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Maybe you've really wanted to join the soccer team or try out baseball, but there's always that sense of fear lingering in the background. It's stopping you from getting out there, it's stopping you from being yourself.

Don't let your fear control your decisions anymore.

Being a freshman in college last year, I wanted to get involved on campus, but I was constantly worried I wasn't going to fit in. I went to the club fairs and talked to the people involved. But, out of all the clubs I could have joined on campus, I stuck with only one the entire year. This club was in my comfort-zone, I felt safe and wanted, but even so, I still wanted or felt the need to push myself even further.

My roommate was in cheer for three years in High School. She persuaded me to go with her to a cheer club practice the second semester of my freshman year. I didn't feel like going for I was terrified to meet new people and do something I had never done before. My roommate continued to talk me into it before we met up with the girls in the club.

As she and I went to the practices, I felt clumsy and awkward, while my roommate seemed to fit in perfectly. After attending a few more practices, I knew that I wasn't meant to be in cheer club, but that isn't the point to this story. Even though I didn't stick with it, attending the club was exactly what I needed to step out of my comfort-zone to get me ready for my Sophomore year.

Over the summer, I contemplated joining my campus's dance club, Hypnotic Control. The club requires no experience in dancing, just a positive attitude and the willingness to learn. I went back and forth the entire summer. Should I join? "Do it!" I kept telling myself, or "you can't really dance... maybe you shouldn't." Soon enough, school started back up again and I went back to the club fair. The first thing I did was walk over to Hypnotic's table and signed up, my name the first on the list.

It's been a few weeks since then and I'm sticking with the club. I'm so glad I stepped out of that comfort-zone that was holding me back.

With that being said, If you want to do something, but are afraid to do it... do it. Don't let your fear hold you back. You're full of potential. Experience life to the fullest. You will make mistakes, or decide something isn't for you, but that's the fun in figuring out who you are and what you want to do. Be open to new opportunities and enjoy what life has to offer.

Step out and make bold choices. You'll thank yourself later.