People are always encouraging each other to try new things, especially high school and college age students. Whether it is sports, a new hobby, taking up traveling opportunities, or meeting a new group of people, we are constantly being introduced to new opportunities and inspired to go out of our comfort zones and push ourselves to new limits.
By the time I got to the end of high school, I had set a goal going into college to act on these suggestions and to go out of my comfort zone. I did not know exactly where to start, because moving in and adjusting to college is uncomfortable enough on its own. When I finally got started, trying new things has actually made me happier and more comfortable in my environment and it helped speed my transition to being a member of the community.
The first thing I learned from trying new things is the importance of expanding your horizons and friend groups. I met people who I would have never met otherwise, and cultivated friendships that probably never would have happened if I didn’t go out and do things. In order to get the full college or high school experience, it is so important to go out and do everything that you have the opportunity to do that interests you.This is one of the only times in your life that you will have the opportunity to do literally whatever you want and whatever interests you, so exploring those interests and going into all sorts of different fields will benefit your experience greatly.
When doing something so wildly different from anything you’ve ever done, you will discover things about yourself that were previously hidden from your identity. Not everything you try or do will end up being successful, but that’s not the important part. You will not be good at everything, and that’s okay, but you will gain something from every experience. Whether you learn a life lesson, learn about yourself, learn about someone else, or decide maybe something isn’t for you, as long as you give it your all, you will take away something from everything you do. Going out and trying something and then failing at it can give you a greater appreciation for people who spend years of their lives and hours of everyday perfecting. Understanding what they do and go through will connect you with people who you otherwise might have trouble understanding. Failing will give you not only insight as to your own ability but also insight and appreciation for others' abilities and talents.There is also the opportunity to find something you have a special talent for or something you discovered you genuinely enjoy doing. Something like this could spark a career path, beloved future hobby, meeting someone who will potentially change your life, or even just making friends who are also looking to start something new.
Opportunities are everywhere and they are readily available, I promise. All you have to do is get involved! So whether it is as big as studying in a foreign country, or as simple as taking a dance class because that looks cool and interesting to you, starting anywhere could spark a love of adventure or get the ball rolling for something that was not even in your realm of possibilities before. Some opportunities will come along that are unexpected and the offer may not stick around. So do not wait! The sooner you break down your comfort zone and put yourself out there, the more fun life will get. Now is the time to learn not only about the world around us, but also about ourselves.
