Why It Is Crucial To Leave Your Comfort Zone | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Why It Is Crucial To Leave Your Comfort Zone

Because we all miss 100 percent of the chances we don't take.

13
Why It Is Crucial To Leave Your Comfort Zone
Ashton Sukenic

Before college was on my horizon, I was the one who always stuck to my comforts. Ever since I can remember, I would rock the high ponytail on the daily, sit in the back of the classroom to avoid attention and be terrified to meet new people. I knew I needed a change in my life. Observing my peers as their confidence radiated throughout their daily lives, I knew this was the key to the change I craved.

As applying to colleges came around the corner, I took a chance and applied to somewhere where I never thought was for me. That opportunity took me thousands of miles from home, down to the Midwest. The night before I left, I cried and begged my parents to not let me go. For this was my first leap out of the comforts I've grown accustomed to. As I sat on that plane, not knowing what to expect, I decided that this was where I was going to leave my mark.

My freshman year, I took chances that I never knew I was capable of. From joining the poms team without prior dance experience, to becoming a part of a sorority, I have never ever been so happy in my entire life. For each chance I took, I learned some valuable lessons that I believe would benefit those who are about to take that same leap of faith.

1. Confidence is key.

Stand up straight, smile and don't be afraid to voice your opinion. People are drawn to those who appreciate themselves.

2. Sit in the front of the class.

I know, sounds terrifying. But trust me, this is the best thing you can do for yourself. Not only will your grades improve, but you will actively participate in conversation. And although you might think that your opinion does not matter to the rest of those around you, I promise you, it does.

3. Take a risk.

Do something that scares the $&!# out of you. I guarantee you, this is probably the most important lesson learned. As my dad once told me, you miss 100 percent of the opportunities you don't take.


With that being said, for all the lessons I have learned throughout my two years of college, for the first time ever, I am thrilled to see what the future holds.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

29
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

446327
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

19775
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

43297
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments