It is my freshman year of college, and I am walking around the Involvement fair, my hands stuffed with multiple fliers as I pass hundreds of people and booths staring me down to sign up on their club registry. There are so many new clubs and organizations. Why is trying new things so hard?
We have an animalistic instinct; we fear the darkness. Anything unknown is perceived as dangerous and threatens us with bodily harm or puts our lives in tough situations. If there is a dark cave, there is a part of us that wants to avoid it. It is in our nature to want to avoid anything potentially harmful to us.
But we also have an innate desire to want to explore the unknown. We are curious beings, and there is also a part of us that is curious of what is inside the dark cave. Is there a bear ready to devour us and shred us limb by limb? Or is there a cave full of jewels and abounded treasure?
Humans have a natural desire to venture into the unknown. Hence exploration into the New World in the early 1500's or exploring space in the Space Race of the 1900's.
When it comes to deciding to do anything remotely new, our minds go through a fight-or-flight decision process. Do we want to stay and try it out? Or do we want to run away completely?
Trying new things is a broad umbrella term that we will use for positive situations, like trying a club sport in college or trying an exotic dish at a Japanese restaurant. Clearly, I am not encouraging you to try cocaine or vandalism. I am encouraging healthy, new situations that may impact your life positively. There are some things you should not try, and by God, I hope you know what those things are.
As a freshman in college, I have learned immensely about putting myself out there and simply trying everything out. This can be something as simple as trying a new ice-cream flavor at the school café or trying out for a position with an online editorial.
There are so many opportunities and chances to get involved in school. But it can be hard to branch out and try something new, especially in a new environment with new people. We naturally have some fear and doubt when it comes to this, but also curiosity.
Thankfully, we are not animals worried about being preyed on literally. There is no life or death situations, only a chance to live a better life. Trying new things in college is still scary, but doing so can make all the difference. Don't let your fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.
Getting involved in school clubs or programs, or even sororities really can make an impact on your college experience. College is what you make it, and chances are that your university has many options and new things for you to try out. Here is some advice on how to try new things.
First, it’s going to be okay! It can be incredibly daunting in a lot of ways. But once you push yourself to come out of your shell, you may see that you really enjoy your new hobby or club. It’ll all be worth it in the end, even if it seems incredibly scary.
Secondly, everyone is in the same boat. Especially freshman year of college, everyone is scared, nervous, and unsure. Everyone is trying a lot of new things all at once and they are just as worried as you are. But have faith in yourself!
Thirdly, your opportunities and options start to arise. Because of your involvement, you may find out more about a certain club or experience that leads you to something bigger and better. Be patient and be open to new opportunities that come along.
Lastly, you’ll meet more people. You will find people with similar interests as you, and you might end up being really close to them. If you hadn't joined the new club, you would’ve missed out on meeting some really awesome people.
You might surprise yourself when you go out and try something new. Your courage and faith in yourself improve and help you in the future with tackling future situations. You learn to adapt and welcome new things with open arms and positivity. Joining clubs and programs at school open doors in so many ways.
You’ve probably heard these pieces of advice, but sometimes we need to hear them again. May you find courage to break out and learn more about yourself and others. Have a great year and embrace the new!
