It's all too easy to stay in your comfort zone and stick with what you know. Routines are easy to follow and reassuring. I for one have never liked significant change and prefer to be able to predict what's coming. However, if you do get the chance to try something new or live through a new experience, I implore you to take that chance, even if it goes against all your instincts. New things, more often than not, usually end up being exciting and refreshing. And than you'll never have to wonder "what if?"
Change can be a scary thing, especially at the age of most college students. Going into my junior year, a lot of change starts to happen. While freshman and sophomore year have their own challenges, junior year is when the pressure really starts to kick in. Everyone works harder to get their GPA up, people start applying for internships and you try to get more involved on campus to add to your resumé. I am going to be studying abroad for a semester my junior year and that in itself is a big change from the regular school year. A lot will be happening, but it will all be very exciting and new. It will be different without the comfort of a known routine, but sometimes the unexpected is just what you need. While a lot of my friends will be staying on campus and starting the typical school year, I'll be on a plane to move into a new country. I am so excited and proud of myself for going outside of my comfort zone and cannot wait for all the new and exciting places I will see and things I will do.
Even if it's a new restaurant, a different route on a long car ride or a new job, something can always be around the corner. No matter how big or small, adventures are always here to enrich your life. It is up to you to make the decision to try new things and if it doesn't end up the way you thought it would, that's OK, too.
Don't be afraid to do things alone. If no one wants to watch the sunset with you, go by yourself. You shouldn't rely on others all the time to make yourself happy.
You never want to feel too stuck in one place. If you want a change, do it. Although you might be unsure of yourself, it is worth it to try. If you're unhappy at your school, transfer. Never stay stuck in one place because you're afraid of the unknown. And don't think of a change as something unsure or unknown, just think of it as a new adventure. Taking a risk could end up being the best thing you've ever done; where you can look back and thank yourself for taking a risk and trusting in you. And then no matter what, you can never live with a regret that you refused to try. Don't live with any "what if''s."
