We have all been in a place where we were the rookies. Whether it was starting a new job, switching to a new class, going to a new school or joining a club. We were new because we left our comfort zone and decided to try something new.

Almost every counselor, professor and sometimes older college friends will tell you to leave your comfort zone because that is where “the fun begins.” Of course that is way easier said than done. But you still have to do it! How else are you going to live?!

It takes a lot to put yourself out there, that at first you can’t help but keep to yourself. Lets say you are joining a new club on campus, what exactly goes through your head as you pass by their office or see their flier in the bathroom stall or their booth at Week of Welcome? You’re thinking… what do I say? Am I suppose to just walk in there? Do I reach out through their Facebook? What if they are rude? Why am I even going to do this? Maybe it’s good to meet people and be involved… right? At least that is what everyone keeps telling me. You know what forget this, I have homework to do… but maybe it won’t hurt? Then you walk inside, send the message or walk right up and introduce yourself. Takes a while, but when you look back you realize that that was one of the best decisions you have ever made.

Of course lets not skip over the beginning, because the beginning is always the hardest part. Me, I will not give you my opinion or pry in your conversations, business etc. unless I am asked. I consider myself an extrovert; I can keep a conversation going and trust me when I tell you that I can talk. I like to talk and get to know people, but I won’t talk unless I am comfortable. And it takes me a while to get comfortable. At times I may initiate the conversation with someone and observe whether they are interested in talking to me, if they are not responsive I won’t ever initiate anything with them again.

But how is it that I grew accustomed to attending college, hosting/producing a radio show, marketing entertainment, working in retail? It was extremely frightening and exciting at the same time. I was afraid of doing the wrong thing, being unable to keep up with the class work, dropping out, taking the wrong orders, misinterpreting supervisors/clients, cursing on air and getting fined for it, being thought of as naïve or worse stupid. You have no idea how many times I have felt that way and I have learned my lessons. Your best motivator is yourself. Sometimes you want to stand back and be told what to do when in reality you have to take the initiative to get the work done. It’s normal to feel that you might be wrong. But as the saying goes, “its easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.”

There are people in life who are going to like you just the way you are, even in the times when you are wrong or happen to do something stupid. The ones that do not like you or are negative towards you- do you really need or want those kind of people in your life? I learned that at times, co-workers and/or peers will try to throw you under the bus or have a negative attitude. You simply have to block those out and focus on the positivity. Focus on the kind co-workers/friends you met rather than the rude ones, focus on the skills you are learning while being in that job/club. Focus on what you will gain and will be able to apply to in your dream job in the future.

Overall, it’s tough being a rookie but you pave your way with the help of patience, optimism, bravery, friendship and much more. Be proud of yourself! Don’t forget to cloud your head with happy thoughts and motivation. You’ll be a vet before you know it!