In life we are constantly faced with decisions, leaving us to evaluate and determine which path is best for us. I’ve found that it can be pretty easy to remain stagnant and fall into routine. This isn’t always a bad thing, but in terms of growth, it can be somewhat restricting. This is why it’s so important to take risks and step out of your comfort zone if you’re hoping to grow as a person. 

Looking back at my life, I feel as though the choices I’ve made have completely shaped the person I am today. I’ve had to let go of what I was once familiar with and adapt to new situations in order to allow myself to grow. It all started when I joined a new sports team in high school. At first, I was reluctant and nervous to put myself out there, but I ended up joining the Cross Country and Track team. Within weeks, I loved it, and by the end of high school it was one of the biggest parts of who I was. I gained immense levels of confidence, made lots of friends, and am now a lifelong runner. 

I realized from this experience that I was okay with trying things that were unfamiliar to me. When looking at universities, I knew I wanted to go to the Northeast. Unconventionally, I decided on the University of Rochester, where I knew no one going into my freshmen year. Going to the University of Rochester ended up being the best decision I’ve ever made, as it helped me become the version of myself. Most recently, I made the decision to study abroad for 3 months in London on my own. Having barely been out of the country, and having all of my friends and family in the US, this was a tough choice for me. By embarking on this journey, I learned so much about myself, others, and their cultures. It ended up being the most eye opening experience of my life. 

What I want you to take away from this is the importance of leaving your comfort zone in order to grow as a person no matter what stage of your life you’re in. Even if it’s a simple shift in the way you’re used to doing things, go for it! You’ll learn things about yourself that you never would have discovered otherwise and you’ll grow as a person in ways that you never thought you could. It’s never too late to step away from what you’re familiar with and truly find yourself.