Formerly a shy young-adult, I never thought that I was someone who would enjoy being in school, let alone be someone who is nurturing an aspiration to become a well-versed journalist.
With the start of the new semester, there are countless opportunities to get involved on campus with like-minded individuals.
Many students will get their first opportunity on Monday, with the beginning of Club Rush in the quad.
There is also a club mixer on Sept. 14, where students can “break the ice” and dive into college life.
It is a great thing to combine strengths and weaknesses and work together for one common goal.
In years past, I would keep to myself. I was fearing fear, and I didn’t want to be in a position where I was set up for failure.
I never imagined that I would one day be conducting interviews with strangers, and getting information on their lives.
Though I knew what I wanted to pursue once I actually put myself out on the field, I realized how much work goes into every piece that’s printed and how many risks a journalist needs to take.
I was terrified of what I was getting myself into. I constantly thought, “What am I thinking?”
For many students, there is a common fear of uncertainty, time management and a balance of priorities that may cross their minds while walking through campus.
Often, the daunting fears of financial aid, acceptance letters and choosing the right major may be the deciding factors on whether we apply to the university of our dreams.
Fear of failure should not be what makes or breaks our future. Acknowledging that the seemingly impossible can be accomplished strengthens the positive outcome.
By separating fears from desires, we arrive at the conclusion that we cannot let ourselves get in the way of what we are meant to do.
Eleanor Roosevelt, civil rights activist and former first lady of the U.S. once said, “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”
Roosevelt’s words of strength and confidence relay an air of hope to those who let self-doubt get in the way of chasing after their goals and aspirations.
I may not be completely fearless at the moment, but seeing beyond my boundaries is pushing me to a level of motivation I never thought I could achieve.
Our generation can often get caught up with being the best and smartest, but as students, if we are open with our own personal faults, we are able to learn from one another.
Getting involved in campus activities and programs will challenge me this coming semester.
It is nerve-wrecking to be exposing my own weaknesses, but it’s exciting to be growing from the strength that students around me have to offer.
The way to grow from within is to stretch just a little beyond our comfort zone. The strength and confidence that comes with reaching beyond limitations are just a couple of the everlasting benefits.
By being a part of the EC campus in new and challenging ways, students can overcome many self-inflicted limits.
Getting involved in activities and putting myself out there is my personal weakness, but as we begin a new month and semester, I challenge you to locate your weakness and step beyond your comfort zone.
Who knows what strength is lying beneath your doubt?
