Psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.” For the first 15 years of my life, I always chose to step back into safety. I used my comfort zone like a shield from the world, constantly deflecting anything that was unfamiliar away from me. I thought I was happy living without risk. Little did I know that I was deflecting away opportunities and experiences that would have allowed me to grow and become more comfortable with trying new things. Looking back, I wonder what I would have loved if I had just given it a chance.
“This will be one of the greatest learning experiences of your life!” I must admit, when I heard this, my first thought was doubt. This “great learning experience” was referring to a weeklong student council summer camp at William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. It was advertised that campers would meet lifelong friends and learn valuable leadership skills. I was very involved in student council so it would have appeared to be the perfect fit for me except for one flaw: I didn’t think I was brave enough to go to an unknown place full of unknown people. I was doubtful that I had the courage and willpower to go and have fun. Throughout middle school I was encouraged to go, but my quietness deterred me from
…show more content…
Once strangers, these people from all different parts of Missouri and from all different backgrounds became like family. On the final night, all of the councils gathered around the campus pond. The rain which had started falling mixed with tears and sounds of goodbyes. Tears were flowing as freely as a river. It was incredible how strong of a bond we all formed in just one short week. Standing around the pond surrounded by all of those people is one of my happiest memories and it will stick with me forever as a reminder that trying new things can be difficult, but working through them is