In high school, I was voted “most outgoing” in my class, and I had my picture posted in the yearbook above this senior superlative. Due to my talkative nature and involvement in various clubs and teams, the people around me believed that being outgoing came easily to me. For the most part, they were right – within my comfort zone, I felt free to speak my mind and engage with those around me. However, the next year when I went to college in a new state, it seemed as though I had left my easy outgoingness behind. I felt insecure and had a hard time connecting with my classmates and peers, and I was nervous to reach out to others because I never wanted to be judged.
Five years later, I look back on this time and wish that I had been confident enough to act upon my extroverted nature that first year of college. However, from this I learned lessons that I have taken with me through life – stay true to yourself and don’t let fear of judgement stand in the way of living your best life.
I recently made a cross-country move to California, where I hardly knew anyone, but my regrets about being timid when I got to college motivated me to overcome my nervousness and reach out to anyone and everyone I thought I could have a connection to. I connected with friends of friends, coworkers, and neighbors, putting myself out there to foster new friendships in my new city. While some of these meet ups were awkward or uncomfortable, and not all situations ended in friendship, I’ve met great people and created bonds that have led me to love my new home.
I believe that my time in California has helped me grow as a person – I have been learning to overcome fear of judgement (because who cares what anyone else thinks!), build new connections, and adapt to new situations. Through this, my greatest piece of advice for individuals in new or unfamiliar circumstances is that you will never regret being outgoing. I have found that even if being outgoing seems to come easily, it is something that must be practiced. Whether you are introverted or extroverted by nature, step out of your comfort zone and reach out to those around you. At the end of the day, we are all looking for connections and friendships.