Photo illustration by Breanna Denney

By Erin Collins

It’s far too easy to say “no.” When an opportunity to try something new presents itself, too many of us shy away rather than take a risk. Although it’s more convenient to deprive ourselves of new experiences than to embrace them, I’ve learned that the greatest experiences often occur just outside of our all-too-familiar comfort zones.

When I was first approached to do this column, I was hesitant. “I already have so much on my plate,” I thought, “Why add on more unnecessary stress?”

What a negative attitude that was. I was looking at the situation entirely wrong. Instead, I opted to see the bright side — I had been asked to share my own opinions and views in a public setting. Someone believed that my voice should be heard, which is worth celebrating.

A few years ago, had I been presented with the same opportunity, I admit that I most likely would have passed. At that time, I was just fine with my stable routine: class, whenever I felt like attending, not enough studying, Greek events to fill my weekends and far too much Netflix in between. That was my comfort zone, and I liked it.

Let’s be honest, though, how did I benefit from doing the same thing week after week?

Don’t get me wrong, I believe in a healthy routine. Some of the most successful people I know have airtight schedules that they follow each day. That doesn’t mean that they don’t benefit from shaking it up every once in a while.

This time last year, I was nominated as a candidate for homecoming queen. At first, I laughed, thinking that I would never submit myself to such superficial pageantry because in reality, I was scared. What would my talent be? What would I do on stage in front of 500 of my peers? What if they hated it?

Again, I was looking at the situation from a negative point of view. The decision to go through with last year’s homecoming pageant was one of the toughest choices I have ever made. The reason why: my staggering fear of rejection.

I could have easily turned the opportunity down to save myself from potential embarrassment. I could have blamed it on the fact that one of my closest friends was also competing, and I didn’t want to put a strain on our friendship. I could have blamed it on a number of false pretenses, but instead, I mustered up a little gumption, and let my guard down for everyone to see. What did I really have to lose?

Forty years from now, I don’t want to look back and think, “what if?” The regret of something we didn’t do or say, or of what might have happened if we had, is far worse than the regret of trying something and not succeeding. In the end, you can always be comforted from knowing that you gave something your best effort.

The first time we break out of our comfort zones, and say “yes” to something we normally wouldn’t, is both the most nerve-wracking and exhilarating experience of our lives. That is the moment when we find ourselves no longer thinking about everything that could go wrong, but rather, everything that could go right. Moreover, it is also when we begin to question what opportunities we may be missing out on when we let our fear stand in the way.

I did not win the title of homecoming queen. What’s strange is that while on stage, winning became the furthest thing from my mind. I decided that if I was going to participate in the pageant, no matter what, I was going to have fun.

That’s exactly what I did — I had fun, shared some laughs and made some new friends along the way. My favorite thing that I took away from the experience, however, was my newfound lack of self-doubt.

That attitude has carried over into several other aspects of my life, benefitting me in more ways than I could have previously imagined.

This past spring, for example, I took a huge risk by applying for an internship on Capitol Hill. When I sent in my resume, I had no idea what would happen if I was accepted. There were plenty of uncertainties: how I would get to Washington, D.C., where I would live while there, and how I would survive in an unfamiliar place without knowing anyone.

I put these questions and doubts out of my mind, and opted to worry about the details later. I was persistent in my efforts, and continued to contact the office until I was asked for an interview. Not only was I offered the position, diminishing any traces of self-doubt I might have had, but from that moment, I felt a flood of support from the office, my friends and my family members. Those uncertainties that had once seemed so colossal began to feel minuscule in comparison to the opportunity that lay ahead of me.

My summer in Washington, D.C. was one of the best of my life. The incredible connections I established, knowledge I gained and memories I made all stem back to my willingness to try something new. It’s strange to think about everything I would have missed out on had I not simply sent in my resume this past February. I could have let my fear of rejection and all of the uncertainties stand in the way of a life-changing summer. Thankfully, I’m here to advise you against making a similar mistake.

So take risks. Do not be afraid of what could happen; be afraid of what you might miss out on. Remove the word “no” from your vocabulary and replace it with the word “yes.” Try new experiences, because those who are willing to break out of their comfort zones end up doing incredible things. You might fall on your face trying, but who knows what could happen if you don’t try at all?

Erin Collins studies strategic communications. She can be reached at dcoffey@unr.edu.