Comfort Zone

Comfort zone. Safe. Quiet. Constant. A place for me to just blend into the world going unnoticed. An escape from reality and society’s harsh, judging eyes. However,  it is also known as the danger zone for growth. To me, growth didn't mean much besides drinking more milk to get those few extra inches.

Mitra assigned me to be one of the leaders for a group of girls during our time at camp zajac. I was beyond anxious. I’m shy and quiet so public speaking, engaging with the kids and being a good mentor was going to be hard. Would the girls listen? Could I get everyone to participate and have fun? These were my thoughts going into that weekend.

I had to get outside of comfort zone. Be loud and inclusive to everyone in my group. I had to be okay with leading my group rather than following it. I felt very awkward because this isn’t what I do. But that weekend, I felt more and more comfortable. Speaking up didn’t make me feel like my throat would close up.  Towards the end I got comfortable being uncomfortable. So even if I still stand at 5”6 tall. I grew in more ways than one.
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- Laiana, Grade 11