BENEFITS OF LEAVING THE COMFORT ZONE

I notice that in the earlier descriptions there were few words, because the way I spent the day was not special. I had established a routine, which had become my comfort zone. I always went back there and refused to expand or leave this area. At the same time, I was surrounded by inspiring and active individuals in the community and constantly had the opportunity to hear motivational stories and even offers to join, but the insecurity and fear of raising my voice had chained me and I could not break free until a certain moment.

Illustration: Argjira Kukaj

 

As I sit on the floor and read my diary, where I have kept notes over the years I reflect on my shaping. I remember every opportunity I seized, the many benefits of each experience, and I hate myself for the opportunities I have left to pass in front of my face and slip out of my hands due to insecurity.
I notice that in the earlier descriptions there were few words, because the way I spent the day was not special. I had established a routine, which had become my comfort zone. I always went back there and refused to expand or leave this area. At the same time, I was surrounded by inspiring and active individuals in the community and constantly had the opportunity to hear motivational stories and even offers to join, but the insecurity and fear of raising my voice had chained me and I could not break free until a certain moment.

After finishing the 9th grade, I attended classes at the “Sami Frashëri” gymnasium of natural sciences. It was a challenge in itself. I had to adapt to the new circle and environment. I would spend every day with complete strangers. And as a barrier that prevented me from facing this situation became the pandemic caused by COVID-19. Online learning was not at all attractive. As the lecture was held I lost into my thoughts and returned frustrated to reality. I had plenty of time to reflect on the period I had spent in school. We learned a lot of complex theories and little practice that could be related to real life. We were always focused only on learning, and never on activities that could further develop our mentality.

One morning, while I was working on a project, my mom invited me to join her in a meeting. They were discussing about a school that was offering scholarships. As I listened to what the school had to offer and the opportunities, something inside me ignited. After the meeting, I immediately got into reading even more and decided to challenge myself. I applied for the scholarship. I had doubts about my potential and did not have any expectations, but I appreciated that it was worth trying.
The journey to the scholarship had 3 challenges and they were separated by 1 month from the final answer. Some time had passed and I had forgotten the date when the scholarship winners would be announced. On a random day I received an email. Contrary to my suspicions, I had managed to face all those challenges successfully. I had won the scholarship! It was a completely different experience. A fulfillment of a motivation that I could achieve anything if I had the courage.
The transfer to the new school took me back to the cycle where I had to adapt. I had to go through total routine changes once again. Again a completely new environment and circle. But this time I was more than ready. It was the school I had dreamed of. Another learning system, with many opportunities for involvement in activities and space for my voice to be heard.

The first activity I attended at school was raising awareness about breast cancer. We did it mainly through presentations and flyers. Presenting to the whole class was a challenge in itself, but what got me out of my comfort zone was handing out leaflets in the city center. I had to overcome the fear and approach people to give them the necessary information about this disease. It was not easy; many of them did not even have a minute to stop, so they passed in front of their faces and ignored them. But the interest on the other side made me feel needed and I knew I was doing a good thing.
In addition to continuing to be part of school activities, I started getting involved in extracurricular programs and activities like Junior Geeks, Unicef, TOKA and CAA. Applications always continue to be challenging as they are the only part where I can show who I am and why I should be selected, but they are surmountable. Creating a circle with the same interests as yours, expanding your horizons and being active in the community are among the main benefits of leaving the comfort zone. It may be scary at first, but after a while a kind of “addiction” is created to new experiences, you are looking for something different at all times.

So, take courage, push yourself and take advantage of the opportunities that surround you!

 

 

About the author: Lyra Ymeraga, 16 years old from Prishtina, attends classes at the Finnish School of Kosovo.

 

This grant is supported by the Balkan Trust for Democracy, a project of the German Marshall Fund of the United States