Why Embracing Change Is Worth the Risk

Change has always scared me.

Throughout my life, I have hated leaving behind the people, routines, and places that made me comfortable. Yet, when I look back, the changes I feared most became some of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

My First Major Experience With Change

I grew up in a neighborhood where everyone knew one another. I went to school with the same people from preschool through eighth grade, and I could walk down the street to my best friend’s house at any time of any day.

My first major encounter with change came when I chose a high school that none of my friends were attending. I knew almost no one going there, and I was a mess.

Still, I marched in on the first day. After four quick years, I had accumulated a great group of friends and endless memories that I would never forget. I matured in new ways, grew to love a new sport, and, most importantly, changed.

Starting Over at the University of Kentucky

As senior year came and went, another change was approaching. I was set to attend the University of Kentucky.

Once again, none of my friends were going with me, and no one from my school was attending. I would be alone in a new school, a new state, and a new culture.

The days leading up to my journey toward the University of Kentucky were incredibly challenging. They were filled with uncontrollable sobbing, hugs, and, of course, heavy laughter with my friends and family.

I was afraid of everything being different. I enjoyed the comfort of how things had been going and didn’t want my life to change. My routine, my friends, and my city all served as comforts to me. I knew how challenging my week would be and the fun the weekend would bring.

When you grow and mature in one place with so many familiar people, it feels impossible to start over, even when what you are starting is college.

Everyone told me how much fun and excitement I was about to experience, but I didn’t care. I was already having enough fun. I didn’t need this newness in my life.

But yet again, I packed my car, drove six hours, and moved into my small, gloomy dorm.

The Reward on the Other Side of Change

After four years at the University of Kentucky, I had not only changed, but I had built an entirely new life for myself.

The institution, the people, and the times we shared have been among the greatest highlights of my life. Not one day goes by without me feeling saddened by the fact that I am no longer a student. Every moment is one I will cherish forever.

As I look back on my life and the changes that led me to this moment, I notice that these major changes were all choices I made. As sad as I was to leave and change, I put myself in those positions.

Every single time, I took a risk and gained a greater reward.

What Entrepreneurs Taught Me About Risk

Serving as a Team Alpha intern at Awesome Inc this summer and entering the world of entrepreneurship helped me better understand risk and change.

Every day, people choose to turn their lives around, put themselves out there, and take a huge risk for their businesses. Even if I had still been in denial about change, being at Awesome Inc would have quickly changed that mindset.

Seeing people attack change, take risks, and capture success proves why change is so important.

Moving Forward, Even When It Is Scary

As I approach another major change in my life, I carry those lessons with me.

I am still hopelessly destroyed by change when it comes, but I have learned that the growth we experience through change can also be the most rewarding part.

You never know where your life will take you or how the decisions you make will affect your future. We must keep moving forward, taking risks, and embracing change.

It is scary when things change, but it is also scary when things stay the same.