Always Try New Things

Dear class of 2025, as we enter the next chapter of our lives I want to share one of the lessons I have learned in the past four years, which is to always try new things and always believe in yourself. I have been in many situations where I’m not sure what my next step should be. For example, I have played sports since I could remember. I played football, softball and have just started playing ice hockey and lacrosse my junior year. I’m not sure why it took me such a long time to move on from the sports in the past, maybe because I don’t remember my life without them or it feels like I’m starting all over again I’m not sure, but I will say I’m glad I did what I did. I enjoy the new sports I have tried so much, I  have made new friendships and have gotten out of my comfort zone more than I thought I would. 

A specific story is when I started playing lacrosse. I’ve always wanted to try playing, but never thought I would have the opportunity. When I was unable to play softball, I was suggested to play lacrosse and I didn’t know at the time if I was actually going to enjoy it, but when I started going to the practice and meeting the team it just felt right. Since then I have improved in the sport and have gained many great relationships that will last a lifetime. I will always be glad that I got out of my comfort zone and joined the team. 

The lesson that I have learned from high school is to always try new things even if you don’t think you can do it. You have people all around you that support everything you do. I always wish that I could go back to freshman and sophomore year and try new things, or get out of my comfort zone and do things I might not have been fully comfortable with. No matter how much I wish those years will never change. But I will always wonder what would’ve changed if I had tried new things earlier on. 

When I look back years from now I don’t want to wish I did certain things in High School, I want to be able to say I’m so glad I tried out for that. All the times I have tried out something new even if I don’t end up liking it in the end, I have always learned something from it. No matter if the memories are good or bad they will always have an impact on the person who you become. Trying new things can help us grow as a person, helps us know how to handle mistakes or certain situations. Trying new things can lead to amazing opportunities. Everyone needs to remember to be brave and try new things even if you are scared or nervous. The world is full of possibilities and we will never know what they are unless we try something new. If I never got out of my comfort zone I would not be the person I am today.

“graduation caps” by j.o.h.n. walker is licensed under CC BY 2.0.