Last year, when I started college, I had a very clear motive.

See, in high school, I was painfully shy and awkward. I was super afraid to try new things and explore all that was offered to me. I wasn’t in any clubs. I wasn’t on any teams. I barely ever raised my hand in class, since I have the common fear of public speaking. I was just shy, in every sense of the word.

So, upon starting at Queens College, I decided that I needed to set a goal for myself. That goal was to break out of my shell, step out of my comfort zone, and pop my bubble. In other words, I had intended to try new things, meet new people, and take risks that my usual shy self prevents me from taking.

Did that work out for me? Well, not so much.

It was great in the beginning. I wrote a couple things for the Knight News (they didn’t get published, but hey, I tried), hung out with people from various clubs (I didn’t join, but still…), and even rode a mechanical bull at the Fall Fest.

Yes, that’s right, I rode a bull. Twice. In front of people. I never would have thought I’d do that. Ever. That was probably the most exciting and gutsy thing I did all year. However, as the year wore on, my plan began to wither. It died and curled in on itself, since I lacked the motivation to keep it alive.

I need to start over this year. I need to put that plan back in action, but I can’t let myself give up or get lazy or become afraid and second guess myself.

This blog is going to be a huge part of my motivation. I need writing material, right? So what exactly am I supposed to write about if I don’t do anything? I know it sounds sort of like an excuse, kind of like, “Oh, I need to write a blog entry so now I have to actually do something because I have no choice”, but it’s far from.

Once I start doing things and building that confidence, I’m good to go. The quickly and more confidently I try to put cracks in the shell that I’m currently sitting in, the easier it will be for me.

For now, I need ideas. What exactly can I do to push myself out of my comfort zone? Where do I start? What should I strive for? I feel like this campus holds so many opportunities, but I’m not quite sure where to begin.

That is also why I will also be using this blog as a means of opening myself up to suggestions.

So, feel free to leave a comment and help me out a little! I’m ready to get started and, in between classes and studying, exploring all that QC has to offer!