Taking risks: it is something that I have always been told to do and have always told others to do. I have heard that life is more fun when you take bigger risks. But what exactly does that mean? This is a question that I ask myself often. Is it really a risk if the consequences are not dire?

Some people take this advice about risks and think about it in a grand way. They do something that terrifies their friends and parents because to many, taking risks means participating in activities that put their lives on the line. They hear this advice and apply it in the most physical sense possible — they do something crazy. Driving too fast on dangerous roads, jumping off of tall cliffs or approaching dangerous groups of people are all things that fall under the category of a grand-scale risk. I believe that taking a risk is so much simpler than that. Forget the drama and forget potential death. It does not take those things to get the rush of adrenaline and feel the excitement.

Throughout our lives we are presented with opportunities to take risks on a much smaller scale. I have come to find that these risks bring a more lasting joy than any free-fall ever could. When I was presented with the opportunity to be the editor-in-chief of the yearbook, I lacked the confidence in myself to trust that I was capable. I thought that I was the underdog — someone who lacked experience and would be overshadowed by a person who was better fitted for the job. Then I thought to myself, “What if this is it? What if this is the risk I was meant to take?” So I decided to take it. From that point onward my entire life changed.

After being offered and accepting my position as editor, every decision I made was spurred by the idea that I could reap major rewards from taking small risks. Every page of the book felt like I was going out on a limb with the potential to fall off. However, each small success gave me the joy that kept me going. Now that we have reached the days that the student body gets to hold and read the book that I was in charge of producing, I feel a massive reward for taking that first risk. Had I never taken it, I would lack so much experience and so much development as a person. I learned that I was truly capable of much more than I gave myself credit for. I discovered truths about my work ethic and determination and how to truly be a leader. If I had never taken that risk, I never would be at the point I am at now: a confident woman with knowledge that I can conquer anything in my future.

So take your small risks. Do not feel the need to go bungee jump off of a bridge or ride a motorcycle if it is not necessary. Say yes to opportunities that scare you, because the person who comes out on the other side is going to be better than you could have imagined — a more powerful and confident you.