How Taking a Chance Can Benefit Your Future Self

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” -Wayne Gretzky

Even though everyone, everywhere, frequently mentions this quote (especially if you’re a fan of The Office), it really carries a great meaning.

Big changes are difficult and scary. I had no idea what to expect when I started my first internship here at Indiana INTERNnet. I had had a few jobs before this, but no internship experience or working in a professional office space. A week before I started, I second guessed myself as to whether I made the right decision to take the position. I had just finished my freshman year of college and was completely convinced I was not ready to take on this responsibility

Whether it’s moving to college or starting a new job, change can be scary. If you don’t try, you don’t know. I hope that if you are considering making a change in your life, you do it. No matter how scary the concept may seem, every experience comes with a lesson. Changes only happen when you take a risk. If you do everything the way you’re used to, there is no availability for change to occur.

The future is full of uncertainty. The best you can do is to go into everything with your greatest effort. Don’t be afraid of failure, because even with failure you learned something. So, if something goes wrong, don’t worry about it. It’s not your first mistake and I promise it won’t be your last.

If you are thinking about applying for an internship and fear what might happen, that’s fine, but don’t let it hold you back. I thought that getting an internship was something that people do when they’re getting ready to graduate. A mentor of mine informed me about the benefits and the importance of getting my foot in the door early, and my perception changed.  Like I mentioned, I was so nervous to see what an internship would entail. I am so happy I applied, and I’m excited for my future progress.  Take it from me: the earlier you start, the easier it gets.

This internship taught me many lessons so far, even though it’s only been a month. I’m gaining so much experience and knowledge that I don’t learn in the classroom. If I didn’t take a risk and get out of my comfort zone, I wouldn’t have the valuable information I do now.

There is a saying that you should do one thing that scares you every day (within reason). Be smart with the choices you make, but don’t let fear get in the way of your goals for the future. Start taking chances and apply for that dream internship position. Work hard and don’t stop until you get to where you want to be. It might not be easy, but taking a chance is the first step.