~2 minute read.
Today, our guest blogger, Molly shares her story of courage …
I often struggle with change. Whether it be finishing school or starting a new job; I find exchanging the safety of my comfort zone for the risk of the unknown challenging. So leaving my family home in Melbourne, Australia for a university exchange program in Canada was one of the hardest and scariest things I have ever done. Not only was I moving out of living with my family for the first time, but I was moving halfway across the world, where I would have to live independently in a new country with a different time zone, different climate, and different language.
I started learning French at the age of 13 and, although it is not ultimately associated with my desired career path, it is something that I have always worked really hard at and enjoyed learning. I continued my French studies at university alongside my science degree, but quickly discovered that my improvements in the language were starting to plateau. That was when I decided that I wanted to do an exchange, to completely immerse myself in the French language and improve my language skills.
My family came with me to Canada to help me set up and settle in to my new accommodation on campus at my university in Quebec City. Their support made it easier for me to find my feet but saying goodbye to them, and the first few days following their departure, were really hard for me. I knew no one and it was a scary feeling, being alone in a different country. I was constantly having to push myself outside of my comfort zone to meet new people and face all the challenges associated with living independently which was anxiety-inducing, exciting and exhausting all at once. But deep down I knew that I had made the right decision, I was ready for this and I was capable of handling these challenges.
Writing this, I am now one month into my four month exchange program. And I love it. I have already met so many amazing people, made friends from all over the world, and tried so many new and exciting activities, such as ice skating and hiking in the snow. My French is improving and I am so glad and proud that I stuck it out and pushed through when it was hard. This experience has, so far, been better than I ever could have imagined and I am so so grateful for this opportunity. Sometimes all it takes is a leap of courage.
“I was constantly having to push myself outside of my comfort zone … which was anxiety-inducing, exciting and exhausting all at once … I was ready for this and I was capable of handling these challenges.”
I am so grateful to be able share this tremendous story of courage with you all. In her courage, Molly has experienced and demonstrated that you can be fearful and still be courageous at the same time. She demonstrated courage in her decision-making and also in acting on her decision. She has demonstrated the perseverance that goes hand in glove with courage.
Molly, thank you for sharing your story. I have no doubt it will inspire courage in others.
@CourageChick
Leading with courage 