Getting outside of your comfort zone

This past week in class, we had a guest speaker who challenged us in ways that pushed many of us beyond our comfort zones. From the moment he arrived, we knew this wouldn’t be a typical day of sitting and listening. Instead, we were on our feet, thinking on the spot, and stepping into exercises that tested our communication and creativity.

One of the first activities was the ABC exercise. In this one, we went around the room building a story together, with each person starting their sentence with the next letter of the alphabet. It might sound silly, but it was actually a big challenge. It forced us to think quickly, listen closely to each other, and keep the story moving without freezing up. There wasn’t time to hesitate—you just had to trust yourself and speak.

Another activity was especially difficult: we had to speak without using words like “me,” “I,” or anything related to ourselves. The goal was to avoid talking about ourselves entirely. At first, it felt almost impossible. We’re so used to sharing our own experiences or perspectives when we speak, and suddenly that wasn’t allowed. It made us realize just how much of our daily conversations revolve around us. But it also opened up a new way of thinking—focusing on others, asking better questions, and learning how to communicate with less ego.

The best part was that the speaker got everyone involved. No one could just sit back and watch. Whether you were shy, outgoing, or somewhere in between, you had to participate. That kind of environment made it clear: growth comes from discomfort. When you’re pushed to do something new—especially something that feels awkward or difficult—you start to learn more about your strengths and areas for improvement.

By the end of class, I felt more confident and aware of how I speak and listen. Getting outside of your comfort zone might be scary, but it’s also exciting. It’s where growth happens, and it’s how we become better thinkers, better communicators, and more connected to the people around us.