By Ellie Green ’28
One piece of advice I heard numerous times before I began my study abroad semester was to say yes to as much as possible – even if, and especially when, it was difficult to step outside of my comfort zone. Fast forward to today, in the home stretch of my time abroad, I now view this as one of the best pieces of advice I received. I had also heard from multiple people about how much they grew as an individual during their time abroad, and this was something I was most looking forward to about coming to New Zealand. I was hoping my study abroad experience would be a big step in the long journey of self-discovery, and I was excited to grow from discomfort. So let my story be further evidence of the advice I received about stepping out of your comfort zone, and I hope this shows you some of the wonderful reasons why you should always try to say yes!
In the weeks and days leading up to my departure, I knew it would be a challenge for me to say yes to opportunities as much as everyone recommended. I never would have characterized myself as the most adventurous or the biggest risk taker. I love a good routine, and “flexible” is not a word people would use to describe me. I was, however, super excited to step out of my comfort zone in order to learn more about myself. By that point, I had already taken a huge step – I had said yes to moving thousands of miles across the world for a semester in a country that is known for its rugged outdoors and uniquely beautiful environment. And frankly, I was nervous that I was not outdoorsy or qualified enough to go on the kinds of adventures that New Zealand is known for, like backpacking and hiking expeditions. Even though I had these fears, I was also looking forward to this experience to try new things that I had long since wanted to do, even little things like camping. And that decision to come to New Zealand, even when I was fearful, might have just been the best yes I have ever said!
Since that first “yes” brought me to New Zealand, I have had a number of enlightening experiences that I would never have had if I did not push myself out of my routines and familiar habits. As my time in Dunedin winds down, I reflect on some of my favorite moments, places, and adventures I have experienced thanks to saying yes. Like when I woke up at 3:00 AM to begin a 10-mile, 5,000 foot sunrise hike at Roy’s Peak – the most memorable experience I have had here. Or the times when I explored a glacier, camped next to waterfalls and beaches, and learned about Kava ceremonies in Fiji and tasted traditional Māori hangi, both of which are important aspects of the respective Fijian and Māori cultures.
Beyond all these amazing moments, though, learning to say yes and step outside my comfort zone led to a number of smaller events that made just as big an impact on me. Saying yes led me to find my new favorite noodle restaurant in Dunedin, which became a frequent dinner spot for me and my friends. And on account of me saying yes to different opportunities, I met a friend in my housing complex who lives just 30 minutes from my hometown, and I partook in a volunteer habitat regeneration project on the peninsula. I listened to professors whom I have never met give their Inaugural Professorial Lectures, in which they shared their passion for their work and gratitude for the people who helped them get to this point in their career – a seemingly random moment, but something that I found so impactful.
Ultimately, saying yes when opportunities arose has led to some of my most extraordinary moments in New Zealand, but it also caused many smaller, quotidian moments of joy, fulfillment, human connection, and exploration that truly made my study abroad experience as special as it has been. I know these past few months abroad would not have been as meaningful to my self-exploration as they have been if I had let fear, comfort, or convenience rule my decision-making.
With that being said, I also want to note the importance of still trusting yourself to know when something is not going to be good for you. For example, there were definitely still a few nights this past semester where some social event was occurring, but I was exhausted or feeling a bit under the weather and I knew I just needed a calm movie night with some hot chocolate instead. And that is totally ok! The ability to know what I need when I am not feeling my best is still tied to stepping out of my comfort zone – learning what I am capable of and when I may need to rest instead is a lesson that is just as important as pushing myself to new experiences.
I want to leave you with the advice that had such an incredible impact on my study abroad experience – say yes as much as you can, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, and don’t be afraid to do something outside of your comfort zone. You have the ability to choose your path and make your own adventures and I encourage you to gain as many new experiences as you can! I’ve also realized that I don’t have to be abroad to continue to push myself out of my comfort zone, and this philosophy of “saying yes” is one that I want to bring back to Middletown with me. Accumulating new experiences can be something that comes just from saying yes to a lunch date with an acquaintance or taking a yoga class that could help me find a new passion.
From saying yes to new opportunities here in New Zealand, I have learned more about myself and what I value, I have met new friends and amazing people, I have seen unreal sights and had more experiences in the outdoors than I even could have hoped for. As my study abroad experience comes to a close soon, I hope my own story inspires you to do something new even if you are scared. You never know how amazing the results can be when you just say yes!