By jcapobia
There's a great quote I once heard: “If you're the best one in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” I think this quote is a call to challenge oneself and get out of one’s comfort zone. A lot of times people miss out on opportunities because they are too scared of the consequences. They hesitate even though they know that they will miss an opportunity for something they will ultimately enjoy.
Let me give you an example:
It's a beautiful day outside and you and your friends go to a pool. You disrobe, put on the sunscreen, and fold your towel neatly on the chair. As you head towards the pool, a feeling of anxiety washes over you and you take a second, hesitating before you jump in the pool. It may be a moment's hesitation or a couple minutes hesitation because you know that when you go in, there will be a shock as the cold water rushes over you. For a few seconds after you jump, (which feel like forever for you), you will feel uncomfortable and cold. However, you know, even before you take that jump, that you will be fine afterwords, the cold and uncomfortableness will go away eventually.
When I chose to study abroad, I hesitated. That is why I have chosen to go so late during my Junior year, I knew my first few days would be a challenge and, true to my imagination, countless times during my first week and a half here in Spain, I have been challenged like never before, in ways I couldn’t imagine.
Studying abroad, especially while trying to learn a language, is a different beast than anything I have done before this. Everything I took as normal became abnormal. In the United States, you may be used to eating at certain times, or used to certain forms of etiquette. You may even believe there are 7 continents! However, when you go abroad, everything you took for granted changes. After only 10 days in Madrid, my body still struggles to adjust to the eating times. I still fail to keep both my elbows on the table while I eat or eat using the proper etiquette. I also realized that saying there are 7 continents while in Spain will get you dirty looks.
(Fun fact: They count the Americas as one continent; that's why the Olympics have 5 rings).
My body and and mind are suffering from a sort of dissonance of cultures. This dissonance is similar to the one felt when you enter the pool, as the unforgiving cold attacks your fortitude, questioning your will. Although I come from a predominantly Italian family, one whose Southern European culture isn’t too different from Spain’s culture, the culture shock is still very real. In my classes, my casa with my host family, and even the subway, I have begun to learn new things and challenge myself.
Although it has been difficult, I have loved every second of it so far and I know I'll adjust and be better because of it. I’m happy to be the worst spanish speaker in the room, the least “civilized” in the room, or the most foreign in the room. Everyday I learn something new and meet someone new, improving both my spanish and myself.
If there is someone who is hesitant about studying abroad because they’re worried they won’t fit in, understand the language, or that they may feel stupid. Don’t worry, you will. But you will be better because of it.
Try leaving your comfort zone and being the worst one in the room. You might like it.