Guest Blogger: "Leaving the Comfort Zone" by Jason

Let's face it, we all have something we fear in life. Some may fear the big ocean, when they've never seen the deep blue themselves. Others may complain about how adventure sports like sky-diving are too dangerous, while the death rate of driving a car is way higher. We have these fears not because of how we understand them, but how we refuse to acknowledge them. We stay within this bubble called the "comfort zone" that separates our perceptions between "comfortable" and "uncomfortable."

However, stepping out of the comfort zone may be one of the most difficult decisions ever since that means that we will be facing our biggest fears. As controversial as it sounds, stepping out of this imaginary bubble actually helps you learn valuable lessons.

When deciding to apply for a Marine Science and Field Work program at CIEE, I was well aware of the importance of having the ability to swim. Unfortunately, I ended up being the only one in the program who didn't know how to swim. Although it was very difficult and awkward to be the center of attention for not being able to swim, the infamy actually pushed me harder to try even more. We started with the swimming pool at the dorm. From the basics, we moved on to simple free-styles, then to breast strokes and other floating techniques in sea water. By the end of the trip, I was snorkeling almost every day! I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the ones who spent their precious time teaching me how to swim: Hannah, Natalie, Kathleen, Jimmy, Kiana, Katrine, and Bea.

Was learning how to swim outside my comfort zone? Definitely. Was learning how to swim from scrap hard? Of course it was! But these uncomfortable boundaries are the opportunities that force us to push ourselves further and ameliorate our life experiences. Finally, I am very grateful for CIEE’s High School Study Abroad Program for giving me the privilege to step out of my comfort zone and become a better individual and learn how to swim.