Five seconds of courage. Five seconds to get started. Five seconds could change everything. Sometimes us as humans we get so comfortable in what we know we forget what else is out there. We forget to try new things or take that leap of faith. But if you don't do it now when will you. Graduating with my AA degree, I had two goals, transfer to a University and Travel more. I got opportunities and was able to travel more by saving up and saying yes to things that may never be there again and I made some amazing memories. That second goal held me back, which school is best for me? Do I have the money? What happens if I don't like it? I had so many questions and was so scared I'd make the wrong decision. But one night I got up and was tired of questioning it.

I took five seconds of courage and signed up for orientation at UCF and it was the best decision I could have made. After attending orientation, I was extremely excited for the semester to start. I went and found housing and it was all coming together. Finally, it was move-in day. Now for me this was a big day because I was finally going to be living on my own, something I had wanted for so long. My first two semesters (second being cut short due to corona) at UCF we're more than I could have wanted. I joined greek life, clubs, tried to be as involved as possible, met some amazing people, and overall just loved it. I was so sad, as everyone probably is when this whole pandemic came and somewhat halted life. But I couldn't be more excited to go back to school in the fall. So, what can you get from all this? From putting five seconds of courage into action, I made some of my favorite memories and honestly was the happiest I have been in a while.

There is another time I have used this method as well. For example, in high school I had a date to meet up with the guy I was talking to at the time at a park. On the way there I was questioning why I was going, if I should go, what if it would be awkward, etc. I went anyway taking those 5 seconds of courage to get out of my car. Turns out I had a great time. We walked around the park and it ended with him asking me out and kissing me before I left. So, I was very happy I went.

I think its good to push yourself out of your comfort zone. You never know what could happen, it could end up being great. Sometimes you just have to push past your fear and go for it. Don't push things off because they scare you, which is something I have to remind myself often. I have used five seconds of courage many times and more often than not, it works out for the better and you miss 100% of the opportunities your don't take. So the next time you're scared to take that next step, push yourself to start for five seconds because you never know if it could be the best decision you've ever made.