One of my theatre teachers used to constantly tell my class and me “Risk-Taking is free” and I don’t think I ever listened to her. I don’t think I was ever willing to hear her because being told to take risks and step out of your comfort zone is terrifying. And while I wish I had heard her then, I’m glad it stuck with me all this time and I’m able to hear it echoing in my head now. Because not only should people constantly be taking risks, but college is the most important time to do so.

Risk Embarrassment. Get up on stage at open mic and tell all those jokes you thought were stupid. Speak up in class and risk getting the answer completely wrong. Try out for that team you’ve always thought about trying out for. Whatever the risk is, raise the stakes and go for it. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll gain, and the risk that your cheeks will pink up is more than worth it. People remember the moments they try something completely new more than anything else.

Risk Stability. Allow yourself to go out on a limb and take a risk that could change your life. Even if it could change whether or not you live in the same place or go to the same school, go after the things that will light your life on fire. If you feel passionate and excited about what you’re doing, then it just might be the right thing. Have faith in your risk and the payoff couldn’t be better.

Risk Friendships. When you take the right risks and go after whatever you think is truly worth it, the right people will follow you through. Don’t be afraid that you’ll be left alone after taking a risk because you never truly will. People admire who you and your willingness to take risks are the people you want in your life. Friendships are only worth it if they can make it through all the risks you’re willing to take.

Risk your path. You never know if the path you think you’re on, is the one you’re meant to be on. That attempt at stand-up could be your true calling, that dance class could completely change your life, or even going through recruitment could make you part of a world you never imagined being apart of. Do something to change your life, take a risk and you never know where you’ll end up.

Risk your comfort zone. At the end of the day nothing truly will matter or be worth it if all you ever did was do what you thought was right. If you take no risks, you’ll get no reward and you might never find your true calling. What will make you happy tomorrow could be because you took that risk you had been waiting to take. Smile in the face of discomfort and know you’re trying something new.