Julia LaPrade
Stepping out of your comfort zone
The smell of boiling turf being kicked up by cleats, the fast and aggressive unknown plays happening, and the small yellowing ball flying wildly through the sky. As for me, this is something I’m passionate about. How would you feel if you were given the opportunity to do something that benefits you but you would have to step out of your comfort zone to do so?
In my experience, I felt stuck and even overwhelmed. I was given the opportunity to join a different, more skillful team. However, the small decision I made of saying the three letter word ‘Yes’, has opened so many doors for me that I couldn’t have imagined.
I have been playing lacrosse since I was in 2nd grade in a town league. But during 7th grade, I decided to branch off and try out for a club team, not knowing anyone on the team. Later, following my tryout I received an email saying, “Congratulations, you made the team!” This was huge for me. Coming from a small town and being accepted onto a higher-level team with better skills and opportunities, filled me with excitement and confidence. My time spent on this team was packed with developing new skills and friendships. As I grew older and the competition was getting harder I could tell that my team was starting to struggle at the tournaments we were competing in. So, my parents and I discussed whether I should stay on the team or try out for a new one with better skill and competition. I knew this meant I had to leave behind the relationships I had just started to get more comfortable in and start from scratch again. Those thoughts were constantly filling my brain.
Was there a point in switching teams and would this benefit me in the long run? I didn’t know if there was a point in switching to a new team. Finally, I made the decision to go to the tryout. As I walked into my first round of tryouts carrying my bag and stick in hand, I caught a glimpse of two girls I instantly recognized. After getting a better look I realized it was 2 girls from my previous team I was on. Going over to them and realizing they were also trying out gave me a sense of comfort. Seeing two friendly faces made me realize this wasn’t going to be that bad. The tryouts ended up going really well. I vividly remember the coach approaching me after the tryouts saying, “good job”; this made me feel assured. My hard work was recognized. A few weeks later I yet again received the email, “Congratulations, you made the team!” I was over the moon with excitement. But again, a part of me was hesitant about leaving the relationships I had developed, having to make new ones. Today, I can say I made the right choice.
This decision has taught me the lesson that you shouldn’t not do something because you are uncomfortable or afraid: Be comfortable with the uncomfortable. If you only do things in your comfort zone then you will never go anywhere with your life. Doing the same things over and over with little to no change won’t benefit you. Although I had doubts in the beginning I am thrilled with my decision. Even though I still have two years left with playing highschool lacrosse, I genuinely believe that this new team has already benefited me in so many ways. I have met new coaches, college coaches, players, and people that push me to always use my skills to my full potential. I have been given the opportunity to get scouted by college coaches at different clinics and so much more.
When I look back on that day I am glad I made the decision to say that three letter word. My doubts were canceled out by benefits the second I stepped on that turf field. The field that I share my memories with so many different people. That same field is where I made the decision to step onto the tryout, to grant myself with endless possibilities. Today, I’m grateful I stepped on that field.
