My final year at university has been no exception. As graduation approaches, and the date of submission for my dissertation looms, I've developed a real drive to improve myself.
In this last week, I've done things I never dreamed I could. And what may seem trivial to some of you, isn't always so easy for others. I've always had some reservation about socializing, especially with people I'm not familiar with. The pangs of anxiety would eventually drive me away from the situation, and retreat back into my little quiet world. This anxiety extended to presentations too.
This can be manageable when you're still in education, there are ways around presenting in front of a class. A favourite was to 'sleep in' and 'lose track of time so I couldn't make it'. But if I'm determined to get a 1st class honors, this simply can't be the case.
I can't let it ruin this opportunity, so I've adopted a 'tough love' approach to these irrational feelings.
And so far.. it's working like a charm. Today in class, I finally gave my first presentation. And guess what? The world didn't end! Although immediately afterward I was so relieved that I felt like I was about to cry.. This is a huge achievement for me personally, having shied away from putting myself in center stage for so long. Over the course of my degree a special support plan has been in place, where instead of presenting in class, I would complete the assignment one-to-one with my mentor. The anxiety I felt towards presentations was overwhelming, and the support plan was my comfort blanket. It has taken a lot of time to get here.
But the importance of this degree has made me really look at my weaknesses and force myself to improve. I no longer allow myself to hide away from these things.
From now on I hope I can keep facing situations with this attitude I've adopted. The possibilities seem endless!