Khadijah Dixon is a student at Albright College and an ISA Featured Blogger. She is currently studying abroad with ISA in Meknes, Morocco.
Studying abroad takes people out of their comfort zone. I had never dreamed that I would be doing something as great as leaving the country. However I am very happy that I did. But during my experience here in Morocco, I have come out of my comfort zone in more ways than one, giving me more skills, stories and experiences that I am able to share with others. Two of my experiences in particular have truly helped me to develop into a better person.
The first experience was when I went into the Taza caves. When I first heard of the trip I was excited to explore the area. An important thing to note here is that I was terrified of steep steps. On our way to the caves, a number of us were a little worried because it was our first caving experience. When we got there, we got into our outfits and prepared to go deep into the caves. I was more afraid of the 522 steep steps. I was ready to give up and allow the money I had just paid go to waste. However, my friends decided that she would not let me give up, and I went down those 522 steps. Although I did not make it fully into the cave, I came away from that experience with hurting thighs and the mindset that in order to experience the beauty in life, I have to step out of my comfort zone–no matter how hard that may seem.
My second experience was with my course work. My course work here in Morocco is not easy. Certain skills and resources (such as a library that was open until midnight) are not available here. Adapting to new things was not very easy for me to do, but I was able to change my habits to ensure that I was doing the best work possible. From this I found an understanding that sometimes your old skills will not help you, but reevaluating and changing when necessary can help to achieve more.
Learning to step outside of your comfort zone can be the very thing that gets you onto another level that you knew never existed. Learning how to experience new things while changing the way I do things can truly help me while growing in my personal and professional life.
The world awaits…discover it.
Hey :)
I really like your article. It is so important to leave our own comfort zone from time to time to learn something new. I think in our daily lives we often forget that. Have a great time in Morocco! :)
Thank you. :)