A Quiet Journey
Edited on March 30th, 2025:
Welcome lovelies and beau’s!
Life has a funny way of shaping us, often in ways we don’t fully understand until we look back. Some moments feel small at the time—like a quiet kid sitting on the sidelines, too nervous to speak up—but later, they become defining chapters of our story. In this post, I want to take you on a journey through my own transformation, from a shy student who rarely spoke to someone who found their voice in the most unexpected places. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s take a walk down memory lane—you might just see a bit of yourself in this story too.
When I think back to my childhood, one thing stands out: I was fearless when it came to making new friends. It didn’t matter where I was or who I was with—if there was another kid nearby, I was introducing myself. One memory that comes to mind is a trip to Wisconsin Dells. I don’t remember how old I was or which hotel we stayed at (Wisconsin Dells is the water park capital of the U.S., after all), but I do remember this: I was happily splashing around, jumping across those slippery floating lily pads with the rope overhead, and hanging out in the hot tub—alone. And then, in the blink of an eye, I had a new best friend for the day. We spent hours going down waterslides, laughing, and having the time of our lives. But as quickly as we became friends, the day ended, and we had to say goodbye. That was my first real taste of how bittersweet it can be to make a friend for just a moment in time.
But did that stop me? Absolutely not.
A short while later, I found myself on a family trip to Colorado, where my parents signed me up for a skiing class. Now, I wish I could tell you all about my impressive skiing skills, but… according to my dad, I spent the entire session sitting on the side of the hill, talking to another girl. Who needs to learn how to ski when you can make a new friend instead? (And for the record, I eventually learned how to snowboard, so it all worked out in the end.)
Then there was Girl Scouts. Whether we were searching for crawfish in the creek, camping in the woods, marching in parades, or running around the school during events, I was always that care-free, energetic kid who wanted to make friends with everyone.
But somewhere along the way… that changed.
Everything changed in college. While the transformation didn’t happen overnight, it was remarkable how quickly things shifted. It all started when some friends encouraged me to join a student club on campus. At first, I was hesitant, unsure if I truly belonged in a space that required speaking up and engaging with new people. But little by little, I found myself growing more comfortable, stepping outside my shell in ways I never had before.
As I became more involved, something clicked. I wasn’t just participating—I was contributing, sharing ideas, and realizing that my voice mattered. The more I spoke up, the more confidence I gained. Eventually, I felt so at home in this new environment that I decided to take an even bigger leap: I ran for a leadership position. It was a bold move for someone who once dreaded speaking in front of others, but by then, I had come to understand that leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room—it’s about showing up, taking initiative, and believing in yourself.
What surprised me the most was how natural it started to feel. The more I put myself out there, the more I realized that being quiet didn’t mean I lacked leadership skills. I could connect with people in different ways—through action, through listening, through thoughtful input rather than the loudest voice in the room. And people respected that.
One of my proudest moments came when I was asked to be a part of a panel discussion. Me—a girl who once cried through a driving lesson because of fear and intimidation—now sitting on a stage, sharing my experiences and advice with others. It was surreal.
Looking back, I see how each experience, no matter how uncomfortable, led me to that moment. Every time I was pushed outside my comfort zone, I grew a little more. And while I’ll always have my quiet nature, I now see it as a strength rather than something to "fix."
Finding my voice in college was just the beginning. Once I realized I had something valuable to say—that my perspective mattered—it changed the way I approached life. I no longer saw myself as just the quiet girl who blended into the background. I had confidence in my abilities, and I carried that with me into new experiences, friendships, and challenges.
Of course, stepping into your own voice doesn’t mean you’ll never have doubts. There were still times when I second-guessed myself, where fear of judgment or failure made me hesitate. But what college taught me—what life has continued to teach me—is that your voice isn’t just about how loud you are; it’s about how authentically you show up in the world.
For years, I thought being quiet meant being invisible. I thought leadership was reserved for those who were naturally outspoken. But I learned that leadership takes many forms. Sometimes, it looks like standing on a stage giving a speech. Other times, it looks like listening intently, leading by example, or advocating for something you believe in, even when your voice shakes.
So, if you ever feel lost, if you ever feel like you don’t fit in or that you need to be someone you're not just to belong—take a breath and remind yourself: You are enough. You are worthy. And your voice, exactly as it is, has a place in this world.
I know this because I found mine when I least expected it. And I believe you’ll find yours too.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
