Jessie maus

Photography by Greer Diaz

 If you’re reading this, it’s always going to be scary. 

Sorry, that one-liner is not what everyone wants to read. But, I fear it’s true. And it’s totally okay and perfectly normal for things to be scary. It’s scary to go up and talk to somebody you don’t know. It’s scary to take exams. It’s scary to apply for jobs. It’s scary to buy alcohol with a fake ID. It’s scary to give a presentation. It’s scary to interview. It’s even scary to wear a swimsuit in front of men (seriously). 

But, that’s the fun of it all.

There are going to be times when you feel like you can’t, but then you do. Sometimes you’ll be disappointed with yourself or embarrassed. Other times you’ll be proud of yourself and excited.

I used to think that maybe the scary stuff would stop once I got to college. Now, I catch myself hoping they’d go away once I graduate and land a job. But, over time, you start to realize that the scary part of life isn’t going anywhere. So we'd better get used to it! And you will, and you do (I think). 

So, for now, the only thing you can do is your best. If you’re reading this, go to Bratio and get a drink with your friends. But also try to get to the library and focus on your future. And make sure to get a workout in. Just kidding, sorry, but seriously, it’s your life and you only get one of them, so make sure you live it to the fullest and don’t let the world get too scary. Everything will always work out <3

Jessie M., University of Wisconsin

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