Pranati Y.

Photo provided by the Pranati Y.

If you’re reading this, I hope you do the thing that scares you.

I hope you chase the dream that feels too big, the one that keeps you up at night because some part of you already knows it’s meant for you. I hope you take the risk, and not because you’re certain, but because you’re not, and you’re brave enough to find out anyway.

Fear isn’t a sign you’re in the wrong place. It’s proof that you care. It’s your body reminding you that what you’re about to do matters. So don’t run from it. Let it stretch you. Let it teach you what you’re capable of.

You won’t always feel ready. You’ll question yourself, overthink, and probably mess up more than a few times. But that’s where the real stuff happens, that’s when you experience the moments that change you, the ones that make you proud to be alive.

So go do the things that make you feel something. The ones that wake you up, even when they don’t make sense on paper. Paint. Travel. Speak. Learn a new language. Adopt a pet. Pick up that new hobby. Learn to play that instrument you’ve always wanted to play. Love people deeply. Choose curiosity over comfort. Let your life be loud and colorful and yours.

And if you ever need a reason, remember this: the fear will fade, but the regret of not trying will stay. You don’t have to know exactly where you’re going. You just have to start walking.

So if you’re reading this, do the thing that scares you. It’s probably the one that’ll change everything.

Pranati Y., Georgia Tech

Connect With Us

To follow IfYoureReadingThis at GT on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to GT students, visit our chapter’s homepage.

AUTHOR CONTACT

This author has opted to allow readers who resonate with their story to contact them. If you would like to speak to the author of this letter about their experience, please use the form below.