Never Be Afraid
February 25, 2007
“Never be afraid to be extraordinary.” The opening statement of the speaker caught my attention immediately. I was attending a seminar about stem cell research. I expected the speaker, a professor from the Vet School of UCD, to talk about the latest breakthroughs in scientific research. Instead, he stressed how we should never be afraid to stand out. He said, if not for that, he would not have achieved all that he had. He would not be standing there that day. And that one line made a huge difference in my life.
I am an international student. When I was younger, I was often made to believe that I had to fit a certain stereotype. I was supposed to be demure, shy and reserved. My interest in sports was often frowned upon. It was not lady-like in the eyes of many. Soon, I became an introvert. I gave up sports. I would also never speak up in class or give suggestions although I had plenty to say. Part of me was terrified I would be laughed at. Enveloped with fear, the only way I could portray my feelings was through my writing.
Attending that seminar changed many things. I realized that I should not be afraid to voice my opinions, to do the things I enjoy, and most of all, it was okay to not conform. It made talking to people easier and it also made me more confident. Today, many people often remark that I do not fit the regular Asian stereotype at all, that I fought for what I believed was right, was hilariously witty and was fun to debate with. I’ve also started taking up sports again and gotten involved in many true passions of my life. I know I am different, that perhaps you can never quite find another person like me. But you know what? It is okay. Thanks to the professor, I now know that everyone is unique in their own way and that anyone can be extraordinary. I may not remember his name, but I do remember his face. And if I ever see him in the future, I will thank him - for I would not be what I am today if it weren’t for him.