It all began during a long-ago spring semester. I was on the brink of transferring to Millikin, but still had to complete one last semester at junior college. During one of those last classes I overheard a friend talking about the belly dance class she would be teaching the following year. I was curious about it. The problem was I couldn’t do much about it. After all, I had to focus on getting ready for life on campus.

Flash forward three years. I had just graduated and dove feet-first into the real world with a job, a place to live that wasn’t a residence hall and a clear plan for what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. That summer, I went to the Decatur Celebration for the first time. There, things came full circle. My friend was still teaching. In fact, her dance company had a booth at the Celebration. I was once again curious, so I decided to check it out.  On that sweltering August afternoon, I decided to sign up for a class as soon as possible.

“As soon as possible” turned out to be January. I was fortunate enough to have an extended break between classes, and decided to take advantage of that. Right away I realized something: belly dancing is not easy. It is, however, a lot of fun. I have come to embrace and eagerly anticipate every class session. There are times when I go home exhausted and aching from moving and twisting in ways I’m not quite used to, but I still embrace it.

There is a point to this little vignette, and it’s not simply to promote belly dancing. I took a chance. I tried something new, something I most likely never would have even considered a year ago. And you know what? That chance led me to discover a whole new hobby. Even better, that hobby is working wonders towards making me feel better about myself. It’s a great workout. More importantly, it’s fun.

I’m not saying you should all go out and sign up for belly dance class (unless, of course, you really want to. I won’t stop you in that case). What I am getting at is this: our college years are the perfect time to experiment and take risk – within legal boundaries, of course. Branch out. Expand your horizons. Do something you might not usually do. Take a break from studying to go to a big party. Sign up for a class that interests you, even if it has absolutely nothing to do with your major.

Summer immersion in India? Dance? Art for non-majors? Why not?  You’re only limited by your own imagination. Let it take flight. Odds are you’ll learn something new. If you’re fortunate enough, you’ll have fun with it, whatever “it” is. Taking a chance and expanding your horizons also allows for self-exploration and personal growth. Allow yourself to grow. Accept your growing. Encourage it. To me, that is one of the most awesomesauce things a person can do.

Go for it and remember: You are—and always will be—awesomesauce.