Reflecting on my Accidental Success as a College Student

Megan Gizinski | Editor

Photo Credit: Leeloo The First- Pexels

As I gear up for my next and final semester of college, I cannot help but let out a quiet laugh as I start planning my agenda for Film Club as its president. 

The first time I “attended”’ Film Club, I sat as far away from everyone as possible. Meeting after meeting, I showed up anxious, said nothing, and moved from one chair to another, slowly inching my way closer to human beings. My foolproof plan of someone inviting me into their conversation unprompted never worked, but I was proud of myself for trying nonetheless.

So, how did I get to a place where I have meaningful connections with people I couldn’t imagine my college experience without? How have I been lucky enough to work as a writer, photographer, videographer, sports broadcaster, production assistant, and a talent coordinator before even graduating? How did I become a leader to a group of students wanting to be a part of the very same thing I once yearned to even speak in?

I won’t pretend it didn’t take effort on my part, but I also can’t say it didn’t come as a result of things I did without even realizing.

The biggest thing I did to set myself up for success was saying yes. Every volunteer opportunity that came my way, no matter how scared or inadequate I felt, I said yes. From clapboard holder to speaker at a journalism summit, I said yes.

As talking to my peers didn’t come naturally to me, I made small talk with professors between classes. If I had a question, I asked it. If I was concerned about an assignment, I reached out. I went through the greatest losses of my life over these past two years, and when I was unwell, I made sure to communicate that. It never failed to amaze me the overwhelming kindness my fears were met with.

Over time, I had accidentally created a network of some of the greatest people, all in my corner, wanting to see me succeed.

The anxiety still comes in waves, but it’s quieter now.

I have learned to thrive in its presence.