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Do One Thing Every Day That Scares You

Like many high school seniors, I spent this past fall writing essays, filling out transcript requests, and entering my personal information on the Common Application. For one of my essays, I had to write about the best piece of advice I had ever received. I discussed the inspiration that I take from of one of my favorite sayings, which is ”Do one thing every day that scares you.” I submitted the essay and got into the school, but I kept the advice in mind. When I went rock climbing on the slick rocks of Joshua Tree this winter, these were the words that I pictured and when I stood up in front of my first scholarship interview panel, this was the mantra that I repeated to myself. This spring, as I was nearing my final college decision, I came across an ad for Global Citizen Year and realized that this was my opportunity to truly follow my favorite piece of advice.

I had been toying with the idea of a bridge year and when I read more about Global Citizen Year, I found that it was the exact experience that I was seeking. I’ll get to totally immerse myself in a new culture, I’ll have the opportunity to give back to my host community, and I’ll definitely be faced with many experiences that will frighten me on varying levels. I could not be more excited to see what I will learn about the world and myself during my Global Citizen Year, but I feel slight pangs of nervousness every time I remember that I won’t see my family and friends for nine months. When I think about adjusting to a new language and new customs, I am thrilled but also a bit scared. However, my nervousness is quelled by the realization that it’s okay to be afraid, as long as I don’t let my fear get the better of me. I promise to try new foods even if I have no idea what they are, and I promise to talk to my new community members every chance I get, no matter how poor my language skills may initially be. I can’t wait to use my worries to inspire me to seek out new adventures and opportunities during this year of change.

Galen Burns-Fulkerson

About Galen Burns-Fulkerson


Galen loves being outdoors, helping others, and learning. For the past three summers, she has volunteered in national parks in Vermont, Alaska, and California with the Student Conservation Association. She has also volunteered at children\'s summer science camps at a local museum and worked with a professor studying aquatic turtle populations. Her passion for traveling has taken her to many exciting places in the United States and Canada, but she has never been out of the country and is thrilled to make her first foray into the international world.

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