As an older Gen Z woman, I often feel like I don’t “live my life” enough, especially as I approach 30. I want to say “yes” to new experiences while I’m still young, active, and healthy. After all, life is way too short to not try new things. CareerResources & Planning
In my early 20s, I graduated with my MBA and established myself in a more permanent career, but I still felt like I was missing something important. After the COVID-19 pandemic ended, I had major FOMO. I told myself that I’m not getting any younger and that I need to start taking some risks.
When I was 24, I competed in my first pageant and signed to be an ambassador for a modeling agency. As a petite Filipina-American, I felt like competing in pageants and modeling was risky because I never saw people who looked like me in those worlds. These were new experiences for me, but I learned how to adapt, balancing both commitments. Competing in pageants and pursuing modeling have made me more confident in myself.
Later, I saw my risks pay off. I had the opportunity to interview a famous voice actor from “Moana,” sit on a virtual panel alongside an actor from one of my favorite childhood TV shows, and speak in an interview on Instagram Live. Furthermore, my involvement in politics led me to meet several high-level elected officials. I’m even receiving an IMDb credit for an indie movie that comes out later this year because I have a small role in it. I’m glad I took so many chances in life.
I can now look back on these experiences and know that they were worth pursuing. Learning to say “yes” to new experiences made me more resilient. My attitude towards taking chances also makes my life more fun (and of course, it makes for great stories too!)
Engaging in new experiences helps me grow as a person. I hope that in the future, I can move to a new town, live on my own, and see what growth that experience brings me. I believe that if I say “yes” to this opportunity, then I can be successful.
If you need a sign to say “yes” to new experiences in life, then let this be your reminder. We’re not getting any younger, and we don’t know how much time we have left to live. Also, new experiences teach you about yourself, open your mind, and allow you to connect with new people. CareerResources & Planning
Saying “yes” can change your life for the better. I know this firsthand and now look back on my experiences with both fondness for the memories and confidence in my future. You’ll never know where life can take you when you say “yes.” Who knows? You may become the person who you were meant to be.
If you’re wondering whether to take a chance on a new experience, go for it without hesitation. You won’t regret it, and you’ll learn and grow. You can thank me later!
