From Wallflower to Wanderer: How I Learned to Embrace Adventure

Before studying abroad, I used to think adventure was meant for other people—bold, fearless, extroverted people. I admired it from a distance, but stepping into the unknown felt overwhelming. I was the kind of person who preferred a quiet evening with a book over a night out and who felt a twinge of anxiety at the thought of spontaneous travel. The comfort of routine felt safe, and the unknown felt daunting.

Social anxiety has always been a factor in my life, influencing how I navigate situations and new environments, especially in college. The thought of being in a completely unfamiliar country, surrounded by strangers, was as thrilling as it was terrifying. But studying abroad in Ireland became a catalyst for stepping outside my comfort zone and redefining my relationship with adventure.

Small steps, big growth

At first, I stuck to my old habits. I found solace in solo walks, spent hours studying in my dorm room, and avoided large social gatherings. But small moments of curiosity pushed me forward. A casual invitation to grab coffee, a spontaneous decision to explore a new part of town, a willingness to engage in conversation or group study sessions—all tiny steps toward something bigger.

A defining moment of this journey was my visit to Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric fort perched on the edge of towering cliffs on Inis Mór. The view was breathtaking, but the thought of standing near the 100-meter (330-foot) drop made my heart pound. Despite my fear of heights, we all sat at the cliff’s edge, peering over, capturing the moment with friends—and even snapping a selfie. It was more than just confronting a fear; it was proof that I didn’t have to sit on the sidelines. It was okay to step outside my comfort zone.

Saying yes to new experiences

As my confidence grew, so did my willingness to embrace new experiences. I found myself saying yes more often, even when something felt intimidating or outside my comfort zone or routine. I started saying yes to experiences I never expected—attending pub nights (even though I don’t drink and can’t dance), diving into Ireland’s arts scene through drag shows and concerts (sometimes even attending solo), and exploring places like Connemara, Tralee, and Dingle—places that weren’t on my original itinerary but became some of my favorite memories.

I realized that being introverted didn’t mean missing out—it just meant making a conscious effort to step outside my bubble. I could always recharge when needed, and I had a supportive group of friends who understood that.

A new perspective

Reflecting on my experience so far, I see how much I’ve grown—not by becoming someone completely different, but by expanding my limits. Growth doesn’t mean shedding who you are. It means making space for new possibilities. Adventure isn’t just for extroverts. It’s for anyone brave enough to take that first step, to say yes even when it’s easier and sometimes more comfortable to say no. Studying abroad has shown me that the world isn’t as intimidating as I once thought. For anyone considering that leap, adventure doesn’t require changing who you are—but the courage to embrace growth.

Alyssa H. | Trinity College (Connecticut) | University of Galway Partnership program in Ireland | Spring 2025