“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Opportunities are missed because we are too scared to step outside of our comfort zones. These missed opportunities are the ones that usually result in experiences that are invaluable and paramount to your growth and development. I learned this through my involvement with a student organization, at Simon Fraser University, called Enactus.
I joined Enactus SFU this year as the Marketing Coordinator for one of the programs, Banner Bags. Though I just recently became an Enactus member, I have been exposed to many diverse and unique opportunities. In particular, I was given the chance to be a Presenter on one of the three Enactus SFU teams that competed at the Enactus Canada Western Regional Exposition this past February. This competition brought together over 300 students across 17 Universities and Colleges in Western Canada. Competing teams created seven-minute presentations to showcase how their community outreach projects and business ventures are making an impact in Canada and beyond. Then it is followed by a question and answer period by a panel of industry judges.
My journey to Regionals, although stressful at times, ended up being an incredible experience. I learned a great deal about myself through the process, and most importantly, it pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Presenting was never an easy task for me, and I know most will agree when I say that speaking in front of an audience is not enjoyable. When this opportunity became available, I took it on as a chance to strengthen my skills and to become a better presenter. With coaching, practice and perseverance, I became confident in myself as a presenter, and through those months of preparation, I was proud to be able to represent my university, alongside five other presenters, in the Enactus Canada Western Regional Exposition.
Enactus SFU had great success at the Regionals Exposition and took home 1st place in all three categories. As a result, each Enactus SFU team advanced to compete at the Enactus Canada National Exposition in May.
Being a Presenter gave me the confidence to believe in my abilities and myself. This experience has provided me with extensive knowledge and skills that go beyond what is taught in the lecture hall. I look forward to the next journey with my team as we prepare for Nationals.
I have learned that having the confidence to go beyond your limits and take on opportunities that would normally scare you is truly rewarding. You may learn something about yourself, meet new people, or experience something that will impact you in a powerful way – the possibilities are endless. So, I challenge you to be brave and step outside your comfort zone, as you may be surprised at just how much you are capable of achieving.
From the Beedie Newsroom: Enactus SFU earns triple gold at Regional Exposition
Hannah is a third year student at the Beedie School of Business, concentrating in Marketing and Communications. Her most notable experiences thus far include: Marketing Coordinator for Banner Bags, Editor for SMArt TALK, and Presenter and 2014 Regional Champion for Enactus SFU. She looks forward to her further involvement within the Beedie community as she continues to explore her interests in advertising, public relations, and community engagement. Hannah hopes to inspire students as they set out to create their own enriching experiences, through sharing insights from her own.