By Mallory Gohl
I would like to start this month’s article with a story about giraffes and, more specifically, how they are born.
Unlike many animals, giraffe mothers actually give birth to their babies while standing up.
Now, imagine that you are a baby giraffe, and you are being born into the world.
The first thing you see is the beautiful earth–you’re so excited to be alive!—and, then, BAM!!!!
You fall six feet to the ground.
That is literally how giraffes are born.
Scary, huh?!
That was a dramatic picture, but it is the truth! When baby giraffes are born, their first experience in life is falling to the ground. As a result, for the rest of their lives they are afraid of falling, and, therefore, do not risk walking across an area where they could potentially fall. They are scared for life!
The reason I am telling this story is not only because it is unique and interesting, but also because it contains a valuable life lesson I want to remind us about. We are all human and, because we are human, we cannot be perfect. As a result, often times in life we experience setbacks or failures. For students, you may have missed a shift at work or just missed the deadline to apply for your ideal GA position. For GAs, you may have forgotten to complete paperwork after an event or forgotten to email your students back about the date for a staff meeting. For professionals, you may have not completed all the goals you set for your department this year or forgotten to follow up with your supervisor on a report.
Whatever the case may be, we have all made mistakes and experienced failures, gotten scared, and, in turn, avoided taking risks.
The important thing to remember is that unlike the giraffes, we can bounce back from our mistakes. We have the opportunity to prove to ourselves, and those that we work with, that we can accomplish the goals we set and tasks that we are given!
Today, I am challenging you to stick your neck out, take that leap, and do something you have been afraid of! Apply to be an Engagement Coordinator or sign up to attend the Annual Conference! Run the 5th Annual Mark Fletcher Fun Run/Walk that you have been afraid to try!
Challenge yourself to push your limits and not let fear define you. I know you are not a giraffe, and I know you will bounce back from your falls!
