Majoring in Unafraid

 My classic college supplement.

I believe that overcoming fear is key to leading a meaningful life. Whether it’s teaching at a preschool in a violent township,  immersing myself in the life of a French family, or even giving a speech to our student body in chapel, I have found that taking risks can bring rich rewards.

When I think about majoring in unafraid, however, one incident stands out.  I was 14 and my parents were away for the weekend. At two a.m., I woke up and saw two figures in the darkness. My heart raced but I remained calm. One of the burglars put his hand in front of my face, signaling me to remain quiet. Both men wore black masks, and one had a crow bar. They took my laptop, warned me to do nothing, and left. After ten minutes of terror, I triggered the alarm and crept downstairs. I awoke Nancy, my adult babysitter, who was sleeping unaware in another room.The house was ransacked. After three hours, the police finally showed up along with my parents. I provided a calm, detailed account, answering all their questions. This confirmed that these were the same burglars who had committed several other violent crimes in the area.

So what did I learn? That I am, at my core, a very strong person. That fear cannot defeat me.   That courage and confidence can get you through tough moments, and allow you to embrace the world and its amazing opportunities. I continue to live unafraid.