GossipNaija

Tell us about a time when you felt out of place.

One time I felt out of place was during a networking event at a conference. I was excited to attend and meet new people, but as soon as I entered the room, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. Everyone seemed to know each other and were engaged in conversations, making it difficult for me to find a way to approach anyone.

I stood by myself for what felt like an eternity, feeling increasingly self-conscious and out of place. I started doubting my ability to engage in meaningful conversations and wondered if I even belonged at the event. The more I let these thoughts consume me, the more out of place I felt.

However, instead of letting my discomfort get the best of me, I took a deep breath and tried to change my perspective. I reminded myself that networking events are meant for connecting with others and that everyone was there for the same reason.

With a newfound determination, I decided to take a more proactive approach. I approached a small group that seemed approachable, introduced myself, and politely asked if I could join their conversation. Surprisingly, they welcomed me with open arms and were happy to include me.

As the night progressed, I pushed myself to engage with more people, each conversation becoming easier and less daunting. By the end of the event, I had made several new connections and had a great time, despite my initial feeling of being out of place.

This experience taught me the importance of pushing past my comfort zone and not letting feelings of being out of place define my actions. It also reinforced the fact that everyone feels out of place at times, and that taking a leap of faith and reaching out to others can lead to valuable connections and experiences.