Reflection paper: What is the most courageous thing I have ever done?

Captivating the Brave: The Valor in Pursuing College Away from Home

The world can be scary, especially for those who veer off the beaten path. For me, the decision to
pursue college far away from home as a freshman was met with mixed emotions of excitement and fear.
It was a that required immense courage, resilience, and determination. Little did I know this journey
would shape me into who I am today.

Often associated with heroes, courage is a fundamental characteristic that drives individuals to
overcome their fears and confront challenges head-on. Within the depths of our journeys, we have
moments that test the limits of our bravery. Exploring what defines the most audacious accomplishment
of my life unveils a tale that is both exhilarating and life-altering. The initial bold choice was to attend
college away from home.

Retracing the vivid tapestry of my courageous act emerges as the final decision to embark on my
college journey away from home. The day I finally arrived when I bid farewell to my loved one on a
journey that felt akin to jumping off a cliff abyss. As I watched my hometown diminish in size from the
bus window, doubt began to creep in. Was I ready for this adventure? Will I fit in? Can I handle the
academic rigor and the demands of independent living? These questions gnawed at the corners of my
mind, but the seed of courage within me refused to let them consume me. The initial challenges range
from finding accommodation to acquainting myself with a new city, college campus, and culture. The
courage to step into the unknown was the fuel that propelled me forward, enabling me to adapt and
thrive in this new chapter of my life.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by a whirlwind of unfamiliar faces, strange accents, and bustling energy.
Everything seemed larger than life, overwhelming my senses. It was my first day here in Davao City, and
it tested my courage to face challenges. It was about my boarding house. The landlady shouted me and
my mother. We didn't know what to do because we were so tired then. She pushed the door loudly, and
that made me tremble in fear. I was observing my mother, and she was also panicking and a bit teary-
eyed. At that time, I was fighting my mind. I was torn between letting my emotions take over me or
being brave and thinking of ways to help myself and my mother. After I calmed down, I told my mother
we should find another place for me to stay, so we packed our things and asked the landlady to give our
deposit and advance payment back. In the meantime, we stayed at a hotel nearby to leave our things
and look for a place to stay. We were hopeless at that time; fortunately, the driver of the tricycle that we
rode helped us to find a room, and we found one. I was so tired and worn out after that incident, I was
thinking a lot of things that maybe Davao was saying something to me, but whatever it is, I must face it
with courage and determination.

My second week here in Davao was a tough one for me. I am always crying, and I don't know why;
maybe it is because I am alone in my room and feel lonely. I was homesick and wanted to go home and
be with my family. I cried hard until I was tired. I struggled daily; missing my family was very hard to me,
though I chose this path, so I must endure all of this.
 Furthermore, the academic arena was a whole new battleground. Navigating the labyrinthine campus,
finding the right classrooms, and adapting to an entirely different educational system became my daily
battles. It felt like I was a small fish thrown into a vast ocean, struggling to stay afloat. The workload was
staggering, expectations were higher than fast-paced, and the professors demanded active participation.
The fear of failure loomed over me like a dark cloud, constantly reminding me that I was out of my
comfort zone. But I refused to let it paralyze me.

Late nights turned into early mornings as I struggled to grasp complex concepts and meet deadlines.
The library became my sanctuary, a haven where I could immerse myself in books and find solace amidst
the chaos. Here, I developed discipline, resilience, and the ability to persevere against all odds.

Of course, not every moment was filled with anxiety and despair. Along the way, I encountered a
plethora of diverse individuals who would become lifelong friends. I never thought I could easily blend in
with my classmates because, as a person who is not used to being with anyone, I am aloof with those
new to me, but with my classmates, it feels like we are one. Each person brought a unique perspective,
enriched their understanding of the world, and helped me broaden my horizons.

My courageous journey in pursuing college far away as a freshman student has been the making of
me. It has taught me invaluable life lessons, pushing me beyond my limits and enabling personal growth.
I have learned to embrace uncertainty, adapt to unfamiliar environments, and face adversity head-on.
This journey has instilled in me a sense of independence, self-reliance, and an unwavering belief in
overcoming any challenge.

As I look back at the scared I once was, I can't help but feel a deep sense of pride. I have emerged from
this experience as a more resilient, adaptable, and self-assured individual. The dramatic tone of my
journey enhances the narrative, highlighting the tremendous inner strength required to push through
the obstacles that inevitably arise.

Moreover, through the obstacles I have encountered, there lies a courageous woman because this
memory verse helped me to stand up and fight.

Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

This always reminds me that I won't face my challenges alone because He stays by our side to guide us
through ups and downs. May we never forget to seek and pray for help especially when we feel alone
and lonely because with him we can find a companion .

To end my reflection paper, facing challenges with courage is vital to personal growth and societal
progress. By embracing challenges head-on, one can navigate us with grace and fortitude, ultimately
becoming stronger and wiser. As we confront obstacles in our lives, let that courage not be the absence
of fear but rather the strength to act despite it. With unwavering resolve, may we face our challenges,
large or small, with courage and determination. I have surpassed many challenges, and I know you can
also. Do not be afraid to take risks and do things for your growth; live with courage.