Last week, we gathered in lower right of Paresky Commons (Commons) to watch our peers compete for 10 Blue Key Head (BKH) positions. What makes the BKH auditions such a campus attraction? Is it clapping along with our friends over dinner? Watching Uppers painted blue do the worm, chanting BBC (Big Blue Cheer)? There’s something about seeing our peers embarrass themselves on their own volition that attracts the masses. But why?
Many of us cannot imagine auditioning to be a BKH. That’s part of what’s so compelling about watching others do it. We marveled at their mental strength as they led chants and performed impromptu skits about Smurf-ism, Dr. Pepper, Tung Tung Tung Sahur, and more, right before our eyes.
However, while BKH auditions seem like the ultimate opportunity to put oneself out there, there are other, smaller social risks we can take that many of us choose not to. For instance, asking a question at an All-School Meeting (ASM). Sitting alone in Commons. Disagreeing in a group. While we might be secretly interested or excited about making such decisions, we often avoid them due to social pressures that compel us to conform to silence out of fear of embarrassing ourselves. Seeking comfort in refusing to take social risks is safe and common; yet the most memorable and fulfilling experiences come out of rejecting what’s comfortable. Doing so prevents true expression and connection, and inhibits our capacity to learn. We should aim, then, to step outside of our comfort zones by believing in ourselves and being unafraid of embarrassment.
Think about the moments that you’re most proud of, whether they’re scoring the winning goal or finally understanding a concept you’ve been stuck on for days. These moments, even if they’re small, often reflect a willingness to take a risk. To trust yourself to go for the goal is a risk, and so is reaching out to a teacher for help. While we might not think that we are necessarily ‘risk-takers’ day-to-day, our accomplishments often demonstrate that quality. And even more fortunately for us, there are ways to continue doing the uncomfortable and strengthen that muscle.
As we reminisce about our daring peers’ auditions and watch the new BKHs take over the paths with blaring music and beautiful blue outfits, let’s take some inspiration from them. They took a risk, and we should too.
