Journalist: Luna Ghimire (ECU)
Being part of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature this week taught me something I did not expect. As a member of the press corps, I had to approach people and ask if they were willing to give me an interview. At first, this felt intimidating. Even though I have always considered myself an outspoken person, recently I had been feeling a little unsure of myself, which made it harder to take that first step.
At the beginning of the session, I found myself hesitating before going up to people. I kept thinking about how they might respond or whether I would come across as awkward. That fear made the situation feel bigger than it actually was. However, once I finally pushed myself to start those conversations, everything changed.
Every person I approached was kind, respectful, and welcoming. No one made the interaction uncomfortable, and most people were genuinely open to sharing their thoughts. Instead of rejection, I experienced encouragement. That shift helped me realize that I had been overthinking the situation far more than necessary.
As the day went on, each interaction made me more confident. Conversations began to feel natural rather than forced, and I became more comfortable asking questions and engaging with people. It showed me that confidence is not something that always comes before action. Sometimes, you have to act first, and the confidence builds along the way.
Beyond journalism skills, this experience taught me something more personal. It reminded me that people are often more open and approachable than we expect. The fear of being judged or turned away can stop us from taking opportunities, even when those opportunities are right in front of us.
Overall, OIL was not just about covering legislation or writing articles. It became an experience that helped me grow as a person. It showed me the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone and trusting myself in unfamiliar situations. Most importantly, it made me realize that starting a conversation is often much simpler than it seems, sometimes, all it takes is a simple hello.