THE world's a small place, but does that mean there are no opportunities out there? No.
There's loads of things young people can participate in and gain valuable skills which will enhance their performance later on in life.
Is there anything you'd love to do? Whether it's in or out of school activities but something's holding you back? It could be your confidence, skills or you have no friends there, or simply because it's something new. These are all things that went through my mind when I decided to join a local drama school.
I thought to myself: 'what if I'm not good enough or don't fit in?' I decided to see what it was like and that was the best decision I have ever made.
The things I have learned and want to share with others is that if an opportunity strikes then don't let it slip by and keep you wondering. Remember, you don't have to be good at something to join, you're there to learn.
Everybody's different and there could be a subject at school you really enjoy but all your friends hate.
The way to go with this isn't to mess around, pretend you hate it and be a "trend follower". Be you.
Join in with activities based on this subject. Everyone there will be there because of the same reason as you – they enjoy it.
People don't realise the impact it has later on in life. Things like this will look great on your CV and because of it you may even land yourself the job!
Think about it, if you want to become a PE teacher, being on the netball team at school when you were younger would definitely help and show them your passion.
So are you prepared to let a small thing like fear stop you from succeeding?
Do you enjoy your pyjama weekends? I know I did, but I swapped mine for early mornings and dance shoes. Young people may be put off, it's their free time and don't want to miss out on social events like going to town with your friends. If this is the case do you really want to join?
Giving up your weekends is a sign of dedication and that you really want to do it. If you don't want to, are you really passionate about it?
The expense may be a problem for you. Sure there are some expensive activities out there, but there are also some that don't cost more than a £1 or nothing at all. After school activities don't cost anything and youth clubs set up dance or football groups for a small amount.
Don't let your background or money issues hold you back from what you want to do. After all, you only live once.
As well as the activities looking good on your CV, the skills you learn whilst joining them will help you in later stages of your life. In many sports you become more confident and learn valuable team working skills.
These are priority skills for sport and also many careers out there. Doctors need to be confident in finding the right diagnosis and need to be able to work in a team when doing an operation.
Another skill that will help is your social skills. It would improve by doing a sport and be a bonus in a job.
You may think that you don't know how to find out what's on, so you can't do it. There are lots of things that tell you what's on. You can look on the internet, in local newspapers or you could try the council website.
Someone will be able to get you started so try speaking with teachers and friends.
So never say it doesn't matter. It does. Not just now, but in the future as well. Don't let small things like fear, money or your spare time hold you back.
When an opportunity arises grab it with both hands and never let go.
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