From a young age, I have always craved a sense of control. Hiding in my comfort zone was the easiest way to do this, as it was familiar and reliable. While I have grown increasingly aware of how this pattern limits my life, I still struggle with confronting the unknown. If you don’t know me, my name is Natalie, or as many of my teachers have called me: the girl with many questions. Although I am naturally curious, my wonders go beyond what is rational, often causing me unnecessary anxiety. Coming to Zambia, I knew this would be a challenge, which was both terrifying and also the reason I wanted to go. I knew that I needed an extreme change in order to fully confront this ongoing pattern of resistance. As my parents have always told me, “When we leave our comfort zone, it expands.” This has become especially relevant while in Zambia, which is full of change, the uncomfortable and the unknown. No matter how much I try to convince myself otherwise, this is when we grow as humans. If we were always comfortable and in control, we would never change. When we push ourselves not only to leave our comfort zone, but stay outside of it, we begin to harness our potential.

Knowing all this, I still struggle with retreating back to my comfort zone when things become “too much.” However, no matter how much I try to convince myself that staying in the familiar is the only safe place, I am often proven otherwise. On this trip in particular, these beliefs have been consistently challenged. For example, when I roomed with Cate, Becca, Kamy, Sarah and Caroline O, the fear that I wouldn’t make any friends on this trip so I shouldn’t try was quickly disproven. When I jumped off a bridge with Sarah by my side, starting a conversation with a stranger no longer sparked panic. While in Zambia, I have collected evidence that little things don’t seem as scary anymore when one’s circle expands and put these small moments into perspective. This has also helped me realize that eventually it becomes more frightening to remain timid rather than trying new things, breaking the illusion of safety within our barriers.
However, I’ve also recently learned that it’s necessary to recognize and advocate for yourself when you need to take a breath. Sometimes if you don’t allow yourself to reset, all of the change can quickly become overwhelming and make you feel like an imposter. I realized the significance of this when Lucia and Carly walked back early with me after the canoe rides, when I unexpectedly broke down in tears, unable to pinpoint what was “wrong.” After I calmed down, I was able to more clearly recognize that I hadn’t taken any time to process all of the change that was happening. With all of these new experiences, I was scared that if I stopped even for a second, I would become stuck in my comfort zone and stop growing. While it’s important to push yourself, it’s also vital to take a step back once in a while. My classmates, now friends, and members of this community have all helped me begin to understand that we can’t fully absorb the change we are experiencing if we avoid reflection. Zambians especially value connection and taking the time to enjoy things, challenging my habits of rushing through this stage.

This reminds me of the Zone of Proximal Development, a theory developed by Vygotsky that we learned about in my education classes. This is the zone between what we are capable of doing on our own vs. what we need help with, often utilized in educational settings. This theory has become especially relevant during my time in Zambia and helps prove to me through research and evidence, that we aren’t supposed to feel comfortable all the time. Here, the community is my classroom and my Zone is the space between the familiar and unknown. I have realized that I must challenge both my students and myself to continually strive for this Zone. This is where change happens. This is where it begins.
At home, I often find myself stuck between this all-or-nothing mindset. I’m scared that if I take time to rest, I’ll never get up again. Simultaneously, if I keep trying to experience everything, I won’t truly understand the significance and quickly become overwhelmed. My time in Zambia is continuing to help me find a balance between these two extremes. Piper and Sean have shown me that there are always ways to help out in our space. Becca, Cate and Caroline O prove to me that I will have people to lean on when I need support. Sarah and Katy are always there to listen when I need to express my thoughts and worries late at night. Kamy helps me to try to find the positive in every situation. Caroline M and Taylor remind me to get out of my head when playing, “Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza.” Kathleen and Carly provide a safe space to ask questions and spark curiosity. Lucia, Jeff and James remind me the importance of showing up for each other, our community and ourselves. Sloane and Alea exemplify excitement for learning that inspires me to do the same. Ellie and Mia help me find laughter in new experiences and embrace the unknown. I will never be able to do everything at once, but I also want to challenge myself to grow through the uncomfortable. I am starting to find more comfort in the unknown, not quite in my comfort zone, but a new, undiscovered area which pushes me not only to discover new potential, but harness it.
To my family, thank you for always pushing me to do things outside of my comfort zone and supporting me through new experiences.
To my friends and roommates, thank you for listening and being there for me while I navigate these different zones.
Taylor, happy (almost) birthday! I know it’s not for a few days but wanted to wish you a happy 20th until I can again in person. I love you so much and can’t wait to tell you about the giraffes.
I can’t wait to see you all soon. Please keep commenting when you can, love being surprised when your names pop up😊
Natalie Popma
School of Education, Class of ‘27