Growing Up Sheltered

Growing up sheltered can feel comfortable in the beginning, but with time, most people start to realise that this detachment from the "real world" and its complications can prove to be a major disadvantage in life.

I grew up pretty sheltered. I never did anything remotely rebellious and never attempted to create fun memories because I either wasn't allowed to, or was too afraid to step out of my comfort zone.

My parents used to follow the infamous "not allowed to have fun two days in a row" rule when I was in school. Even for most of my university life, I had a pretty early curfew. I was asked to focus only on academics and not worry about anything else, and so that's what I did. I have studied hard and been praised by many of my professors, but that's where the rewards for my one-track mind ends.

I've always been an introvert, but I didn't notice my lack of social skills until way later in life. Not only was I not comfortable with actively trying to make new friends, I also didn't know what to say when talking to a new person.

Now, I realise that I have no fun stories to tell from my school or university days like many of my friends do. Even employers all around the country seem to take an interest in hearing about extra-curricular activities that make you not only a suitable, but also an interesting, candidate.

I wouldn't blame it all on my parents. I, too, was often unable to convince myself to try new things when I had the opportunity to, simply because I didn't know what to expect out of it. Additionally, I understand that it can be difficult for parents to keep calm when their biggest fears regarding their kids' safety is broadcasted on the news daily.

I started taking baby steps to becoming more independent a few months after joining university. At first, it was daunting because I wasn't familiar with things that I felt like I should have learned by then such as using banking services, navigating crowded places and commuting alone to places that are more than 20 minutes away from my house.

Since then, I've become more confident and I no longer dread doing things alone. Even when I have to do something I've never done before, I now take it as challenge that I can figure out along the way rather than something that will stop me from moving forward. I'm still very much an introvert, but my social skills have improved drastically since I started expanding my friend circle and spending more time with people with diverse personalities.

My biggest takeaway has been that convincing yourself to take the first step is often the most difficult part of the process. However, it is definitely worth it. Nothing beats the feeling of independence and proving to yourself that your will to grow and learn is greater than your fears.

Nuzhat zones out every ten minutes. Tell her to snap out of it at nuzhatchowdhury07@gmail.com