Ezey Duru

Have you ever felt nervous or uneasy when you’re in a new city? That feeling is totally normal. While there are moments when you feel confident and ready to take on a new city, what happens when external factors amplify your anxiety? How do you deal with it?

I’ve had my fair share of both confident and anxious moments when exploring new places. Last week, for example, I was in Chicago for the 50th NSBE Annual Convention. It was my first large-scale convention, and I was one of 30 students among the ~10,000 attendees. At events like career fairs and networking sessions, it’s important to be comfortable being on your own, but that can be tough, especially when you’re used to being in a group.

The Struggle of Traveling in a Group

One of the hardest parts of traveling with a big group is balancing your own experiences, even if you don’t always have someone with you. For me, this is still something I struggle with, but I’ve learned that the only way to overcome this is to embrace it. The key to moving through those moments is to put yourself in a position where you’re open to new experiences — even if it’s on your own. Whether that means meeting new people or discovering the city solo, the world is full of opportunities, and stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to truly grow.

My Own Moment of Anxiety

Here’s a story to show what I mean: One day, I was feeling anxious about socializing with people from my school. I wasn’t sure how to interact or who to hang out with — the typical worries we all face. So, I decided to do something by myself to break the tension. I thought, “I’ll get on a scooter and explore the city. It’ll be fun and a way to shake off the anxiety.” Riding a scooter has always been one of my comfort activities — it gives me a sense of freedom and emotional release.

But, of course, things didn’t go as planned. When I walked to the scooter station, there were no scooters available. That only made me feel worse. I was at a crossroads — I could go back to the hotel, sulk, and let the anxiety take over, or I could try something else and see what might happen.

The Power of Small Wins

I chose to go for the second option. Instead of giving in, I attended a comedy show hosted by the convention. Honestly, I didn’t expect much, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. The first comedian was not my style, and I was close to leaving, but then the second comedian came on, and it completely turned my mood around. I needed that good laugh — it was a small but powerful reminder that sometimes, a simple change of pace or a good laugh is enough to shift your mindset. The next day I went to the Chicago Botanical Garden with my room mates, and all I can say all the anxiety had been released, becuase I decided to just enjoy my experience in the city. Check them here, it is a must do experience that changed my brain chemistry. 

Finding Your Own Path

So, if you ever find yourself feeling anxious when traveling in large groups with unfamiliar faces, remember this: it’s okay to step away and create your own experience. You can still meet new people, but you can also explore on your own terms. Find what brings you comfort, laughter, and joy. Whether it’s taking a solo adventure or finding something that makes you feel at ease, use those moments to break through the anxiety.

Remember, feeling stuck or anxious is temporary. You have the power to decide how long you want to stay in that state — or when you’ll take action to break free from it.

How do you balance your experiences when navigating unfamiliar group dynamics? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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