Talecia Bell

It seems students have become increasingly reluctant about exploring experiences outside of their comfort zone. Parks, sports and recreation have been replaced with Wii, NBA 2K11 and Facebook.

Some students have offered the explanation that they are too busy, too broke or too disinterested to even consider devoting time toward yet another activity or to try something new.

Christina Thomas, senior criminal justice major, said most young adults seem to use their leisure time on technology.

Students need to break away from these familiar forms of recreation and the fearful thinking that denounces the positivity in exploring activities outside your comfort zone.

Trying new activities outside your comfort zone forces you to interact with unfamiliar concepts, allowing you to learn and develop intellectually.

Madison Shepard, an employee at Peak Adventures, said breaking away from your comfort zone promotes development, self-discovery and leadership skills.

The campus community, as well as the greater Sacramento region, has lots of things for us to do. It is up to us to muster up the strength to ditch our laptops, cell phones and gaming systems in exchange for new experiences that help broaden our social and cultural tolerance.

If you have never been camping or snowboarding, join Peak Adventures for one of their annual adventure trips. Haven’t tried sushi or sake bombs? Introduce the idea to an optimistic friend and bombs away.

Did you know the Sacramento Department of Parks and Recreation offers a Safari Tours program?

Ranging anywhere from $30 to $165, Safari Tours provides single-day travel to different destinations throughout Northern California and the Sacramento region.

Safari Tours is an inexpensive way to gain new experiences because your initial cost usually includes transportation services, your entry fee, as well as exclusive saving on products and services, depending on the destination you choose.

For example, the Christmas season is approaching. Have you driven around your area trying to find the best Christmas lights yet? Join Safari Tours for its annual Christmas Lights Tour.

Also, as a part of Safari Tours, for $30 you can hop on the All West motor-coach and ride around Sacramento to see some of the most beautiful light displays. They also provide refreshments and music on board.

Want something a little more adventurous?

Try rock climbing, rafting or hiking on an outdoor adventure with Camp Sacramento. Camp Sacramento offers mini-day camp activities as well as weekly camp activities for all ages.

However you choose to embark on your journey outside your comfort zone, look forward to gaining a new perspective or learning a new skill, instead of spending time in familiar areas.

Talecia Bell can be reached at [email protected].