A couple years ago I sat in a class that had so much potential.

Just across the room from me sat people I did not know, but could see myself being friends with—a community that was just out of my reach, but I could clearly see coming. I really felt like this class would be fun and become something more.

So I waited.

I followed my routine, talked to the people I knew, and did what was expected of me throughout the year, expecting this community to take shape and become stronger. And although I got more situated with my classmates, before I knew it, it was May and this potential of what the class could be slipped through my fingertips.

Then I realized that things do not always happen just because I think they will.

When it comes to anything, but especially school, you get what you give. Of course I did not meet new people when I was not actively reaching out to them. Of course the class stayed boring because I never stepped out of my comfortable routine.

Expectations are only half of the picture. They set the framework for what can be, but in order to actually fulfill them, you have to do the building. Beyond just forging community, this idea applies to overall academic success.

As a sophomore, I struggled with math. Each lesson made sense during class, but when I went home to practice it on my own, the material simply was not clicking. However, I was too embarrassed to admit this so I did not ask for help. Instead, I tried to teach myself and hoped that my grade would miraculously raise, and when it did not, I had to accept that it made perfect sense. If I did not ask questions when they arose, then every opportunity I had to get better, passed by.

Because of this, my junior year, I promised myself that I would not glaze over ideas I did not understand. Instead of being content with feeling confused, I put more effort into actually figuring out where that confusion came from. Was it the equation? The purpose behind this question? The wording?

This extra reflection enlightened me on what I needed to work on and enabled me to know what to ask my teacher. By putting in more effort into the class, I ended up doing much better and even enjoyed the class more, all because I pushed through and tried.

I did not magically become better at math. But this shift in attitude fueled my confidence and empowered me to do my best in the subject, making room for the growth that helped me succeed.

It is okay to want a change, want more or just feel stuck, but make sure that you are doing something about it. Otherwise, the potential will never be harnessed, and what good is potential if it never amounts to anything?

Now, in every class I am in, I try to get the most out of it: talk to everyone I can, ask as many questions as I can, and share my ideas. Because every bit of silence, isolation, and holding back, is a missed step in the path to building something really special.

So, next year, wherever you may be, if you are in a place, a class, or a social situation that is not meeting your expectations, know that it is in your power to improve it. Just take that extra step, that extra push to make your expectations a reality.