By Kasey Lynn (Whetstone staff writer)

By writing an opinion piece in last month’s The Whetstone, I expected there to be a splash but not a tidal wave.

I voiced my opinion regarding the nursing department’s raise in standards and the student backlash against it. I found much of the backlash to be unwarranted and even whiny.

Kasey Lynn

Because of my article, I was “told off” in many different ways. Obscenities were used. People yelled. Some students even urged others to approach me and tell me that my opinion was wrong and I was talking down to nursing students.

I wasn’t.

Despite what people may now think, I do have feelings. I don’t care who you are, no one likes to be attacked, me included. I am amazed at how many people took the article personally and misinterpreted it.

I guess this shows how little attention we pay to news and even to people and how quickly people may jump on someone who says something they do not like.

To clarify, I have no problem with nursing students or any students. I have a problem with people who complain.

I am told things every day that I do not like but I don’t go verbally attacking people for it, nor do I verbally attack people who have different opinions from me. However, I am not trying to scold anyone. I am trying to teach a lesson.

I have noticed that people do not like to be pushed out of their comfort zones. I am no exception. However, I do try to get out of my comfort zone as much as I can.

I had decided to take a few steps out of my comfort zone and express my opinion to the public. In return, I got slapped in the face several times. It has been a brutal experience. But it has become a learning experience as well.

As the saying goes, what does not kill you will only make you stronger. I believe that.

I encourage people to mature and push themselves. I have been brought up with the motto: you have to get out of your comfort zone to get better, to succeed. I have my Dad to thank for engraving that into my mind.

Sometimes it hurts to put yourself out there.

Look at me. I had a tidal wave come crashing down on me for stepping out of my comfort zone and publishing an opinion. But I am still here. I am living and breathing. I am surviving. It can suck but it is not something that can or will kill you. In fact, in the end it can help you.

Seeing the feedback I have received from my opinion piece, I see how many people do not like to be criticized or judged or told anything that they do not want to hear.

People can learn and need to learn how to deal with criticism and judgment and negativity and differing opinions.

Nursing students: Use your raise in standards as a way to push yourselves out of your own comfort zones.

All students of any major: Use obstacles in your way to push yourselves out of your own comfort zones.

Wesley College, step up. Find your voice. Proudly voice your opinions. Push yourself. Confidently get out of your comfort zone every once in a while.

I did it and I believe you can do it, too.