Stories are culture. They remind us of our humanity and that of others. This wall is dedicated to those who try by taking the First Step. It is a digital monument to celebrate the little self-realization achieved by taking the first step. There are no expectations here, no rights or wrongs, just stories from fellow people from across the globe. Enjoy the stories and share yours with the world. More stories are added regularly. Sign up to get the updates. 

What can you do here? 
1. Read the stories shared by other people.
2. Think about a time you tried something, then realized something as a result. Think about the first time you tried hiking, or ate sushi, tried photography, tried meeting a specific person, etc. How did that turn out to be, and what did you end up realizing about yourself? Share that story with the world. ​​

Traveling Solo Around the World
By Tayseer

What was it you wanted to do? and why?
I wanted to travel to a new place (Hong Kong). It was just that I wanted to do something on my paid leave. I went solo because I couldn't find anyone to travel with me.

Before you took the first step, what were your hope, goals, and feelings?
I was hoping to have fun on that trip even though I was traveling alone. Not much of a hope beyond that.

Describe your internal feelings when taking the first step:
I was very hesitant, I was a bit scared too. I was 21 and heading to a place I know nothing about. It did not help that I arrived close to midnight and got lost finding my first accommodation.

What was the result? Was it as expected? How so?
On the first couple of days, I was bored and started questioning myself again if that was something for me. I was alone and did not have much idea of what to do (I wasn't the social type either).

Eventually, I was able to find my way around talking to new people and forming new connections and eventually realized that I loved it! Fast forward to 10 years after, I got a chance to SOLO backpack my way to almost 40 countries across Asia, Europe, and the middle east. Solo traveling ended up become my travel style. I realized that I liked being a stranger to a place, it somehow made me feel free. More so, I liked forming connections with people who are so different than me, not to mention all the moments where strangers will spend time and energy helping me doing the most basic stuff, like taking a bus or getting a SIM card. All that had a huge impact on my personality and my look towards the world, those trips formed a very large part of me that I am happy about. I can't wait to use my backpack again when this whole COVID situation gets better.

Assuming you did not take that first step, what would have been your current situation? What would you have lost or gained?
I can't imagine my world perception have I not had the chance to solo backpack.
​
Anything extra you want to share: Opinions, life lessons, advice to others:
Try traveling solo at least once if you are able. You might hate it, but you might love it too. ​

write your story

Experiencing the Wild College Life
By A Cool Anonymous

What was it you wanted to do? and why?
To go to parties like my classmates just so I can blend in.

Before you took the first step, what were your hope, goals, and feelings?
Nothing much, I wanted to be like everyone else around me. 

Describe your internal feelings when taking the first step:
Scared

What was the result? Was it as expected? How so?
It sucked, did not get the fun I was expecting.

Assuming you did not take that first step, what would have been your current situation? What would you have lost or gained?
Not sure about my current, but I got to save lots of time while in college doing things that I actually enjoyed. These included volunteering, learning crafts, and starting a new business. 
​​
Anything extra you want to share: Opinions, life lessons, advice to others:
It doesn't hurt much to try. Things can suck, that is great to know, better is to have the strength to admit that to yourself. 

write your story

Books Became My Best Buddies, Eventually
By Chloe

What was it you wanted to do? and why?
I wanted to open a book, but did not expect I can read it. It was interesting title.

Before you took the first step, what were your hope, goals, and feelings?
After reading the first 5 pages, found its more interesting than I thought

Describe your internal feelings when taking the first step:
Wasn't' expecting much

What was the result? Was it as expected? How so?
Not what I expected, cause I never thought reading books was interesting

Assuming you did not take that first step, what would have been your current situation? What would you have lost or gained?
I would have missed the happiness of reading books
​
Anything extra you want to share: Opinions, life lessons, advice to others:
Sometimes, you won't think of achieving something when you do something... it all comes randomly sometimes, so you have to keep an open mind

write your story

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Learn to be a Web Developer
By Arianni

What was it you wanted to do? and why?
​I want to develop a website, as it complements my art skills plus my job’s demand.

Before you took the first step, what were your hope, goals, and feelings?
I hope to create a dynamic and beautiful website from scratch.

Describe your internal feelings when taking the first step:
For the first month, I was learning the basic language to create the layout and simple elements (HTML, CSS). It was pretty easy to understand and happy with what I managed to make.​

What was the result? Was it as expected? How so?
I successfully designed and developed a website, though the majority of the codes were pieces I took from here and there. As it was also part of the job, I have to say it was a really stressful four months to develop a website without any prior knowledge in IT or logic. I learnt there’s so many aspects involved in making websites working fully, especially for the back-end.

Assuming you did not take that first step, what would have been your current situation? What would you have lost or gained?
I discovered I prefer to learn front-end design and development than back-end. And was reminded that it’s best to learn one thing at a time. Be patient and keep doing it everyday to progress.
​
Anything extra you want to share: Opinions, life lessons, advice to others:
NA

write your story

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Getting Into 3D Modeling
By Ayush

What was it you wanted to do? and why?
​Inspired by online videos and modern marvels, I always wanted to do 3-D design and modelling. 3d modelling is far much complex and head scratching. I love to do something that is not so simple and easy.

Before you took the first step, what were your hope, goals, and feelings?
My hopes were to build realistic models of my favourite cars and bikes.​

Describe your internal feelings when taking the first step:
My first 3d model was a normal shaft. I got so happy as if I have achieved what I wanted to. The feeling motivated me to dig deep into the concepts and gain more hands-on the software.​

What was the result? Was it as expected? How so?
No, not yet. I have not reached that level where I can design and model complex shapes. Its gonna take me a long time to reach the goal of designing and modelling realistic cars.
​
Assuming you did not take that first step, what would have been your current situation? What would you have lost or gained?
My condition would be that of a non- designer. I wouldn't be as much creative as I am now. My thoughts about designing would not be the same.
​
Anything extra you want to share: Opinions, life lessons, advice to others:
Just believe in yourself. Do whatever you like.

write your story

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Getting into Sketching for Product Design
​By Tayseer

What was it you wanted to do? and why?
​I wanted to be good at making sketches like the ones product designers do. I was a self-proclaimed product designer. I had lots of training in the design field and I'm also a design practitioner (Design = Problem solving). It made sense to me to be good in creating those sketches.

Before you took the first step, what were your hope, goals, and feelings?
To be able to draw attractive drawings for products representing my designs. ​

Describe your internal feelings when taking the first step:
The first step was toward learning the craft. I was pretty excited then. ​

What was the result? Was it as expected? How so?
I pretty much failed, at least compared to my expectations and hopes. I gave it my best with six months of learning and trying. I ended up being able to do simple drawings with all the shadings and aspects. However, my greatest gain of all this was me realizing that I did not like it. So, I stopped trying and got relieved of all the mental images I had for myself about it. I still design, but my hand drawings skills don't go beyond the simple ugly sketches, and I am not expecting myself to get any better.
​
Assuming you did not take that first step, what would have been your current situation? What would you have lost or gained?
I might have kept thinking that I sketching is something that I would be good at. At least now, I am very comfortable confessing not being good at it.
​
Anything extra you want to share: Opinions, life lessons, advice to others:
NA. ​

Write Your Story

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Speed is Not My Thing
​By Chloe

What was it you wanted to do? and why?
I planned to get my driving license so that I can go to travel and drive by myself

Before you took the first step, what were your hope, goals, and feelings?
I thought driving is fun and relaxing

Describe your internal feelings when taking the first step:
After I start the training, I realized that driving makes me feel nervous.

What was the result? Was it as expected? How so?
I decided not to get a license anymore cus I am pretty sure driving and speed is not my thing.
​
Assuming you did not take the step, what would have been your current situation? What would have lost or gained?
I more love to take buses compared to before
​​
Anything extra you want to share: Opinions, life lessons, advice to others:
There are always something people can do it easily but it just hard for you. just accept it and don't think that's your fault, it is not.

Write Your Story

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