As I sit down to reflect on the prompt, “Tell us about a time when you felt out of place,” I can’t help but smile. You see, I believe that feeling out of place can be a great thing. It’s an acknowledgment that you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone, venturing into the unknown, and perhaps most importantly, learning about a different set of norms and cultures. In my life, I’ve had several experiences that have made me keenly aware of what it means to feel out of place, and I’ve come to embrace it as a part of my journey.

One of the most significant moments when I felt out of place was when I made the transition from the bustling streets of the South Bronx, where I grew up as a poor Puerto Rican girl, to the rarefied campuses of Phillips Andover Academy. The contrast couldn’t have been starker. Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by privilege and prestige, worlds away from the life I had known. It was a culture shock in every sense of the term, and I often felt like an outsider.

But I soon realized that this discomfort was an opportunity for growth. Being out of place at Andover forced me to adapt, learn, and broaden my horizons. I had the chance to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, and in doing so, I gained a deeper understanding of the world beyond my own experiences. It was a transformative period in my life, and it taught me that embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.

My adventures in feeling out of place didn’t stop there. I embarked on a year-long journey to Barcelona, a city that was a world apart from both the South Bronx and Andover. The food, the norms, the language—everything was foreign to me. But instead of retreating into my comfort zone, I embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture. I tasted unfamiliar dishes, stumbled through conversations in broken Spanish, and navigated the labyrinthine streets of the city. It was a thrilling experience that pushed me to adapt and learn once again.

In my professional life as a turnaround specialist, I’ve continued to confront the feeling of being out of place. I often step into new work settings with the goal of transforming financial situations and leading change management efforts. It’s a challenging and high-adrenaline role that requires quick adaptation. I find myself in the role of an outsider, tasked with acclimating rapidly to new environments. And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The ability to adapt quickly has become one of my greatest strengths. It allows me to see problems from different angles, find innovative solutions, and connect with diverse teams. Feeling out of place has become a source of empowerment for me, a reminder that I can thrive in unfamiliar territory.

In my eyes, feeling out of place is not something to be feared but celebrated. It’s a sign that you’re pushing your boundaries, learning, and growing. Whether it’s the transition from a humble upbringing to a prestigious institution, an adventure in a foreign land, or a high-stakes professional challenge, embracing discomfort can lead to personal and professional development. So, the next time you find yourself feeling out of place, remember that it’s okay to be uncomfortable—it might just be the catalyst for your next great adventure.