By day, I am a full-time high school teacher and professor. By night, and often on weekends, you’ll find me possibly writing feature and travel stories, moderating author panels, and even cosplaying my favorite characters at conventions. Next week, I’ll be stepping onto the stage as a guest at New York Comic Con, and it still feels surreal after doing this for three years. But what I’ve learned is this: our jobs are only one part of who we are, not the whole story.

When I worked at newspapers like The Miami Herald, I believed my career was everything. I didn’t dare take time off. The stress was constant, deadlines loomed, and I told myself that being a journalist was my entire identity.

The truth is that I was terrified of falling behind, of missing out, of not being “enough” if I didn’t give every piece of myself to the newsroom. Looking back, I realize how much I let fear keep me boxed in.

The truth? We can be so much more than one thing. We can be educators and cosplayers. Writers and panel moderators. Creators, adventurers, storytellers.

Being bold is scary. Asking for what you want, trying something new and putting yourself out there could cause doubt and anxiety. But really, what’s the worst that could happen? Someone says “no?”

That’s not the end. A “no” simply clears space for a better “yes” that might be arriving closer than you think. And it just might become a better opportunity and open doors for you that you would have never even thought about or imagined.

When I started asking, asking to pitch travel features, asking to moderate author events, for example, it helped me step outside my comfort zone. I was worried that I could never use my background for adventures and for writing things that I wanted to write.

Yet, this was not true. I realized I am not just defined by one talent or job. I can still be me. And being me was more than I ever thought I could be.

I discovered a world I never thought I could be part of once I left my full-time newsroom and magazine jobs. I could still do things that I’m passionate about without leaving other opportunities to do things that I love.

Those above questions led to interviews with incredible authors, opportunities to share stories that matter, and the courage to wear my cosplay on stage without worrying about who might judge.

I’ve learned that worrying about what others think is wasted energy. And while I’m guilty of it too, I remind myself: this is my life. Change is not only okay, but it’s necessary for growth and to discover who you are.

That’s why being a panelist at New York Comic Con for the third year in a row feels like a celebration. It’s not just about fandom, costumes, or panels, it’s about embracing every piece of who we are.

It’s proof that the bold questions, the scary asks, and the willingness to take risks can lead to epic adventures.

So, here’s my challenge to you: be bold. Be you. Ask the questions that scare you. Say yes to the hobbies that light you up, even if they don’t “fit” your job description.

Try everything, because you never know what door might open. And when it does, step through.

Because life is too short to believe that only one thing defines you.

Courtesy of Aurora Dominguez.