If you’re anything like me, you start every new year with a vision board and an extensive list of goals to accomplish. We’re a full month into 2026, but how much have you actually done to chase your goals?
You know what you want. That’s the easy part. Now it’s time to actually get it. Too often, we ignore opportunities by magnifying minor obstacles: not meeting all the requirements for a job, discovering an internship application a day after the deadline, or being scared to “bother” someone who’s older and more successful with an email.
My advice? Just ask.
So many of us, especially young women, don’t lobby for ourselves because we’re afraid of negative perception. Asking for a raise or an extension on a deadline seems like asking for too much, even when we know we deserve or need these things. When women have audacity, we’re often mislabeled as power-hungry or entitled. When men have audacity, they’re just marketing themselves. Putting yourself out there seems reserved for overconfident corporate guys and your grandfather who believes the path to employment is simply walking into an office building and slapping a resume down. Audacity feels exclusive, reserved for those with experience or success, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
There are people out there with half your capabilities getting exactly what you want. Audacity is the only thing separating you from them. You can be the most qualified person in the room, but if you don’t make that clear and actively seek opportunity, you won’t get anywhere. Closed mouths don’t get fed, and to succeed you need a little audacity.
When I say, “be audacious”, I don’t mean “be rude”. Audacity isn’t necessarily a negative trait (in fact, it was used to describe the boldness of medieval knights). The kind of audacity I advocate for is confidence, self-respect, and shooting for goals that may seem unrealistic while remaining genuine and respectful. Most people are more than willing to help you get what you want as long as you approach them with kindness.
Say you need to take a class with a certain professor, but it’s full. A straightforward, polite email detailing your situation can go a long way. Worst case scenario: the professor now knows your name and may recognize you if you get into their class in the future.
It may seem uncomfortable, but cold emailing and outright asking is rarely looked down upon. If you care enough to personally request something, the assumption is that you’ll work hard once you’ve gotten it. Showing genuine interest creates a connection with the people in charge, and they’ll be much more inclined to help you out.
Don’t get me wrong; this doesn’t guarantee immediate success. More often than not, though, you’ll benefit even if the outcome isn’t exactly what you pictured. As my high school acting teacher used to say, you don’t have to book the job, just book the room. Even if you don’t get exactly what you asked for, being confident and memorable can open a number of doors later down the line.
In the past few months, just asking nicely has changed my life. I’ve gotten networking opportunities, higher grades, entry to upper-level classes and even my job writing for The Daily Campus. I don’t regret any of it.
So, send that cold email. Apply for that internship even though you’re not sure you’re totally qualified. Go for goals that seem completely unrealistic. Put more energy out into the world, and you’ll get more back in return. Your voice is just as important as anyone else’s, so don’t be afraid to use it.