Fear, a four letter word that has the power to control, distort, rupture, and twist one’s mind. No one is exempt from it, whether having a fear of clowns or being afraid of not being perfect enough, it makes up daily life but more importantly, it enables unimaginable realities to influence the decisions and outcomes people face.

Human beings tend to fear situations that are far from life-or-death which consequently hold people back for no good reason. Bad experiences and traumas often trigger a fear response of anxiety and concern. While overcome by such components limitation, confusion, and disappointment also kick in which makes it difficult to beat fear. It’s not only a feeling that can’t be ignored, suppressed, or denied, but also a feeling that can put in doubt personal talents, make the negative aspects shine brighter than the positive ones, and leave dreams unfulfilled.

“ I think that fear can be either good or bad. Whatever you let control you will eventually hold you back,” Sophomore Yalitza Arroyo said.

The uncertainties of life are around everywhere. Fear is a key factor in being greeted by tragedy, surprise or remorse. The power of fear is undeniable, but is fear only as powerful as we let it be?

” I feel like fears are a creation of our imagination. In other words, we make them scarier than they are and build up their power through our own worries. If we keep focusing on one specific fear then it’ll keep growing. “ Sophmore Amanda Callstrom said.

“ I think it depends on the situation. If you’re in physical danger I think fear can easily overcome you, but some people give irrational fears too much importance instead of doing something to fix it,” Photography teacher Bailey Martin said. 

Although fear qualifies to be an enemy, it also holds qualities that make a friend. It’s true, fear can damage and torture lives, but it can also make people flourish and help them find themselves. Not every outcome of fear is bad. Mere survival is a result of being afraid. Through fear, people can learn more about themselves, their struggles, and learn to befriend the unbearable.

” My greatest fear is the world ending. Although it worries me, it also pushes me to live each day as if it were the last. Am I afraid? Yeah, but I try to live without regrets because who knows when the world is ending,” Callstrom said.