Member feature: Beyond the comfort zone
You know those skills you’re incredibly proud of, the ones that never quite fit on a resume? Consider talking to a distressed, furious client, in my situation, a parent who is on the verge of taking drastic action, or making sense of your management’s completely contradictory demands. Those are the moments that truly forge us as professionals.
I'm Ishani Somawardana, a former Early Childhood Educator, hailing from Sri Lanka, and my professional career, life has been anything but a straight line. After years of dedicating my time and energy to developing children and consulting anxious parents, and countless efforts to remind the management that our work was a service, not just a business, a true investment in the future generation, I’ve accumulated a wealth of lessons that no course could teach about education that genuinely resonates. The real key is this profession, I discovered, isn’t about digitalization; it's about reading the intricate behaviours of a child, understanding the most complicated organ: the brain of child. Now, in the prime of my career and after all this enriching experience, I’ll be sharing the unconventional wisdom that led me to embark on a new journey: pursuing International Tourism Studies in Finland, a field seemingly disconnected from my educational roots.
Key turning points and decisions
The biggest gamble of my life? leaving behind a career I built for years, to pursue something unrelated. My friend thought I'd lost my mind, and my family’s reaction was a resounding “WHAT???”.
Deep down I knew staying would slowly erode my spirit. As an avid reader, I’d often reflected on the quote:
"A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there."
This idea resonated profoundly, confirming my belief that true growth and progress demand stepping outside what’s familiar and secure. I yearned for new experiences, new challenges; something vital was missing, and I needed to break free.
Challenges that strengthen my resolve
It was no easy game. Multiple information to feed organizing, completing endless requirements, facing exams, sacrificing my social life.
Balancing my work life and committing to move out of the country can be so stressful. Had to be careful with my finances, I rationed everything from food to clothes. I’d lie awake doing mental math - Will this work out? Am I doing the right thing? Those nights taught me what I'm capable of.
Lessons learned along the way
Sometimes you just have to trust your gut, even when you are standing alone. I had my fears and doubts, but I left my comfort zone behind and embarked on this new adventure.
“Your life does not get better by chance; it gets better by change.”
The quote perfectly captures the essence of taking proactive steps for personal growth. After arriving in Finland, a new kind of learning began, one of self-reliance and self-teaching. I quickly noticed how innovative and technologically advanced everything is here, with every task carefully designed to save time and energy.
Where I am today
Deep into my studies, while tackling a new language and absorbing a colossal amount of new developments. I'm actively sharpening my digital literacy, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, creativity, collaboration, flexibility, leadership, time management, and my insatiable curiosity for continuous learning.
Along the way, I’ve met some incredible people. The team at Pori ES, especially, has been a tremendous support, a true lighthouse guiding a lost ship.
Beyond academics, this journey became about finding myself and inner peace. I’ve consciously explored many beautiful places, reconnected deeply with nature, indulged in the simple, grounding joy of berry picking, and even revisited the cherished books of my childhood. Honestly. I've utilized my time in a way that feels more profoundly worthwhile than ever before, truly living with intention.
About the Author
Ishani Somawardana is a seasoned professional in Early Childhood education in Sri Lanka, bringing expertise in nurturing growth, fostering communication and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
You can connect with her over on Linkedin: