Jan 11, 2024

The Art of Expert Sampling

Avantika Kampani

Ever since I was a little kid, the struggle to zero in on a single choice has been real.
While other kids confidently declared their dreams and aspirations, I found myself in
awe of the myriad possibilities, never too sure about what I truly wanted. Little did I
know, this uncertainty would pave the way for what I now proudly call my “attribute of
being an expert sampler.”
From the earliest days of my childhood, I dipped my toes into various ponds, trying my
hand at everything and then some. Whether it was robotics, gymnastics (which,
incidentally, led to a stint with a broken wrist bone), or anything in between, I reveled in
the novelty of the unknown. Unlike my peers who pursued one passion diligently, I found
joy in the diversity of experiences.
Whylimit myself to one flavor when there’s an entire buffet to explore?
The allure of the uncharted territory excited me. The thrill of trying new things and the
satisfaction of deciding against something were experiences that fueled my journey of
expert sampling. It wasn’t about indecisiveness; it was a celebration of versatility.
Each endeavor, whether successful or not, contributed to my growth, shaping my
identity as an expert sampler. I learned that life is not about adhering to a single path;
it’s about navigating the labyrinth of possibilities.
Choosing against something became an empowering act– a declaration that my
journey was not dictated by societal expectations but driven by personal curiosity. It
became atestament to the belief that one doesn’t need to conform to a predetermined
mold; rather, we can craft our unique narratives by exploring the vast expanse of
possibilities.
Moreover, looking back in an unplanned way each new endeavor in my journey of expert
sampling became a psychological investment. Positive reinforcement through
successful experiences, coupled with the resilience built through challenges,
contributed to the development of my identity. Psychologically, this approach aligns with
the concept of “self-expansion,” where individuals seek experiences that broaden their
self-concept.
In essence, the psychology behind expert sampling is the intricate dance between the
fear of missing out and the joy of discovering the unknown. It’s a journey of
self-discovery rooted in making choices that shape our unique narratives.
So, here’s to the joy of being an expert sampler– to embracing the unknown, celebrating
diversity, and relishing the journey of self-discovery one sample at a time. After all, life’s
too short to stick to just one flavour!!