Since starting my freshman year in college, I have conversed with multiple people who are just like me, people who have left their homes for the first time. For years, teachers have been telling us to prepare for the real world and it’s finally here. I almost didn’t apply for college, but I am so happy that I did. Life after high school is the time for one to grow as a person. Being in college is such a liberating feeling. So many people arrive with the notion that college is a scary place and believe that perhaps they won’t find a place to fit in… so they stick to themselves. That is the biggest mistake that any incoming freshman could make. In college there is a place for everyone to call home, you just have to be willing to look.
To be quite honest I was one of those people who was going to stick by myself, I did not want to be involved in anything. Within three weeks of college that view has changed tremendously. I have found multiple people who I feel like I can truly be myself with. I did not expect to meet such kind-hearted people here. Opening yourself up to social experiences is truly the best thing you can do as a student on a big campus. College is not solely about your education, it is also about making connections. You will find that some of the bonds you make on campus will last a lifetime. Take advantage of the clubs and organizations on campus. The reality is, if you are interested in the organization then chances are they’re interested in you. There is nothing wrong with putting yourself out there. You will never know how great college can be until you truly test the waters.
A lot of people choose not to get involved in things because they feel like they are too awkward, shy or weird. For that reason they decide that they’re not going to include themselves in campus happenings. That is a really unfortunate ordeal because no one is too awkward or too shy. There is literally a club for every kind of person. Stop assuming that you are not good enough to be a part of a club, team, organization, etc.
When I say it’s time to grow up, I am saying that it is time to put yourself out there. Being shy or stuck in the mindset that you won’t fit in anywhere is nonsense. Take initiative and join the club that you’ve wanted to look at. Take a chance and talk to person who you think you would be great friends with. Excluding yourself on campus is not a good thing to do at all. If you really want to get involved, nothing should prevent you from doing so. Do yourself a favor and step out of the boundaries that you have created. Doing so will be the beginning of finding your home on campus. I know stepping out of my shell was the best thing I’ve ever done.
