Possibly one of my biggest fears in life is failure. Well, more so failing and disappointing those I most care about. Yes, that did get dark pretty quickly. (I apologize if you clicked on this article hoping to get a quick list of ten things you need to get for your dorm or how to make an impression on your dream sorority.)
Anyways, I'm sure this isn't an uncommon fear, especially among college students. Television and teachers were not wrong when they told you that college would be the next big step in your life. It is what you make of it.
Admittedly, it is overwhelming with that first drive into town. Chaotic really is the word. Though, change is good. And it motivates us to try new things that take us out of our comfort zone. Embrace it.
There's a place for everyone at college, all you have to do is find yours. Take every opportunity that crosses your way. You never know the possibilities if you don't try. If some club doesn't end up being right for you, you can choose from the list of over 1,000 clubs offered at UF - no, actually.
Start branching out ASAP. Whether it be one of the various opportunities your department head flooding your inbox weekly or a flyer waved in your face passing through Turlington, exhaust every option and really find out who you are and your passions. This will then lead you to your people.
At UF or I guess any college for that matter, I like to think you that you get out of it what you put into it. If your goal is to be more active on campus, visit your adviser and find out what is best for you. If you want to make more friends, maybe rush a sorority!
Either way, don't let fear be the factor that makes you miss out on great things. Don't let it delay you. Definitely, don't let it define you. Remember, no one really knows what they're doing, but we're all pretty good at pretending. The more we allow ourselves to embrace change and reach higher, the more we can expect in return.
Once you realize that it isn't as bad as you made it out to be in your head, it'll be a relief and an added success to you.
