In high school I was quiet. I made friends only through other people and I definitely never went out of my way to talk to strangers. I was the kid who never talked in class, and wouldn't even ask questions if I needed help. I wanted to be outgoing, but I was just scared to talk to people and nervous about what to say, so I never really tried to make conversation. I knew that I’d like to be a little bit more outgoing and I was frustrated. One time my mom and I were driving and I was talking to her about going to college. She gave me some very simple advice that worked for her, and ended up working for me, too. She said: “Nobody knows you in college. It’s a clean slate. So just fake it till you make it. Be what you want to be, and eventually it will become a part of who you are.”

You might be thinking, "I couldn't do that," and that's what I said to my mom, too. "I'm too shy!" "I don't even know what to talk about!" I could tell you it was easy. I could tell you to "just do it," and that you'll figure it out, but I know that talking to strangers isn't easy, and for many of us isn't that simple, so I'll tell you what worked for me. Talk about class. It sounds silly, but sit next to someone, ask them what their name is and small talk, and then walk out with them. Talk about the professor or the syllabus or your major. Eventually, talking to this person will become easy and you'll move on to better things. Soon enough you'll be best friends, or at least friendly acquaintances. I made one of my best friends at school because we had three classes together the first semester and we're still friends today!

I sat down on the first day of college and talked to the girl next to me. It took some time, because I’m still the same person, but from high school until now I know that I’ve grown and become someone who is a lot friendlier, more outgoing, and overall more confident. I feel better about myself and I have made some amazing friends that I might not have otherwise. I pretended I wasn't uncomfortable, scared, or awkward. It might not always work, but it will get better over time. It sounds simple, but really, this advice helped me have the college experience that I know I wanted.

So, my advice to anyone who is struggling with confidence or making friends who might be going to college or even high school soon: Fake it till you make it! It’s corny, but it honestly might be some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten.