When searching the word "introvert" on Google, the first definition is, "a shy, reticent person." As an introvert myself, I do not deny the truth within this definition. I am quiet, and most of the times, I do not like to share my thoughts or feelings with many people. Even so, being an introvert doesn't mean that a person is not able to be social. Being an introvert is something that I have learned to accept and grow upon while attending Holy Cross.

When I first arrived at Holy Cross for Fall Orientation in August 2013, I had the typical conflict of feelings between excitement and utmost nervousness. I was eager to make friends, but I knew that being reserved was something that I was going to have to overcome. Luckily, I was blessed with an amazing roommate and a wonderful floor of girls on Wheeler 3, so socializing in a new environment became easy, but only with time. That is the first confession of an introvert - it takes some time for us to warm up. Just because we may not say much at the beginning of a friendship does not mean that we don't like you. Giving an introvert time to adjust is key.

Since everyone knows everyone at Holy Cross, being an introvert has presented the challenge of almost always having to be social, no matter where you are on campus. Confession two of an introvert - overcoming saying hi to people in passing is a difficult task. It's that awkward uncertainty of "should I say hi?" or "do they not remember me?" that kills us. Being at Holy Cross has taught me to appreciate these small social moments, even though they were a challenge at first.

Aside from Holy Cross being a highly social environment, going here has also taught me how to be active in the classroom. In high school, I hardly participated in class. At first, it was a painful challenge learning how to participate in a college classroom setting, but it is something that I have become comfortable with over the years. This is the third confession of an introvert - class participation grades make us cringe, but we always somehow work up the confidence to do it.

The fourth confession of an introvert is the most important - we like our alone time. This is something that I cherish while at Holy Cross. I always enjoy a sporadic meal alone or doing a mountain of work in a hidden study spot. Although being surrounded by an incredible group of people at all times is enriching, I have found myself exhausted by social activity. This could just be a personality flaw, but as an introvert, I need my alone time in order to recharge and take on the next social task.

At Holy Cross, I have learned how to be a social introvert. I have learned how to take my reserved nature and turn it into a strength. Being an introvert at Holy Cross has taught me a lot about myself, and now, as a rising senior, I can confidently say that I will always say hi to the people that I know when I see them around campus.