College is the place where many people go and end up learning more about themselves than they have in their whole lives. You’re exposed to Greek life, residence halls, dining halls, parties... It’s a whole different world compared to high school. When you’re not in class or socializing, you have some time to figure out who you are. You learn more about your limits, your confidence, and your abilities. From trying to figure out what building your class is in to attempting to make alliances in big lecture halls, college is full of new experiences that teach you so much about yourself.
In my first year of college, I did end up doing some soul searching. I didn’t realize I was an introvert until I got to college, which seemed like a late realization to me. But once I realized it, everything made so much more sense. My whole life I thought I was just “quiet” and “shy,” but nope, I’m just a big ol’ introvert!
Being an introvert changes your whole outlook on the college experience. When I got to school, I couldn’t wait to meet new people, go to parties, and stay up until two in the morning with my friends; that’s what I thought college was all about, but my expectations didn’t match up with reality. My first couple of weeks of college were tough. I was forcing myself to talk to people only to find out they were either really strange or even more antisocial than myself, so we would just stand there awkwardly until one of us decided to walk away. (Sad, I know.) I made two good friends though, which was enough for me. Every now and then, I wish I had made more friends in the beginning of the year, but I don’t think I would be as comfortable as I am with my two friends. Who needs more than two friends, anyway?
It made sense to me why I chose this college. Choosing a school based on your personality type is extremely important. My school isn't too big -- it's pretty liberal, right by the ocean, has hiking trails behind the school, and is an overall mellow campus. In other words: an introvert’s paradise.
Being an introvert is fun, especially when you are comfortable with being one. I’m not ashamed of being quiet and reserved, because that’s how I truly am. I love hanging out by myself; I love watching Netflix, going to the gym, and going for walks alone. Eating at the dining hall by myself doesn’t bother me, either, although it does get awkward to be by myself in public spaces every now and then. When I go to restaurants by myself, the hostess seems surprised and kind of sad when I say "party of one, please!" But being alone teaches you so much about yourself. Sometimes being around people is just too much. Everyone needs their alone time.
When you get to college and start exploring and learning more about who you are, don't be ashamed of the outcome. Embrace it, even if it’s not what you were expecting. I was expecting to be a social butterfly, have a huge group of friends, and to stay up until the early hours of the morning. Instead, I learned that it was challenging to be a social butterfly because that's just not me. Don't force yourself to fit the mold of the typical college kid. Not everyone is the same!
Having two good friends and falling asleep around midnight on the weekends is fine; it just took me until actually coming to college to finally realize that.
