Anyone's first day can be stressful, nerve wrangling, and overwhelming. A student's first day in middle school, when they have to figure out what all the bells mean, and that they actually have six teachers instead of one. The first day of high school, when a person needs to find their group of people to sit with at lunch before all the seats fill up. Moving in day at a university, where there are thousands of students and dozens of buildings and you have to figure out how to get from one end of the campus to the other in less than ten minutes. Maybe you have some high school friends that are going to the same school as you, but regardless the world looks so much bigger than you and the thought of finding your niche seems impossible.
It is on these terrifying first days that we are able to get out of our comfort levels, speak up in class, and talk to that random person sitting alone in the Student Union because they look friendly. When we are presented with a seemingly impossible task, we often surprise ourselves.
I have always come off as shy and quiet, but once I am around friends or family I come out of my shell. When I was a freshman at the University of Arizona I only knew my roommate, and I was terrified that throughout all four years she would be my only friend. Somehow, by a chance of fate I bumped into a girl living down the hall, and instead of quietly saying sorry I was bubbly and talkative and we immediately struck up a friendship. After the encounter I was shocked by myself, I had never been the person to initiate a conversation randomly and out of the blue. Since that day my confidence has soared and I look forward to first days to make a lasting impression, and show people that I am actually a funny, quirky, talkative, and friendly person.
Although first days may seem like the worst day ever, and many people wish they could skip to the second day, just know that you may surprise yourself and show your vibrant unique colors.
