As a society we tend to break down personality types into two general categories, introverts and extroverts. Introverts get their source of energy by being alone. This is their time to recharge and recover from all of the social events that the day may have brought. Extroverts, on the other hand, recharge while they are with others. Being surrounded by people is uplifting to extroverts, while it is draining to introverts. Some may call an introvert "shy" or "antisocial." However, the reality is that an introverts social meter may just be at an all time low. With that being said, a major event, such as the first week of school, could be a strenuous time for an introvert.
If you are an introvert these may have been some of the thoughts to cross your mind throughout the first few days of classes.
Let's set the scene. It is the night before school begins and you are just about to go to bed, when your brain starts to overthink every detail about the forthcoming day. Some of your thoughts may or may not consist of, "will my outfit be functional?" "Will if I meet my soul mate?" "Do I know my class locations?" "Will I need to speak and interact with other humans?" This is where your critical thinking skills are put on overload.
Now that the dreadful night of sleep has passed, it is the morning of classes and you cannot be late. Once you find your classes in their prospective buildings, you enter the class room. Unfortunately for you, the door creaks as you open it, making everyone's eyeballs start right back at you. You just try to look semi-normal as your thoughts run rapid and pray no one attempts to socialize with you.
Phew, you were finally able to get to your seat. Just as you are starting to get settled into your new surroundings, you professor insists on everyone getting to know each other. REALLY? No need to fear. You spent the whole day alone yesterday binge watching Grey's Anatomy- making sure to get charged up for the big week ahead. Time to get socializing.
OK, thank goodness, the socializing went better than expected, in fact you might have even made a new friend. See, being an introvert does not mean that you are shy, it just means that you have to mentally prepare when meeting new people.
Things are going well, until the professor states that now you will introduce yourself to the entire class. CODE RED, run, get out, social meter is at a low, no more energy.
This is where things can get difficult but stick it out. You can do it, just talk about yourself. Thank the Lord, you introduced yourself without having a heart attack. Good job, now leave the class confident because you just did so much social activity and can take on the world.
Now would be the time for an introvert to go back home and hang out all alone once again. Not in this case though, it is time for class number two. Build up your energy on the way to the next class because it is time to do it all over again.
