High School was not everyone’s best time of their lives. Popularity contests, being normal, fitting in, and knowing the latest lunchtime gossip is not everyone’s cup of tea. Thankfully, in college, this is no longer the status quo. College is a time to be yourself (the most widely used college cliché); do what you love; be who you want to be; and the friends will follow. That cliché may be over used but it is honest. In college you can be and become anyone you want to be.
Come out of your closet
Everyone has parts of themselves that they hide from the world. You may think your secrets protect you but in reality they add unneeded burdens to your life. Unfortunately, I waited until junior year to finally come out of my closet, “The Closet,” when finally I could not keep using my energy hiding being gay, because, in the end the only one my secret was affecting was myself.
Your closet does not have to contain a sexual orientation. Maybe you don’t really like the party scene, have a medical condition, you love acting, have the world’s largest Pokémon card collection, or are obsessed with Harry Potter. People will not only love and support you, you most likely will find a group who share the same interests or background.
Just Do It
See a club, intramural, activity, sport, class or job you are even slightly interested in? Sign up or apply immediately. Don’t wait. College time is limited. Try out as many things as you can while you still can. If you are afraid you are not going to like it, don’t be, you can always move on to something else.
These past four years I have had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in England, go to Kansas City for a national Steel Bridge competition, help develop a first-year science and engineering program, tutor over 100 students, and be an RA for over 80 students all because I said yes. This summer, even after I graduate, I will be in Nepal for three weeks through a Merrimack chapter of Bridges to Prosperity.
Overcome the obstacles
College will test you, in some cases more extreme than others. It is not the obstacles that define our careers though; it is how we get past them. The best part about college, is that we do not need to go through them alone.
The loss of my friend Jordan was the most difficult thing I ever had to face at Merrimack. However, Merrimack also provided the tools I needed to get through it. My friends and family were there for me. College is where I met some of those I love most in this world, would do anything for, and look forward to knowing for the rest of my life. They know who they are and without them, I would never be the person I am now.
So do not fear college, embrace it. This new chapter will change your life, but only if you let it.
