My entire life, I've liked to describe myself as outgoing, personable and fearless. I never really had a problem making friends or putting myself out there. I was very involved in high school, playing multiple sports and being an active member of other student organizations. To make a long story short, I don't know anyone who would ever describe my personality as "shy."

With that being said, I've come to realize a few things after having been in college for over a year now. I am a loner. I love being alone. Of course, I value my relationships and time spent with friends and family, but I'm only completely at peace when I'm by myself, and I'm completely OK with that!

Before college, I guess I always assumed I would be like most college girls who went out to parties, joined a sorority, and made a large group of friends within a month of starting school. I watched some of my older friends go through the process of getting acclimated to college life and I figured it would be just the same for me.

I was wrong!

My ideas of fun seemed to be a lot different than most of the girls I met. I didn't show much interest in going out and drinking. I didn't care for the idea of devoting my life to a sorority and, apparently, I didn't know myself as well as I thought I did. Being in a collegiate environment changed my perception of myself completely. All of a sudden, I was seeing myself for who I really was, an introvert.

It's not like I didn't try. I threw myself into situations that I thought would be fun, with people who I thought really cared about me. I would spend hours doing my hair and makeup, picking out the perfect outfit, organizing where we'd get our alcohol, and who was going to take us to the party. It always felt really forced, like this was the only way to have a fun college experience, so I might as well grin and bear it.

I didn't really know why I was partaking in any of it when I knew I'd be happier staying in with a small group of close friends. What was the fun in getting wasted with strangers? What's the point? I'm well aware of the fact that to some people, partying is what it's all about. You wait your whole life to be an independent adult, and it's easy to get swept up into a fast-paced scene of late nights spent drinking and bumping into sweaty strangers. I just realized quick that it wasn't for me.

I'm sure by now you think I'm a boring stick-in-the-mud who never cuts loose and has fun. But it's important to keep in mind that not everyone has the same concept of the word "fun", and while I don't particularly enjoy binge-drinking or doing drugs with people I barely know, I can absolutely appreciate a night out spent with people I care about, in an environment where I can be myself. If wanting a meaningful human interaction is considered boring, then sure, call me boring.

Even today, I consider myself a sociable, boisterous person, just on my own terms! I know now that I don't have to put myself into uncomfortable or strange situations to enjoy college. I'm content with just being me, and learning new things about myself along the way. Honestly, I think that's what college is all about.