The college experience (especially the one at Cal Poly) is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are so many incredible classes and opportunities that are available to students. However, the most unique thing about college, in my opinion, is the fact that there are thousands of people all in the same place for the exact same reason: to get an education. This fact is true at any university in the entire world; the great thing about this is that you have the ability to meet all these wonderful individuals and learn about their story. You have the ability to make real friends, and I’ll tell you how.
Let’s face it. Not everyone you meet in college (or in your life, for that matter) is going to like you. There are individuals who regardless of your unique quirks, personality and intent have a predisposed disposition about who you are and what you are about. The sad truth of the matter is that it’s human nature. As human beings we are systemically wired to judge things and others. Take for example when you are walking to class. As you strut your stuff down the sidewalk feeling ready to take on the day it’s fairly likely that you will pass another individual doing the exact same thing. What do you think about as you pass this person? Their hairstyle? Clothing? Gait? If you don’t know them personally I can almost guarantee that you begin to form an opinion about all these things. You form a judgment, which could be true or false, that can completely change the way you see this person. It is both a blessing and curse undoubtedly.
What does this have to do with making friends? Almost everything. People don’t want to be judged for their appearance, interests, sexual orientation and everything in between. If you can fight your human nature and try not to judge another person about things you don’t know or understand, you will see that those around you will choose not to judge you. It’s a beautiful thing! This is what makes getting to know the thousands of great people at Cal Poly fun and exciting. By taking a genuine interest in the lives of others and making the conscious decision not to judge them, you will make lifelong friends.
