"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face." –Eleanor Roosevelt
On the first day of classes, fear is written all over your face.
In middle school and high school, that fateful, first day was nerve-racking. Unfortunately, college is no different.
Sure, walking into that first class of the semester can be exciting.
That first day, every girl is cutely dressed, with their hair and make-up looking nothing shy of perfect. Let me assure you, as the semester wanes so does their meticulous presentation.
A nervous energy is tangible as you enter the classroom.
Everyone is double and triple checking their schedules; wordlessly asking themselves, am I in the right room, or at the very least, the right hall?
The tension is high and the volume is low.
Silence pervades, like a wave of Florida humidity, because everyone is a stranger. Sitting in a closed space with people you don't know is bound to always be a tad awkward.
Now, I'll bet that everyone stressed how important making one friend in every class is. Yet, you ask, how is that possible if no one takes the initiative to converse?
At first, you'll feel like the loneliest person EVER. In a lecture hall with hundreds of people, trust me, everyone is feeling the exact same way.
Remember, you are not alone. Throughout your college experience, this reality is calming.
Also, sometimes you should be bold and even stand to benefit from making the first move. Yes, this may sound strange, but here's a tactic that I use.
If, out of the blue, you- straight-up- say "Hi, my name is Tori!" that might scare them or seem a little too friendly.
Start with a question that they're probably asking themselves too.
For example, say something along the lines of, "This is ENC1101 with Professor Duke, right?" Such an approach kills two birds with one stone! If they say "yes" or "I think so" then (1) you know you're in the right place and (2) they're probably relieved that they're in the right place as well.
However, keep in mind, if they say no, you should probably leave and go find your class!
Just that small exchange opens up a window for you two to ask each other more questions and make small talk before, during or after class.
And then BOOM, they'll probably sit by you during the next lecture and you've made a bestfriend! Okay, maybe not exactly a best friend but definitely someone you can exchange numbers/emails with in order to keep each other on track throughout the semester.
Now if you're anything like my little sister then, I'm sure you're reading this and thinking NO CHANCE. My sister, Taylor, will not speak unless spoken to.
Obviously, only do what makes you comfortable, but sometimes college offers opportunities to stretch us.
You may dread making conversation with a random, but you may REALLY hate not having a friend in your very first college class.
So turn to your right or turn to your left, there's a friend that you haven't met yet. Stay in school, kids!
