When I was younger, first impressions seemed like a really big deal. I remember my first day of grade school fairly clearly - I was afraid to be away from the comfort of my parents, unsure if my classmates or teachers would like me. Will I fit in here? Will I make any friends?
Going to a small Catholic school, I was lucky to be in a bit of a vacuum for my first eight years of schooling. The first few days may have been a bit rough, but eventually, I settled in. Over the years, my classmates and I became almost like family. New students or teachers would come from time to time, and there would be a bit of anxiety while acclimating, but that never took long.
I remember my first day of high school less clearly, but still have distinct memories of searching for familiar/friendly faces while finding my way to each of my classes.
Will I fit in here? Will I make new friends?
Going from a class of less than 30 to around 500, I quickly became a small fish in a large pond. Throughout high school, there also seemed to be many more chances for first impressions. My school had trimesters, so three times a year I would find myself with a new set of classes and a new set of challenges. The acclimation process became easier and came more quickly over time, and by my senior year, "new" and "change" became much less stressful terms.
By the time I got to college, I had mellowed out considerably, but making a good first impression was still a bit daunting. I had moved all the way to Tampa, Florida, to pursue my higher education, and was completely out of the comfort zone I had built the past 12 years; but I could fit in here. I could make new friends. I now had the terrifying yet thrilling prospect of being whoever I wanted to be while making my first impressions. Naturally, I just chose to be myself. I'm pretty good at being me, and that seemed easier than putting up a facade for the next four years.
I believe my memories of first impressions get hazier as I age because the emotions attached to them become less strong. As I write this, my first article for Odyssey, I find first impressions are no longer that scary. They are not some obstacle to be overcome, but a new opportunity. I have found one of my favorite aspects of maturing/becoming an adult is that I am steadily becoming the best version of myself. If you don't make a great first impression, that's OK. Perceptions can change because people change. You will fit in. You will make new friends. You will have plenty more opportunities to make a good first impression.
