This may seem like it should be directed towards elementary, junior and senior high school kids. It definitely is the case because they tend to need more support with having a positive social life and reaching out to those in need of a friend. But as college students or even college alums, we all came to what is essentially a whole new world.
For many, it is like having to start in kindergarten again with a whole new environment that is tough to navigate, mostly all new people to try to gain wonderful relationships with, and all sorts of activities to pick from. We all had to discover new passions and new ways to interact with peers.
The new app for the iPhone and iPad, "Sit With Us," was designed by Natalie Hampton, a 16-year-old girl who had been a victim of cruel bullying. Along with that came having to sit alone at lunch times every day, which in itself, was a sad experience. Those of us who have sat alone because of bullying know this to be true. Even in college and in the dining services, we see people sitting alone. Some of us offer to sit with them and others leave them be.
Natalie wanted to promote kindness and inclusion in all schools. She wanted to help others so that they would never feel the way that she did. This app is not only perfect for elementary, junior high, and even high school kids, but it is also perfect for college students.
Yes, you heard that right.
Inclusion is promoted all of the time in communities. It is part of the backbone that makes a community a nurturing and welcoming one for everybody. It is easy to say that this app should only be promoted for first years though, since they tend to have to adjust the most to their newfound home and the college experience. However, sophomores, juniors, and even seniors, listen up. You all have to sign up for new class schedules for each semester. Some of you have exhausting commitments to choirs, sports, clubs, groups, and so forth. Commitments may make it extra difficult to catch your friends in the dining service on time.
College students downloading this app have the potential to change the game, so to speak. Downloading the app allows us to use our location to search for lunches nearby, as well as add friends and invite them to lunches (events) that we create. Additionally, "Sit With Us" allows us to register to become ambassadors, meaning that we can host our open lunches from time to time that people can join.
Yes, using phones as a primary communication method tends to be looked down upon. Often times, we don't see how beneficial they can be if used positively. In this sense, using the app helps those of us who struggle with public rejection, and even bullying, because setting up lunches is private through the phone. Plus, once we get to the table at dining services, we know that rejection will not occur.
Speaking from experience as a guy who sat alone at lunch most of his life, it made a difference when people asked me to join them. I know that I will never forget those people and have tried to pay it forward every day of my life by making sure I reach out to anyone who looks like they are alone or lonely.
I am still friends with most of them today. Change someone's life by reaching out to someone who looks like they could use a friend. I promise they will never forget you, either.
Make your college campus an even more enjoyable and welcoming place to be by downloading "Sit With Us," and make a difference.