The definition of an introvert that I feel most applies to me is a person who gains energy from being alone, and looses energy from spending large periods of time with large groups of people. I love to spend time with my friends and attend events like concerts and sports games, but at the end of the day, I need to be alone to recharge. This is a huge part of who I am, I need a lot of alone time to be happy, but I've also learned that I cannot be happy isolating myself.
In college, you spend a majority of your time with other people. Crowded lecture halls, dorm life, club meetings, and university events surround you with people at every time of day. This is one of the best parts of college; you have endless opportunities to meet amazing people and have new experiences. Although for me, this is exhausting. After a long day of classes, all I can think about is going home to be alone so I can recharge and finally think straight again.
When I began to feel this way, it was all I could think about. Without having my mom around to encourage me to be busy, I spent way too much of my time isolated in my dorm room and I began to become depressed. My grades and my mental health were slipping downhill at an alarming rate and I decided I needed to make a change. I could not thrive as an introvert in college by keeping myself locked away in my dorm room.
I joined a sorority, I started coaching U6 soccer in my community, I started writing for the Odyssey. All of these new exciting parts of my life challenged me and kept me busy, but I did not forget who I am. I love all of the communities I get to be a part of, but only when I can invest in the alone time I need to stay sane.
After a busy week of preparing for exams, attending meetings, and Bulldog Bash, I woke up on Saturday morning exhausted and unhappy. I was frustrated even more because all of the things I accomplish should leave me feeling blissful. As all of my friends planned to go to the football game, I made the tough decision of staying home alone. But it was the right decision. After a few hours my bad mood evaporated, I was laughing out loud while watching SNL and my happy calm demeanor was back. I woke up Sunday morning feeling refreshed and excited for my week, and I had one of the most productive days I've had in weeks.
To learn how to be social and introverted was to learn balance. I am now excited to go to meetings, make phone calls, and attend football games, and I am equally as excited to go on a solo hike, spend 10.5 hours driving home alone, or take myself out to dinner. I had to step back and listen to my body, to learn about myself before I could find my keys to success.
