I am an introvert. I prefer to keep to myself in social settings, love my alone time, and am more observant than outspoken. There are certainly negative connotations that are entailed with the introvert label; it is easy for those like myself to be seen around others as antisocial, boring, or rude. Despite from these untrue generalizations, there is nothing wrong in being an introverted person. Introverts tend to find more happiness and empowerment in introspective, or more self-reflective ways compared to extroverts. Like extroverts, introverts have their particular likes and dislikes which can be elevated in a college environment. With this in mind, here are five ways in which challenges may arise in college for someone with an introverted personality:
1. Networking is dreadful.
In college, you are expected to network. Networking is essential in order to make connections with the “right” people--friends, alumni, professors, colleagues, supervisors--to help expand your opportunities pertaining to jobs, internships, etc. That being said, networking and introverts have a love/hate relationship. It can be beneficial to meet someone who can potentially be of use to you in the future, but stepping out of your comfort zone and making small talk with someone can be absolutely nauseating.
2. Joining a club or organization is intimidating.
Along with networking, in college it is encouraged to become involved with something other than studying. When you feel the pressure to join a club or some sort of organization, it is certainly a struggle to put yourself “out there,” be expected to converse with different people, and participate in a way that you are not necessarily comfortable with.
3. “Any plans for this weekend?”
90% of the time, the answer is NO. Unlike many college students, introverts tend to oppose always going out or partying in order to have a good time. Personally, my favorite weekends are those where I have no obligations--nowhere to be and no one to see. I am most at ease when staying in during my downtime, using the time for myself--such as lying in bed with my cat, reading a novel or binge-watching my (current) favorite Netflix series. So, when I am repetitively asked, “How was your weekend? What did you do?”…my answer is nearly always the same, “Really good! ...And, not too much.”
4. You can be easily overwhelmed.
Introverts can be excited or satisfied by minimal things like I described in my last point; my spare time is most ideal when it does not necessarily require much to do. That being said, introverts can easily be overwhelmed or made uncomfortable by too much stimulation at once, and college is notorious for throwing more at you than you ever have experienced before. The pressures to socialize and be several places, on top of numerous deadlines and studying to accomplish, can definitely push an introvert beyond their limit.
5. You are thought to be a shy person.
Introverts prefer to keep to themselves, but that does not always mean that they are “shy” in the sense that they are timid, lack confidence, or are detached. In college, coming in contact with new people at a constant speed is normal, but introverts prefer to keep themselves at a distance until they are fully comfortable. Regarding myself, I may seem quiet, but it is important to recognize that there are more processes happening in my mind that I carefully consider before I choose to speak.
Despite the struggles of being an introvert, I would not change who I am. We live in a world where being an extrovert is seemingly the favored personality type, but I would argue that they are neither better nor worse. I appreciate that, in being an introvert, I have a tendency to dig deep into my imagination, thoughts, and emotions from within. I truly enjoy the small things and solitude puts me at ease. Being an introvert during my college years may have its downsides, but ultimately, I am perfectly content in being the person I am.
