I'm a Communications Studies major, but I also am very naturally shy and struggle with anxiety while trying to accomplish simple, everyday things. Kinda ironic, I know. But thankfully, I've learned how to control my anxiety. I love my major, but I love being alone. So, here are 10 things you know to be true if you are an introvert in an extrovert major:
1. You have to force yourself to go out and do the best you can because let's face it, you need to get a good grade.
Even though you don't want to do that presentation or go to that interview for your story, you just have to do it if you want to get a good grade.
2. You tend to copy or mimic the way "social butterflies" interact with other people.
I do this a lot. I look at how very social people interact with others and I basically copy them. Social Sally over there is smiling and using a lot of hand movement while talking to that group, let me try that.
3. If you can't put yourself out there, you won't make it in the real world.
I tell myself this all the time. The world of journalism (and I sure other fields as well) is a dog eat dog world and if I can't put myself out there, impress others, and be a little aggressive, I'm not going to be a journalist.
4. You "fake it till you make it."
I had an awesome professor say this to me before and it's become my go to motto: "Even if you're freaking out on the inside, put on a smile and play it cool on the outside."
5. Things start to go down hill when you have to present or talk in front of a group.
I get very sweaty, shaky, and it's like my brain literally shuts itself off when I have to present in front of the class. When I had to take a public speaking class my first semester of college, it was a disaster.
6. You avoid group projects at all cost.
Especially if you don't know any of the people in the group.
7. Have to have a meeting with someone you don't really know? Good luck.
As a Comm Studies major, I know this one very well. For my media writing (journalism) classes, I would have to call people and set up interviews for my story. Calling them was difficult but actually having to sit down with them and interview them was harder. Luckily, you get more comfortable with it the more you do it.
8. You start to become an "outgoing introvert."
The more you "fake it", the more outgoing you actually become.
9. You go to friends in your major for advice.
"How are you so good at public speaking?"
10. You began to see a difference in yourself.
Hopefully, after your freshman year, you start to notice that you don't get as nervous while being in social situations and you're more willing to do things that you wouldn't have before.
Of course, if you haven't gotten to this point yet, you will. It just takes some time. I promise!
