Who doesn’t remember entering college for the first time, and being completely terrified about meeting new people? The initial worry that we were never going to find our place or “niche” within a giant community of strangers. We leave high school ready to move on to bigger and better things, but don’t realize how comfortable we were in our lives back home.
As time progressed and semesters passed we found that discovering who we are in college wasn’t as hard as we originally thought. Whether we found our place within the Greek system or with friends in the same major, we finally began to realize that we all came to college not knowing the large number of talented, amazing people we would meet.
For those like myself, who are half-way done with college, don’t settle for what is comfortable. After two years of going out on the weekends, we begin to find ourselves going back to the same parties and the same people we were attracted to at the beginning of freshman year. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, because these long-term friendships will be with you for a lifetime. However, it is also important to keep in mind the number of people on campus that you've never gotten the chance to know.
In college, I believe there is no such thing as strangers. In the beginning, those who you now consider your best friends most likely were complete strangers to you. If you found value in these friends why stop yourself from the opportunity to find it in others?
Once we graduate, we will be forced to move out of our comfortable lifestyle just like when we left high school. It is important to start expanding your network of friends.
You may not become friends with every person you meet, but for all you know, one conversation might lead to you realizing how much you have in common with someone.
One person can lead you to an entire group of people. Whether you are attending a party at a frat where you know only a few people, or making an effort to approach that stranger you have had your eye on all night, you are putting yourself out there. What is the worst that could happen? If the conversation doesn’t go well you simply move on with your night. Nothing was lost but the effort was given.
Strangers may become nothing to you, or they may become everything. Staying in your comfort zone is, comfortable, even for the most outgoing people. But, limiting yourself to the normal and the routine doesn’t keep life exciting.
Strangers can also be the best people to talk to, because you can show your true colors without fear of judgement. Just as you know nothing about them, they know nothing about you. Whether this is someone you see a friend or potentially someone you see a relationship with, it is your opportunity to be yourself and show off how awesome you really are.
Of course, talking to strangers is unpredictable. But, this is the time in your life where the unpredictable should be the most inviting. Novelty is exciting, and those random nights with strangers can sometimes lead us to the most memorable moments and relationships.
Give up a night of normalcy and step outside your box. Say hi to a stranger, create new friendships, and make the most out of all the opportunities life throws at you. It is never too late to expand your horizons and meet new people.
