By: Chloe GoldsteinÂ
So move in day has just concluded — a day filled with tears and hugs and goodbyes. Now, it’s Saturday night, and in Poughkeepsie that means on thing (or, at Marist at least): it’s time to go out! Not knowing the first thing about what to expect, I was still excited, especially to dress up. After what felt like forever, we finally go to where we were going. Immediately, I looked around and within seconds I notice all of my surroundings, all of which being the upperclassman girls and even girls in my own grade. I remember everyone being so beautiful. I felt like a young girl stuck in high school (even though I probably still was that point). It even came down to my outfit- which was a cute blouse and black jeans, which made me feel like I was somehow dressing conservative! Everyone was in small tops and tight skirts, and had the perfect figures for them too. I felt so invisible in the crowd, on and off campus. Unlike in high school, there isn’t just one girl everyone wants, but there are thousands of them. How was anyone ever going to notice me?
Fast forward four weeks later, and sometimes I still feel invisible and insecure. I’m writing this not because I figured out how to have confidence here, but because I’m trying to gain some confidence in the midst of all confusion that is being a freshman in your first semester of college.
1.    Wear what makes you happy.
Every morning when you get dressed make sure you feel good in what you are wearing. I try never to leave my room if I don’t like my outfit or I’m uncomfortable because I know it will annoy me all day. Pick out a cute outfit the night before and get excited to get dressed in the morning. They key to being confident is deciding you are every morning.
2.    Be around positive, uplifting people.
There is no way anyone can ever be confident if they are always surrounded by negative and toxic people. In college you can basically pick the people you want to be around- so pick people who lift you up! I am grateful to say my friends always know how to make me laugh when I feel like crying, and help me to be confident wherever I go. There’s a saying, “you are who you associate with,” so associate with happy, confident people!
3.   Be passionate about something.Â
For me, when I am feeling insecure about my appearance or something happening in my life, I change my focus by practicing drawing or sewing, something that brings me joy. Â Practicing your hobbies or even studying for school will make you confident in not only your abilities but your inner self.
4.    Stand straight and smile
Whenever you walk into a room, always stand straight. It will instantly make you feel confident and look confident! People will look at you and say “wow!” especially accessorized with a smile on your face. There is nothing worse than seeing a beautiful girl walk into a room with her shoulders hunched over.  Just standing straight makes a world of a difference!
5.    Fake it til you make it
Similar to number 4, but whenever you walk into a room, try to just feel confident and own it. Keep telling yourself you are the goddess that you are, and eventually you will actually believe it!