I came into my first year of college afraid, not of the workload and the classes I would be taking, but of the amount of people I would encounter and the amount of socializing that came with meeting new people. I was passing the bridge that connects the Student Center with the Humanities Department, one fine afternoon in September of my first year, when a flyer caught my eye. If you have ever walked across this bridge then you will understand – and can probably picture it as you read this – the incredible amount of flyers that are taped on its sides. One flyer stood out to me more than any of the others and drew me in like a lantern to a mosquito. Not saying that I am a mosquito or anything.
This flyer advertised a class called English Conversation Program which gives you 1.3 easy units or the opportunity to be a volunteer. It claimed all you needed to do was converse with international students to help them with their English-speaking skills. As an English major, I thought this would be a great way to get involved on campus and, most importantly, break out of my comfort zone as someone who does not like socializing. I ended up loving the class and decided to take it again my winter quarter. I was planning on taking it once more during my spring quarter, however, it no longer fit my schedule. Luckily, I was able to come back and take it again this quarter. I still feel that this helps me greatly in my struggle to talk to new people and initiate conversation. I also became an IC volunteer for the academic year which I would not have even considered if it were not for my participation in ECP and the help it has given me to be more socializing.
Last week, I was paired up with an international student from South Korea. As we got to know each other, however, I realized that my heart was beating way too quickly for it to be healthy. My palms were producing liters of sweat and I just could not hold eye contact with him. Oh no, I thought to myself, do not do this to yourself. As the conversation continued and developed, I realized that I was getting more and more nervous, but he was so nice that I wanted to keep talking with him. Keep in mind, this rarely, if ever, happens to me when I am talking to someone new. At the end of class, an opportunity came about in which I was able to get his contact information to set up a study session later on in the week. I was nervous to text first about the meeting, but I held onto the chance of talking and spending time with him. So, I pressed send after reading over my text for the 50th time. He readily responded and are meeting up to study over the weekend.
My point to this anecdote is that opportunities come our way throughout our time in college, many of which we do not grab ahold of. Taking initiative and trying something new can be terrifying because there is no way of knowing the outcome. Although, through these experiences I’ve learned that only good things come out of taking a leap of faith. If something good happens then we will be happy, if something bad happens, then we can learn from it and grow as individuals. I have always been afraid to take a chance but I now realize how important it is to really take the time to get to know people. There are great, wonderful people out there who might just change our lives. Or, we might even change theirs. Simply take opportunities as they come to you, because it is better to know you tried than to wonder what would have been if you hadn’t seized the opportunity that was presented to you.
Social life is so important for college students because it forms strong connections, develops in us a sense of belonging and helps de-stress when times get stressful. As someone who could not even make eye contact with others, I can say that getting involved with programs, clubs, jobs and classes that are oriented with socializing is a great way to meet new people and work on personal growth. So go out there and seize the opportunity because you never know where they will take you.