Over the weekend I took my first steps towards my new adventure, college orientation. I showed up not knowing what to expect, except complete awkwardness; I didn't know anyone who would be there.
I'm not very sociable and usually don't talk to people unless I have known them for a while or when I meet someone new and our personalities click. Each incounter I had with someone started off with an awkward, "is anyone sitting here?" followed by the five most important questions.
1. What's your name?
2. Where are you from?
3. What's your major?
4. Do you play sports?
5. Are you living on campus?
After that the conversation would die out. Sometimes I added a few more questions to break the silence; but that was it. I can't imagine my first week or a month on campus not knowing anyone or talking to anyone. I will have my roommate, but will I get along with her?
Another thing I realized were all the choices I would have to make for myself; all the responsibility of living on my own. Within the first day of being there I was invited to someone's room to drink. I decided not to go, because I was scared to get caught, but this is something I'll be faced with a lot. Or how about scheduling my own time, doing my laundary faithfully (not just when the pile on the floor gets too big), etc. I don't want to leave the friends I've known for so long. I'm scared, but at the same time excited to start college. My mentor told me that usually the things we are usually scared about are the things we are excited about.
So, I guess this means I'm going to have to make new friends, even if I'm not sociable or it's awkward. I have to make my own choices, even if others don't agree.
A Look Into The Future
By pkubik08 - Posted on June 30th, 2008
There's really not much to worry about. I think the biggest reason why you (and anyone who is making a big change) are scared is because it's something new. The whole thing seems completely alien to you. In reality, though, it's probably not much different from what you did while in high school, except you don't have your parents breathing down your neck.
You still need to go to school, maybe get a job and go to work, and in between, eat, do homework, and chores. This time, though, there's no one telling you when, or even that, you have to (except maybe your roommate once in a while).
It might be easier for you if you create a schedule for yourself. Fill out a calendar with everything. Start with the things you don't have fine control over, such as class and work schedule, then add in study time, chore time, and a little play time (don't overwork yourself, that's a fast route to burnout, but also make sure you're giving yourself enough time to get the needed things done).
During your free time, make a point to go out to social areas and try to get to know people (you don't have to force anything, that just makes it more awkward, but do at least try to interact with people; you can't hit it off with anyone if you don't talk to anyone). It doesn't have to be anything big or fancy. It could be something as simple as hanging out in your dorm's or school's commons area, or a coffee shop.
As far as the drinking goes, I will first say that I don't really care for or about alcohol. I'm personally rather picky about what I drink and don't like to get drunk (I never saw the point drinking so much that you don't remember what you've done), but I don't really care if people around me have a few beers or something, and I'll occasionally have a drink myself. That said, if you've never drank before, I suggest making a few friends first, that way you won't feel pressured to get smashed or drink more than your comfortable with when you do go to a party that has alcohol. If you're at a (at least semi-) responsible social gathering that's not disturbing the peace or doing things to get the attention of outsiders, and as long as you're not driving home (ie - you're either staying over, you live within walking distance of your home, or there is a designated driver), there isn't a huge chance you'll be caught.
In other words, no, just having a beer or something won't have the police come knocking on your door because you're underage (unless you tried buying it yourself, in which case you did something to attract the attention to you).
I am treated as evil by people who claim that they are being oppressed because they are not allowed to force me to practice what they do. ~D. Dale Gulledge