Here is what I’ve discovered; the first year of college
might be the most INSANELY awkward time of your life. Forget middle school, and
that’s saying something because those were pretty harsh on me, the first year
of college is bizarre.
To start, many first time college kids have never spent
anytime truly being independent. They just spent the last eighteen years either
having their moves dictated by their parents or narrating their moves to their
parents. Then, you pack up, get dropped off, and the boundary is suddenly
different. For me, I moved 1,000+ miles away and I mean I could call my parents
when I got in every night but, 1) that would be weird and 2) they can’t really
do much about my actions. (I promise, I haven’t become some crazy rebel, and I
still respect my parents more than you could ever know.) For kids and parents
alike, it’s this awkward, “WHAT DO WE DO???!!!!” moment that takes quite a bit
of trial and error.
Second, I don’t know about you, but I lived in the same area
with the same people for most of my life. I met a solid group of kids in fourth
grade, and while there was some fluctuating numbers, I really didn’t have to
truly make friends. I went from obligated to friendships, to “am I even
socially acceptable anymore?” Awkward, to say the least.
From there, you’re thrown in a building with hundreds of
other people who weren’t raised like you. Conflict resolution, bathroom time,
the sleeping situation, the study habits, EVERYTHING requires some weird form
of co-existing. College is like the ultimate blended family without parents. I’m
still trying to figure it out.
Some days, I really feel like I’m getting the hang of my new
life. I feel confident, strong, sure of myself. Then days, like this week, I
just feel awkward, like I’m just stumbling through college. I’ve felt so out of
my comfort zone this week. I went to go pick up a soccer ball and I just couldn’t
grab it, my hands couldn’t compute what my brain was telling it to do and I
ultimately looked like a fool.
I had those days in high school too. And maybe the rest of
my life will be like that. One day, I’m the swan, the next day I’m the ugly
duckling. Maybe that’s OK though? And maybe I’m just crazy?
So, what about you? Every feel like you span the spectrum?
Any advice on not being awkward in college?
^College is kind of
like this^
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