The Big Change

           If you could wake up one day and change anything about yourself, what would it be? Personally, I tend to struggle with being able to talk to many people and put myself out there. I shy away from many events or parties because I am too shy and reserved. After moving into my dorm room at the University of Kansas, that all changed. I gained this newfound confidence with which I carry myself better. Instead of being a total loner, I have actually made some new friends and acquaintances.

            I had talked to my roommate a few times over the summer so when we got to meet in person, it was not as awkward and it was much easier to talk to each other. Unfortunately, she does not enjoy doing many things so we do not see each other often because I will be somewhere or when I am back at our dorm, she will be somewhere else. This seemed like a bad thing but it turned out to be something I have grown to appreciate. We both get to have alone time in our room at some point throughout the day and it also allows us to get to know other people as well. The floor we live on is amazing because everyone is so kind and easy to talk to.

            So far I have gone to lunch and dinner with a few of the girls on our floor and our wonderful RA every day. I have surprisingly made a ton of new friendships that I hope will last throughout college and even beyond college as well. Another girl on my floor has actually had a similar experience with her roommate so we have bonded over that and have become extremely close. During Hawk Week, I met a ton of new people by actually attending the many events that were held throughout the first couple of days. I let people get to know me much faster than I usually do by showing my quirky side. Some of the bonds I made with people really helped me to feel better about myself and realize that I do not need to hide away and be so introverted.

 If I had not changed, miraculously overnight, then I would be stuck in my room lonely and bored. It has also taught me to appreciate any hardships life throws my way. I would have never gotten to know my floor-mates as well as I have so I would have been going to eat alone for the majority of the time. Luckily, I changed and blossomed into the person I have always wanted to be. Of course there are still some aspects of outgoingness that I still need to work on but I am confident I will get there someday. Hopefully the rest of college will be uphill for me, except for maybe in literal form.