I remember being very nervous. I remember not knowing what to expect and suddenly being distracted by all the excitement around me. I remember that everything was new, and I was slightly overwhelmed at realizing that this was all normal. So how did I become “normal” and fit in?
I started writing this article with the intention of sharing some tips about just that – fitting in. In the process of thinking about the points I’d make, however, I realized something so basic, so fundamental, that it actually shocked me. And so, as a true test of your patience, feel free to read on as we work through this sporadic thought process together:
• The first piece of advice is: Believe. There is no need to put on running shoes and turn up the soundtrack to Rocky; all I’m saying is don’t lose sight of what keeps you going as you start your University adventure. It may be God, your friends, family or your goals; but whatever it is, it will be what gets you through the tough days (and don’t worry, there are always good days that follow).
• Don’t be afraid to speak up! Tell whoever asks who you are, what you enjoy, what drives you, what your religion is, where you’ve travelled, and what you hope to become. To this day, it continues to baffle me how unaccepting people are, especially in Canada and even more so in a university setting. No one is in a place to judge; so have some faith that people will look past the label and welcome you.
•Whatever you choose to do in your upcoming 5 to 7 years, be it academic, extracurricular or personal, do it for the right reasons. There is absolutely no better way for your passion to shine through. So, do what you love, and if you’re not sure (I sometimes wasn’t), then just give it time. The bottom line: time fixes everything (even if it is getting over failing your first, second, or fifth midterm).
•Take some risks and surprise yourself. Tell your parents the truth, say “Hi!” to someone you may be subconsciously stereotyping, open up to a new group of people who can teach you something new, smile for no reason, and remember to always be thankful for these experiences. And when those risks turn sour, just remember that someone else always has it tougher than you, so please be thankful.
BY FAR, the best part about university for me was the people. People are amazing! That is where your education lies. Just like the points above, all people have something they believe in, everyone has a different form of expression, every student works towards something, and all of you have taken at least one risk by attending this university.
See, you, yes you, are a person too (unless you’re a scientific genius on the Big Bang Theory). So, all the above applies to you, and all the above applies to your roommate, the person who sits beside you in class, the person who sold you food in the caf, your professor, and the people who will come to inspire you in your future.
So, my epiphany about “fitting in”?
You don’t need to figure out how to fit in because you’re no different from everyone else around you. Just say “Hi!” and just be yourself.
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