As change is the only permanent thing in this universe, we often experience such phases of life that add more meaning to our existence. Some of these experiences gives us immense joy while others teach us a lesson.
But whatever the consequences, we are expected to go through these changes. One such change is the transition from school to college.
I think it’s totally fine to imagine a college life like the one’s shown in movies, from the grand entry to become the popular one, and eventually the “Student of the Year”. Though, it’s pretty fancy and appealing but unfortunately not real. So did I just burst a balloon of illusion? Maybe.
However, that does not make college any less interesting. Trust me. When you join a college, they organize an orientation program where freshers get a chance to interact with other students and have a better understanding about the program or course they are applying for. While in this interaction a lot of bonds form, a lot of bonds break as well.
Though sounds like typical organic chemistry. But, it’s true. You are supposed to free up space for new things to fall in place. And there is something really beautiful about this shift of time and space. That teaches the art of letting go.
You will meet folks from different places, some will leave you in peace and some will leave you in pieces. Distance can drift people apart but true friendship always stands the test of time. You may feel agitated and sad when you lose people you once knew but even if you stay out of sight that never means out of mind.
Another change that you may face is adjusting with new provisions, procedures and work environment. I have a few classmates who are from different parts of the country, they live in hostel and PG’s and some of my school friends, they moved to another place for the same. It teaches the important art of being flexible and more accepting of other’s way of life.
The people find it quite difficult to adjust when it comes to food, language, culture, and lifestyle. And it’s totally fine. When I talk to these people, they often say they miss their family a lot but it’s quite surprising how their friends and seniors at hostel and college have turned out to be their new family.
The late night gossips, the sharing of lunch with the day scholars, the games you play together, the small walks and all those little things that make the connection deeper fill the void. Talking about the creatures who fascinate me the most are the introverts. Why so? Because I too was an introvert once. Not anymore.
However, it makes me understand where these people come from. To the introverts, you don’t have to fit in to feel sense of belonging. And it’s okay to pause for a moment and think before you speak. It’s okay to feel uneasy about being in a social setting. But don’t over analyse situation, don’t play scenarios in your head that have a slight probability of being true.
And always know, if you never ask, the answer will always be NO! So go ahead, start a conversation, show your hidden treasure of talent and don’t shy away. Be yourself and everything else will eventually fall in its place.
Another interesting group of people I encountered in college are the “First time ever co-ed people”. They are happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time.
They could be super funny at one moment and super nervous at other. I believe, that, academics are one part of life but the main aim of education is to familiarize us to the life beyond the academics. “Social Skills” are one such essential skills for a better life.
A co-ed system promote an environment where both the sex can work together promoting gender neutrality and equality. It makes one more empathetic toward the opposite sex.
I personally know students who find it difficult to co-ordinate with opposite sex students in group activities, and most of them are from same sex schools. They also hesitate to express their views but I think with time they will adapt themselves and things will gradually be easy for them.
According to me and what all I have heard, college is the bridge between adolescence to adulthood. It not only provide us exposure to new challenges and functioning of how things work but also helps us build our personality as an individual.
It’s over us how we respond to the stimulus of change and create the best out of what all we are offered with. We should learn to say “Try Me!” to these new changes instead of saying “Why Me?”.