Inside the CSC with Jolene - Making Friends
Jul 31, 2024 | Jolene Carter, CSC President
My first semester I didn’t know anyone and even more awkward than that, I was not used to interacting with anyone who wasn’t older than me and from my church.
I wanted to make friends my own age no matter what, and the first few times I tried to interact with anyone could be easily used to make most people cringe from how awkward it was.
Something I realized pretty quickly is that people react the best to authenticity, and the uncomfortable truth is that you can’t have authenticity without vulnerability.
It’s scary to take a chance to talk to people; especially people who act or look different from you or who already seem to have a friend group.
If you embrace the fear, the awkward and the cringe? That’s when you unlock the ability to make real connections to people.
The best place to start is finding groups that fit your hobbies so you have something to talk to people about; a shared interest.
Keep your ear out for any mentions of parties or events that people want to attend; if you go to enough of these you’ll meet a whole variety of folks.
If you get out of your comfort zones and engage as many people as you can in friendly conversations you will feel far more connected with the campus as a whole.
Don’t underestimate the value of saying good morning to people as well; sometimes that’s the only kind thing someone might hear that day.
Workshops and campus events too are a great place to find people who’re open to meeting new people and making friends.
Our campus is a community and if you just lead with an honest heart and get out there? You’ll have made a few friends in no time.
If all else fails; just listen to people; maintain eye-contact and just interact with people in the same way you wish they’d interact with you.
Kindness begets kindness, and for what it’s worth, if you need a friend; you can come find me in the Welcome Centre as always.
Yours truly,
Jolene
#Access and Inclusion #Canadore Students' Council #Student Experience #Student Life