Being Yourself in a Diverse College World

One of the most beautiful aspects of college is the diversity it brings. You have the opportunity to meet people of all walks of life who all have a different story to tell. Everyone, no matter what city, town, or community they hail from, will at some point sit in the same class, same dining table, or join the same organization as you, and you get the opportunity to meet and develop friendships with these unique people. And let’s face it: in college, there’s a lot of pressure to become a lot of things. There’s pressure to become the most popular girl in your class. Pressure to become the smartest girl in your class. Pressure to become the most involved around campus. Or the prettiest girl. The list goes on.

You may be transitioning from a high school or town where the people dress similarly, think similarly, and out of habit, speak similarly, and many people are stripped from their comfort zone and placed into a world where they’re…different. You may not find many people who will think like you, speak like you, or dress like you, and that’s the beauty of it all. You’re uniquely YOU! Don’t succumb to pressure to follow crowds, dress a certain way, or become someone you’re not. Just like everyone in college comes with their own unique story and perspective to offer the world, so do you. You’ll eventually create a tribe of friends who need your unique energy, your unique personality, and will appreciate you just the way you are. Appreciate the differences you encounter, and learn from those you meet, but don’t give in to pressure to fit into any mold. Find your passions, distinguish your likes and dislikes, and get a great idea of what is important to you as you embark on a journey that will change your life for the better. Let this journey change you without letting it change YOU.

Love your differences and know that you have a lot to offer a friend, a college campus, and ultimately, the world.