So it’s that time of year again when we are forced to get back into the Cal groove that basically and unfortunately consists only of repressing the desire for “just five more minutes.”
A lot of us have been away for several weeks; we’ve reunited with old friends at the local Golden Corral (that’s a common tradition, right?), and are now reconnecting with the people we’ve met here. As we start a new semester, the students living in the residence halls are beginning to settle into their social niches —they’re finding a close group of friends as well as clubs and organizations that they’re passionate about.
Unfortunately, the extremely eager attitude of Welcome Week, as expected, has faded some as routines and bonds are established – a new person seen in the lounge might as well be an intruder. So this transition from eager enthusiasm to dim friendliness might seem like a totally normal and reasonable thing, but it kind of sucks.
Because seriously, I’m not an intruder. I just want to be friends.
The explanation is easy: Having a group to fall back on can make us hesitant about putting effort into new relationships, even if we may not notice it. But whether you’re a freshman living in the residence halls or a senior living off campus, it is important to maintain your social health.
Sure, eating right, exercising and getting a flu shot are fantastic things to do, but don’t forget that our ability to thrive and interact in various social settings is a significant part of our overall well-being and happiness.
We’re faced with a time in our lives where we’re thrown into the greatest college town on the planet surrounded by people with whom we have so much in common and so much to learn from. So don’t miss this opportunity to engage, interact and learn. A good thing to keep in mind is that not every friendship has to be that soulmate relationship — everyone you meet might not be your next BFFL.
Regardless, let’s strive to keep engaging with our peers and not miss out on potentially valuable relationships, no matter if it’s just a semester-long study buddy or RSF workout partner.
It’s a new year — let’s resolve to continue making new relationships, new friends; let’s try to approach people we don’t fully know and not let the unknown or the perceived (and usually self-inflicted) “awkwardness” deter us from doing so. And a new year means an influx of spring admits and junior transfers.
Starting college in the middle of the academic year can be difficult; social groups may already have been established, people already seem to know each other. Immediately finding a place to fit in may be tough. Keep in mind that Berkeley is teeming with opportunities! The campus offers a multitude of clubs and organizations. If you’re new to Cal, don’t be afraid to explore and to branch out. If not, then make them feel at home.
And if all else fails, I’ll be at Crossroads every Wednesday for lunch. Let’s be friends.
Shahin Firouzbakht and Naveena Sunkara are members of the Tang Center Health Worker Program.
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