With first semester well underway, new students have grown accustomed to the class schedule as well as with other students who attend. Groups of friends have settled into their own sectors, forming their own cliques.
Once new students have blended into the crowd, much of the time these peers are comfortable with the friends just within their group. The drive to make new friends does not matter as much anymore because some have sealed their spot in a group. Students often just settle for the people they know and rather skip to know the rest.
At a small school like Fresno Christian, most classmates and teachers know of each other. Students may recognize a familiar face but not know much about the other person. We are often comfortable with the people we know, but when it comes to meeting others, we don’t make much of an effort to reach out beyond our cliques.
Our perception of our own friend groups becomes a tunnel vision. The time in and away from school is mainly associated with only those we would call our closest friends.
When meeting others for the first time, we often try to avoid awkward encounters. Having an awkward conversation frightens us, turning us away from trying to meet others. The sense of unfamiliarity causes us to rethink who we choose to get to know.
By striving to get to know others, we create our own type of community. With this community we are able to gain confidence in ourselves as well as connections with other personalities across the campus. — The Feather Staff
The idea that ‘making new friends is difficult’ causes us to choose to not make an effort because of the challenge we might face in doing so. Rather than sitting comfortably with our friends, we have to converse in conversation to try to get to know the other person.
Even though branching out among new friend groups can seem difficult, it can bring a reward. Within the small community of FC, much of the student body is familiar with each other. This type of atmosphere creates a family-like relationship between much of the classes.
By striving to get to know others, we create our own type of community. With this community we are able to gain confidence in ourselves as well as connections with other personalities across the campus.
These encounters also help to expand our social interactions. Through conversing with others, we learn about different cultures and personalities. By doing this we create relationships and add to our network.
Even though taking the first step out of our comfort zone is difficult, it pushes us to reach beyond our personal boundaries. Connecting with others creates community between our friends as well as confidence within ourselves. Besides, reaching out to another person who is alone, may need a lift, smile or a invitation to join a group.
Breaking out of the tribe is a great way to draw others into the community and builds a sense of belonging for all of us. Take the time to look beyond yourself and build the FC tribe from the inside out.
For the previous editorial, please read Student as product vs Student as learner.
