New faces, new classes and new activities are all expected to be part of a new school year. Whether eating in Barone, walking to class or studying in the library, each student comes into contact with numerous other students. Smiles and waves may be exchanged, as well as a few conversations here and there.
These rituals have been instilled in people since childhood; children are raised to be themselves while still conforming to standards and behaviors accepted, as well as respected, in society. In addition, most people present themselves in the way in which they hope to be perceived.
Because of this, one must question the authenticity of his or her acquaintances when meeting new people. If someone is presented with a different setting, will that person change who they have been to become someone else? Do students wear a mask and take on characteristics that they have never encompassed before? As students meet others, they must ask these questions.
At what point will people discover the whole truth about their roommates? Students may hope to take on a new identity when entering college; this can be positive or negative.
When a student arrives in a new bubble, he or she must ask: Do I continue the way that I was in high school? Do I want to go to all the parties? Do I want to study consistently to achieve higher grades than the previous year? These are only a few of the questions that not only freshmen but also upperclassmen may consider when returning to school for the fall semester.
With that being said, do students think twice about their friends? Are their true personalities coming through, or is it all an act? At some point, the truth will be revealed. But the real question is: How long will it take for people to feel comfortable enough to show their true colors and accept that they will attract the people that are most compatible with them?
When starting a new year, each student must consider these possibilities. Will students take extreme measures to conform to the typical college lifestyle? Will students accept themselves for who they are? At what point do students let their guard down?
Students must be true to themselves in order to make real friends. They must present themselves in the way in which they should be perceived because of their values and ideas, not because of the attributes that others expect them to embody.
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