I write from the perspective of graduate school these days sure, but this message comes to you from a K-12 student that attended multiple schools in her upbringing. This message comes to you from a student that went to two high schools. This message comes to you from a student that went to attend university out-of-state and then crossed the country to do it all over again. Just so you know who is in this figurative room.
I start this all by saying for you to be yourself.
I end this all by saying for you to be yourself.
Not everyone will like you nor are they supposed to. In all my years, some people reflect the glow God placed down on the inside of me and we become great friends. Others despise it on sight or grow to dislike. Remember this: it is none of my business and none of yours, so keep your nose on your face.
Often times, making friends came from playing sports, being active in things I liked such as reading and writing and drawing, and moving away from the fear to volunteer for class-related tasks, religious-inspired volunteer work, and raising my hand. Do you know what you like? Can you name three things? Now keep your eyes peeled for that around you. I am not saying you must search people out, but I am saying that similar interests do help build community and reach levels you were not even sure you would make, by the grace of God, such as graduation. What is the point of this? You start recognizing that you are not alone and then conducting yourself as thus. You act different when you act like you know. No, not everyone likes anime, but heard them talking about it in the cafeteria so it is not totally niche.
Another way to make friends is through programming opportunities such as fellowships, research internships, volunteering, mentoring, conferences, and the like. Take the time to apply yourself to these different spaces and places that offer community, or groups of people in a similar space and place at that time, by default. It is own cheat code. Likeminded people that are in those spaces are typically folks that are looking to mingle with other like-minded people within said space. All you really have to do is show up. People will flock. If not, smile and wave boys. Smile and wave.
But to be real: compliment people on their outfit, ask them how they got there today and if they ate or got some water. These starting questions, will lead into a greater conversation as long as you are willing and able to make the effort (another thing people like).
I want to keep this short, so my last way to make friends could be you sitting in a park on your blankie and inviting someone to share it. You could be with your umbrella in a downpour and seeing someone near you without theirs so you shuffle over to them to share your metal-poled-canopy of a refuge. It could be bringing a cutie to class and sitting next to someone to share the second one in your bag. Do not limit yourself: the bounds are endless in that which you can share including your background, plastic grocery bags, gardening feats and failures, smiles, and a sense of direction.
Whatever you chose to do, just do your best. That is enough. Happy friending.
All the Best,
CLG (Clarreese La'Nay Greene)
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