Coming from an expert in: “Fake it ‘til you make it”

By: Erin Woodward

When I sat down to write this blog post, I kept thinking, “Erin, you are the worst person to write about jumping out of your comfort zone.” I am awkward in social situations and I get nervous around new people and activities. Writing this has made me realize that maybe those qualities are the exact reason I should be writing this, I’m sure so many of you are starting college in the same position as I am—nervous.

There are so many reasons people don’t want to leave their comfort zone. Whether that is because they get anxious in social situations (which is a mood), or even because there might be a language barrier that makes social situations seem very overwhelming.

Join Cultural Clubs

We have a high population of international students who may learn English as their second or third language. Having a language barrier in a new country is a terrifying experience. Although everyone studying at Sheridan must know English, there are informal phrases and slang that can be confusing for people whose first language is not English. Finding places where you can talk with fellow students who are in the same boat as you is a great way to expand your friend group and broaden your horizons. At Sheridan, there are a lot of cultural clubs that are there to create those spaces for students. We have the Vedic Cultural Club, Sikh Students Association, Caribbean Student Association, and the Latinos Association. Those are just some examples, but you can check out Clubs Corner to search for more cultural clubs to join!

Fake It ‘Til You Make It

As someone who thinks being in social situations is overwhelming, the thought of having to push myself out of my comfort zone and try and make new friends sounds like a nightmare come to life.  If you know me, you may think, “But you seem so comfortable in social situations!” I will tell you a secret, I’m very much not.  Most of the time, I’m screaming internally like I’m in the pits of hell. “Fake it ‘til you make it” is the motto I live by, and although I pushed myself to do things that I was uncomfortable with, I know that that won’t work for everyone. Some people need an emotional support person, and that’s okay!

I find that when I'm with a friend and they are uncomfortable, my Mama Bear instincts come into play and suddenly I become the most outgoing person on the planet. You want ketchup but the waitress has walked away? Don’t worry, I will call them back. If I want ketchup and the waitress has walked away? Don’t worry, I will suffer.

Make Time For Extracurriculars

Studies suggest that students who participate in extracurricular activities have increased academic performance, increased confidence, better communication skills, and better interpersonal relationships. The study has been done by multiple different schools and education systems around the world. I know it sometimes seems impossible to fit in extracurriculars when it feels like your entire life is dedicated to the academic gods, but it is possible.

How? That is a great question, there is this concept that seems to be the ultimate solution to fit everything into the 24 hours we have each and every day, and that is TIME MANAGEMENT!

…yeah, I know. I wish there was a magic spell that would fix the problem of time but alas, there is not and we have to put in the work. It’s worth it in the end; you feel less stressed and you are actually capable of relaxing.

It all comes full circle—time management helps with being able to participate in extracurricular activities, and extracurricular activities help with time management skills. Truly a win/win situation.

When you look at a group of people and think “oh they’re so cool, they would never be friends with someone like me.” First of all, you are definitely cooler than you think. Second, most of the time the people in that group have the same thoughts. Trust me, I spent a good chunk of my first few months working at the SSU in a constant state of “they’re too cool for me,” before I slowly started to realize that everyone is just trying to fit in. Honestly, the SSU student staff are some of the most chill and nicest people that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. It doesn’t mean that trying to get to know them wasn’t the most terrifying experience, but it did work out in the end. I’ve been trying to consciously remove the “cool person” stereotypes from my head...it’s a work in progress.

Either way, if you recognize anyone from the SSU and are scared to say hi, we are a super friendly and kind of awkward bunch. Saying “don’t be afraid” never really helps, but if you see me in the halls, I will always be down for a quick chat or to say hi...unless I am running late for class but that’s a different story altogether.