A New Me and a New Family

In high school, I was always a very timid "nerd". I never really took any chances or stepped out of my comfort zone. Thus, I did have a hard time making new friends or even striking up a simple conversation with someone new. It wasn't surprising that I was going into college feeling extremely nervous.

I want to preface this by saying I tend to expect the worst or over-analyze  Therefore, I headed towards Rutgers that first day wondering if anyone would even like me, would my roommate and I get along, how would I feel about my suitemates, what I would do now that I had this newly found freedom, how would I deal with all of these responsibilities and choices, etc. Looking back on my first week, I will admit that I still had my high school "mentality". I regret that the first few days, I did not partake in certain events with my suite (i.e. "floor-hopping" in order to meet new people).

I will also confess that I was skeptical when it came to any type of camaraderie forming within our suite (let alone with anyone else) because we were all so different form one another. Yet, for the first time in my life, I was happy that I was wrong. From the moment I stepped into my room and met my roommate for the first time, I knew I was going to like where I was living. I feel like our 9th floor suite and the 7th floor suite (full of some of the most wonderful individuals I have ever met) have become a family. We can go to dinner, watch a movie, or even just hang out and talk about each person's day. You guys have helped me so much in my metamorphosis into a "social butterfly" and I want to thank you all for that.

We have only been at Rutgers for about two months but I know that this year will be amazing because I have  all of you by my side. I am eager for what's to come in the ensuing school year but instead of being nervous and pessimistic like I used to be, I am hopeful and I can't wait!

This is one of my favorite quotes of all time and I will probably use it many times in this blog: "stay golden". While we are all unique, each of us is wonderful just the way he/she is.

Sincerely,

Frans