My first day of college was quite interesting. I had just moved all the way from Nigeria to the United States the previous week and was still settling in, trying to get accustomed to the different lifestyle and culture. I knew nothing about America, except for things people had told me and what I had seen on TV. It was different. I had to adapt. It was a weird feeling. I had no friends, and I wasn’t the type to make friends easily.
I’m going to take a wild guess that some of you have had this experience, one way or the other. Either at your new job, going into a new grade, or generally, doing something for the first time. Whatever kind of change you have experienced, I’m sure the one question that always comes to mind is how do I fit in?!
By saying “fit it”, I don’t necessarily mean “be like everyone else” or “do what everybody is doing”. In whatever environment you find yourself, there’s always someone with a shared interest or who has had similar life experiences as you. However, in order to more easily find that person, I’d suggest you do the following:
1. Be open: Everyone has their way of doing things – the rituals they’d rather stick to. But, trying something different, which might feel a bit uncomfortable – like joining a club at school, or eating at a different restaurant that is not your usual spot with some co-workers – could help you “fit in” quicker.
2. Ask questions: Whenever you find yourself in a new place, ask questions. Be curious. Get yourself familiar with the customs and ways of doing things around there. When you’re asking questions out of curiosity, there is generally no such thing as a “stupid question “
3. Be yourself: In as much as you would want to fit in, if you’d have to “change” your core values to fit into a place, then that place is probably not for you. You can be yourself and still be part of a community, or a group.
I hope you find these tips helpful. Most importantly, please remember that you should not have to change who you are to fit in!
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Anastacia Ago is a Respiratory Therapist, writer and an amazing singer. She believes in equipping the youth to take on the future with confidence. You can reach her at [email protected].