Today was orientation at my university. I made a sincere effort to smile, talk to everyone I sat next to, ask questions, and just interact with other people in general. In group situations I often “other” myself, thinking that I don’t fit in because I’m so weird or dumb or ugly. There was none of that this time! I realized that everyone else there was new as well and didn’t know what the hell was going on, so I didn’t have much to lose. I’d watched a TED Talk about body language and how your own body language affects yourself, and I used some of the tips from the video. I acted like I belonged, and I felt like I did.

This is my second degree that I’m working on. My first time through college I didn’t participate in many activities and never did any of the campus life sorts of things. As a result, I didn’t enjoy myself and don’t have any of those great university memories people often have. This time I’m very determined to put myself out there and really participate. Make new friends, have new experiences. There is a student club fair on Wednesday and I’m planning on joining at least one club. I’ve also submitted applications to volunteer in a few places.

I feel really good about myself right now!