Embracing the College Experience: Finding the Right Circle and Knowing Yourself Through Others
Maria Elaine Hernandez 
In the realm of your college journey, your circle wields a remarkable influence on your whole college experience. Your circle possesses the potential to uplift you towards your highest academic and personal growth, or conversely, hold you back. The idea of the right circle outlines self-growth while staying true to oneself, enabling the formation of genuine and meaningful connections. Beyond fighting spirit and determination, finding the right circle is equally vital for conquering the challenges that college life presents.
Showing Up
College and university offer a dynamic platform to connect and engage with the various aspects of campus life. From as simple as attending classes and lectures, actively participating in vibrant campus events and gatherings, to even delving deeper by becoming part of clubs and organizations, immersing yourself in these experiences allow you to be present in the moment, available for striking up a conversation, be met, and be known. More than showing up, be present, it will enable you to be receptive in forging connections and making them last.
Keeping an open mind
In college, you are bound to encounter individuals representing a myriad of backgrounds. Consequently, embracing an open-minded approach will naturally prompt you to ask questions, challenge your beliefs, and even counter your viewpoints, all in pursuit of knowledge and a wider perspective. Sometimes what you need is not something that lies in the comfort of your current self. And as the self is inherently changing and demands to be the best version of itself, this is your chance to explore your other selves—the self you didn’t know existed and the self you have yet to meet.
Being yourself
While it may sound cliché, the axiom speaks truth: Your energy does not lie. Being true to yourself is necessary for finding people who feel most like you. And you are more likely to attract like-minded individuals, those with whom you share the same goals and values, and those who resonate with yourself… and all of your other selves unmet when you are true to yourself. Such individuals may be people with whom you feel strung or people with whom you find common ground; all of them play an significant part in making you feel important, connected, and understood.
As you journey your way through college, characterized by transformative experiences and self-exploration, keep in mind that the circle you choose to surround yourself with holds immense significance. Their influence molds the very essence of your college adventure, amplifies the richness of your experiences, and becomes an important part of your growth. So, as you navigate the twists and turns of college, make sure to do so with the people who illuminate your path and enrich your journey.
