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Looking in all the right places
We had hoped for bright blue skies and endless sunshine for our picnic. With only one day remaining in our freshman year of college, my friends and I wanted to celebrate, share memories and say goodbye. The light drizzle put a slight damper on our plans to eat by the waterfall and to throw around the green Frisbee. But as we sat at the worn tables under the park's rustic shelter, we forgot the inclement weather. We passed around bags of chips, and bottles of Coke fizzed loudly over the sound of our laughter. I gave a content sigh and realized how lucky I was to have found such a supportive, enjoyable and unique group of friends.
I had never felt as alone as when my parents and sister closed the door to my dorm room that first day of school in August. James, another 1999 graduate of my high school, was the only other person I knew on campus. Although I am not shy by any means, I definitely held some insecurities about finding friends among nearly 6,000 strangers. As it turns out, I didn't need to worry.
Through a variety of ways and at several different places, I was able to meet my closest friends at college. Debra was the first friend I made. Now that I know her talkative, bubbly nature, it doesn't surprise me how we met. I was on my way to see a late-night comedy show, and I happened to hold the door open for Debra. She thanked me, and then proceeded to ask where I was from, what my major was, and wasn't I excited for the show tonight? We sat next to each other for the program, and through our hysterical laughter, we became instant friends. That's one excellent way to meet people-attend the special events your college offers.
Two nights later, Debra called and asked if I wanted to go to dinner with her and two girls she had met in class. I was a little nervous doing so, and I politely told her no. But we continued to talk, and the conversation was so enjoyable that I changed my mind and agreed to meet her in one half hour. When I arrived at the campus center, Debra introduced me to Mandi and Tamara, both bright-smiling music majors. We made our way through the line and took our seats in the cafeteria. I have no recollection of what was served that night, but I do remember the four of us sitting and chatting for over an hour after finishing our meals. From then, we became inseparable, proof that another good way to make friends is by meeting them through your current friends.
The following Sunday, I attended a church service at the campus chapel. I was interested in becoming part of the Protestant community, so I met the chaplain and listened to her sermon. Midway through the service, the congregation was asked to turn to someone nearby and introduce themselves. I shook hands with an energetic guy named Eric, and he caught up to me outside after we were dismissed. We chatted for a few minutes, then agreed to meet later that week to hang out. We became friends almost instantly, this friend I'd met through involvement in a campus organization. Talking to people from your classes is also a good way to make friends.
My best friend at school, Ben, was in my introductory journalism course during my first semester. We sat next to each other and discovered a mutual distaste for the professor. After class one day in late September, we walked through the campus laughing about the absurdity of the assignments and complained endlessly about our upcoming deadline. I felt an immediate connection with him, and we spent the entire evening talking, which was also an effective means of procrastination. Since then, we have shared our life stories, our views on the world, and we have become very important to each other. I also met my good friend Glen in this class, and the three of us bonded from discussions about our major and, of course, our professor.
Friends can also be found in your dorm hall or building. I was typing an essay for my sociology class when Brent knocked loudly on our door. I opened it to find him with his hand outstretched. He shook my hand, said he lived on the first floor, and that he'd be back to get to know me. There were many nights when Brent listened as I cried over a heavy workload or calmed me down as I pulled my hair out after another five hours straight in front of my computer. Besides my roommate, he was my closest friend in my dorm, and I am glad to have met him there.
All these people were at the picnic that rainy Thursday afternoon, along with others I had met in similar ways. Mandi introduced me to Melissa, an outgoing and comical girl she had met in biology class. Gregg is Glen's best friend from high school. Darius plays a mean bass clarinet in the campus band in which we met, and we shared a connection by our common love for pizza and Ben Folds Five. I met Megan through the Protestant community, and I got to know Julie through Debra and Eric.
Talking to people in classes, your dorm, at events or clubs and meeting them through other people are surefire ways to make friends. I have been fortunate, and I'm thankful everyday. I have come a long way from that first lonely day at college, and I can attest to the long-lasting bonds of college friendships. Be friendly, keep an open mind, and you'll meet friends to last a lifetime in no time at all. Article provided by 
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