More needs to be done to support introverts at Emory

Coming from a small town in south Georgia, my “friend-making” skills were pretty non-existent.

Basically, my graduating class consisted of people I had known since Pre-K. My main crew in high school only had two members, my true best friends.

me (on the left) with my two best friends from high school

Before Emory, I dreamed of being apart of clubs, making an impact on campus, and having an ENORMOUS circle of friends who I can eat lunch with, go to class with, and experience this new thing called college. Of course, things have not gone as planned. My “introvertness” became noticeable immediately after my parents said their goodbyes on move-in day. I knew it would happen sooner or later, so I took the necessary precautions before I came to Emory, I got involved in MORE.

After orientation, I slowly started regressing inward. Others in my orientation group actually liked me and wanted to hang out with me, but I just could not. I had more important things to do like obsess over grades and pout about how my life here contrasted with my life back at home. I lost many potential friends that I still regret to this day. MORE (Multicultural Outreach and Resources at Emory) partially filled that void that I was creating for myself by forcing me to socialize and be apart of a group of really amazing people. My “introvertness” took a backseat again until the semester ended.

Afterwards, I regressed again and stayed in my room ALL the time. Every time I tried to get more involved, I stopped myself. The only comfort I had were my excuses like “I don’t need friends”, “I wasn’t going to get picked anyway”, and “no one understands me”. No one really seemed to notice my disappearance anyway. After second semester, I went home and reevaluated myself and set a goal that I would get more involved. So far, I have had a more eventful sophomore year. A lot of milestones and obstacles, but I am keeping my promise that I will not let anyone, even myself or my “introvertness”, stop me from trying to become a part of this community.

My MORE group

A friend and I during Dooley’s week.

What about those introverts who are still struggling on campus?

According to Yik Yak, there are some who really need help.

College already stresses people out,  so we should not submit more stress as a community. Clearly, people are searching for help, so I have some suggestions.

To the Emory Community:

• Create more organizations that support students after freshman year
• Words and statements like “lazy”, “try harder”, “just get involved” do not help. They only make things worse.
• Pay attention. If you notice someone that you know start isolating themselves, try to stop it.
• Be patient.

To the Introverts:

• There are people here who understand. There is a whole community of us here.
• Be kind to yourself. You are not a disappointment. You are YOU, so be the best that you can be.
• You do not have to conform to fit in. If you do that, you will still be unhappy.
• Cherish those little milestones and obstacles that you overcome. They might be small and unimportant to others, but they are BIG steps for you.
• Embrace your uniqueness.

This is a challenge for all of us as a community which everyone will benefit from. Emory will gain students who are hardworking, have high potential, and will further diversify the community. Introverts, you will gain purpose, happiness, confidence, and a group of friends who truly love you for you.