Change

I’m a pushover. Maybe it’s because I’m an only child and I grew up not having to fight with anyone for anything. I always seem to have trouble with telling people no. I’m convinced that if I don’t agree to do something that everyone will hate me for it. I’ll admit it; I’m a chronic pleaser.

I’m starting to notice that I can’t do that here, though. That behavior simply does not suffice anymore. One of my best friends here is the most persistent person I know and she has done a good job of convincing me to speak my mind when a difficult situation arises. In fact, she yells at me if I don’t. I feel like at a school as big as Michigan, in order to get what I want, I must find my voice.

Michigan has turned me into a bit of a crazy person. I never did anything in high school. I never went out on the weekends unless it was to go to the movies with the few friends I had. When people tell you that it’s the most sheltered kids who become the most wild, they’re not lying. Despite the protests from my friends and family back home my first few months here, I like the person I’ve become. I’m more comfortable with who I am. I’m not afraid to step out of my comfort zone and have new, crazy experiences. However, I’ve been here since June and I have finally calmed down. For the first time in my life, I feel very content.

I had lunch the other day with a friend from high school. When I told him about some of the things that had happened since I came to school, he turned to me and said aghast, “Liz, you’re insane!” Maybe I am. I’m happy with who I am.

I think you’re allowed to change in college and you’re bound to make some mistakes. You need to be able to have the space to do that. You should be able to find out who you really are. At a place like Michigan, you can change all the time. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TrM7cZTqLs