I went on all through high school and it wasn't until I started putting myself in different organizations and getting involved with other people, until I learned how to play the game I guess you could say. Because thats exactly how I felt, like I was playing a game. I found myself being strategic when talking to groups of people, timing when to get a drink, the occasional "pretend I;m doing something important on my phone" move. Weird I know, but we can all relate.
To be a little more specific on a time I had to develop a identity kit, was when I studied abroad at Oxford for the summer. When my buddy and I first arrived at the house we'd be staying at by our school, we soon found that we would be living with actual Oxford students, not some other kids from what is known as a party school looking to have a fun summer abroad. These dudes were legit. They were serious with their studies and frequently discussed in such amazing depth the issues which were discussed in their classrooms earlier in the day. My friend and I sat back in awe, fearing one of them would ask us our opinion on such matters. But eventually, the time had come. It wasn't all that bad, because some of the things we talked about, I actually found interesting. And as the days went on, I began staying more up to date on the news and whatever else was a hot subject of debate in the world and soon began adding to the evening conversations in a manner i sure hope was sufficient lol. Those were good times.
Happy Sunday everyone, GO CHARGERS!
I could really relate to your blog post. I don't enjoy crowds and I often find myself nervous when interacting with strangers. However, the actual interactions are never as bad as the anxiety that precedes it. Still, I doubt I would be willing to study abroad at Oxford for a summer. I'm sure that it must have been an unpleasant surprise when you arrived and realized you'd be staying with actual Oxford students, but it still sounds like a great opportunity. Enjoyed reading your blog.
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I also enjoyed reading this blog. It sounds like being around the real Oxford students challenged you to reconsider who you are. Did it stick? EF
ReplyDeleteIt did in some cases. On my return home I ordered a subscription to the economist magazine in order to stay caught up on current events and have an educated world view. Thanks for asking.
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