“Zilaishu” is a Chinese term that refers to certain type of people who can quickly become friends with strangers and is also known as “born socializer”. That was one of my titles through the previous 17 years of my life. Based on this special characteristic, I was pretty confident about my socializing skills before I came to America. In my anticipation, I would speak fluent English and easily adapt to Western culture by hanging out with local friends; I would have little difficulty in expressing my own ideas and speaking out loud in lectures and discussions because of my outgoing personality; I would be actively involved in club events and even have an American boyfriend through socializing. I know those of my expectations could be exactly
…show more content…
A senior here, who went to the same Mexico trip with my mom, contacted me and introduced me to her club called LIFE group. It’s kind of a Christian club. Although I’m not a religious person, I still signed up because I thought that could be a great chance to meet new people and have fun. Before the first meeting, I was afraid that this would not work out just as the previous Mlead group. The room was the same, the language was the same, and the topic discussed was even less appealing to me than that of the Mlead meeting. Yet everything just felt so different. People here are so enthusiastic and welcoming. They spent time listening to me even it took a long time for me to express my ideas. Everyone was so loving and patient, and it made me feel so good about myself. We did icebreaker and got a chance to better know each other from all around the world. We shared our stories and feelings and listen to others’ without judgement. I feel the sense of enjoyment and familiarity even speaking English. At the group, I never felt that I was a spectator anymore, but an active …show more content…
I just want let you know that almost every international student experiences the same thing first coming here. So don’t panic and lose your motivation and faith. Just grab as much as opportunities to meet new people and talk to them. Every activity you attend could be the one that changes your college life. And if you are an introvert, it’s ok to stay at home for couples of days if you don’t feel like socializing. Don’t push yourself so hard and take it easy. Try to lower your expectation and move forward a little bit every day. There is a saying in Chinese, “a person cannot become a fatty only by one bite.” Just slow the process down and adapt to the new culture gradually and I believe each one of you would finally meet the great opportunity that shows you the beauty of
A senior here, who went to the same Mexico trip with my mom, contacted me and introduced me to her club called LIFE group. It’s kind of a Christian club. Although I’m not a religious person, I still signed up because I thought that could be a great chance to meet new people and have fun. Before the first meeting, I was afraid that this would not work out just as the previous Mlead group. The room was the same, the language was the same, and the topic discussed was even less appealing to me than that of the Mlead meeting. Yet everything just felt so different. People here are so enthusiastic and welcoming. They spent time listening to me even it took a long time for me to express my ideas. Everyone was so loving and patient, and it made me feel so good about myself. We did icebreaker and got a chance to better know each other from all around the world. We shared our stories and feelings and listen to others’ without judgement. I feel the sense of enjoyment and familiarity even speaking English. At the group, I never felt that I was a spectator anymore, but an active …show more content…
I just want let you know that almost every international student experiences the same thing first coming here. So don’t panic and lose your motivation and faith. Just grab as much as opportunities to meet new people and talk to them. Every activity you attend could be the one that changes your college life. And if you are an introvert, it’s ok to stay at home for couples of days if you don’t feel like socializing. Don’t push yourself so hard and take it easy. Try to lower your expectation and move forward a little bit every day. There is a saying in Chinese, “a person cannot become a fatty only by one bite.” Just slow the process down and adapt to the new culture gradually and I believe each one of you would finally meet the great opportunity that shows you the beauty of