
It’s the first day of school and you sleepily roll out of bed because despite telling yourself that you’d fix your sleep schedule, you stayed up until 2 a.m. binge-watching “Euphoria.” You dig through your completely full closet trying to find something to wear and decide nothing will do, but you manage to get your crap together. Your stomach is gnawing at itself because you didn’t remember to eat and all you’ve consumed is an iced latte. Somehow you manage to climb up three flights of stairs in Plumb Hall just for you to walk into class and have your professor ask everyone to introduce themselves.
If you’re anything like me, this is the point when you imagine all the things you’d rather do than stand in front of your class telling them your favorite modern theorist. Some things include blowing your kneecaps out and being stuck at the DMV. Now you might wonder why I would rather do such tasks to avoid ice breakers and the simple answer is: I have raging social anxiety.
However, despite feeling like I’m going to vomit every time I interact with the vast majority of people, I know that putting myself out there is extremely important. Without pushing myself past all this anxiety and fear, I wouldn’t have most of the things I love in life. Without me putting myself out there, I would never have become friends with my roommate whom I adore.
Anxiety can be such a daunting thing to overcome. I’ve missed countless opportunities because I gave into my anxiety and I still sometimes wonder where I’d be if I hadn’t. Hell, I questioned writing this piece because I was scared of being seen and felt like my own experiences with anxiety weren’t mine to share.
There have been times when I begged the universe to free me from the imprisonment of my own mind but I eventually realized that these stupid ice breakers and introductions were opportunities to overcome my anxiety. Sure, the first day of school stresses me out and I still feel like someone made me drink lava every time I talk in class, but I also get excited for the chance to start something new and wonderful.
So, go to the on-campus events. Tell your viewpoint in your class discussions. Actually leave the house in the shirt you bought yourself months ago. Go out and live your life as much as possible because nothing is certain or guaranteed.