<p>I took a yearlong leave of absence from Whitman following my freshman year to explore other college options since I felt like I didn't integrate well into the Whitman social scene. Even though I am currently at another college and like it, I am considering coming back to Whitman this fall. The one thing that worries me is fitting in with the student body. Freshman year, I found it difficult to make lasting friendships because I do not drink, and did not have a lot in common with fellow students that were mostly Pacific Northwesterners. I did join a few clubs, but they turned out to be more like drinking groups :( Do any of you Whitties have any ideas or advice on how to find friends at Whitman? Any personal anecdotes to share? I have obviously been searching in all of the wrong places for friends, and do not want to keep hitting dead-ends. I yearn for the Whitman experience that everyone around me seems to love and enjoy!</p>
<p>wecandoit92, as a parent of a current sophomore, I can say that my S and his friends have matured quite a lot in 2 years. He purposely picked Jewett freshman year because it was the “social dorm”, and I must say he very likely sowed a lot of wild oats, but by the end of the year he was seeing all those carefree antics with a more jaundiced eye. He has now picked a major, broadened his circle of friends, gotten his butt kicked by Calculus II, and has gotten much more focused. I do believe that going back as a junior would be a very different experience, those freshmen you knew have grown up quite a bit. </p>
<p>Hopefully, you’ll get some more concrete suggestions from current Whitties. I really admire you for taking another look and being willing to explore new approaches. If I get any brain storms, I’ll PM you. best wishes.</p>