<p>This question is for current Tulane students or alumni who were pretty shy and/or introverted going in as freshman. (Or maybe you know people who fit this description) How did the Tulane environment affect your social skills as time went along? Did you change for the better or for the worse? Did you become more social?</p>
<p>In general, do you feel it is easier to improve one's social skills by being surrounded by other shy/introverted/quirky people? Or is it best to put yourself in social/academic situations with outgoing, extroverted types?</p>
<p>Hey there! I will do my best to give you my take on things. </p>
<p>I have always been more on the introverted side. Truthfully, I am not a “people person” in any way. When I first came to Tulane, I was pretty shy. I never spoke up in class and generally kept to myself unless others approached me and generated conversation. My idea of fun consisted of reading a book in my room or watching a movie with 2 or 3 friends. </p>
<p>I am very different now. My first year at Tulane definitely changed me (for the better, in my opinion). I am pretty social now, and know most of the science majors in my year. I have taken on 3 leadership positions in clubs (2 of which are high level officer positions) and feel confident to approach just about anyone in any setting. I am very glad that I chose to attend Tulane-I feel like my environment there boosted my confidence and took away my social fears. I can’t exactly pinpoint the exact cause of my dramatic shift, but I can say that the Tulane student body as a whole is very welcoming. </p>
<p>Let me know if you have any more specific questions!</p>
<p>I shared a French class with tulane14 and thought she was very social. But okay. (Sorry, I’ve read too many of your posts and have figured you out!)</p>
<p>I was pretty shy beginning at Tulane, too. I got off on a rough start after falling into a bad crowd my freshman and then early sophomore year. I initially liked them because they were quirky like myself, but as time passed most of the group developed screwed morals and began using people; never, ever put up with this, you can do better! When I broke off from the group, I knew nobody at all on a close friendship level and was a bit lonely for a year. It wasn’t too bad, however, because my schedule was insanely full and I did participate in lots of clubs. I also will say that my confidence was not what it was when I entered Tulane: I now had self esteem, trust in my own judgment and belief in who I was, despite not knowing people. </p>
<p>To complicate things further, I studied abroad for a year, so the friends I made this year are not at Tulane! However, from those experiences I’ll say that surrounding yourself with all sorts of people helps you become “less introverted” and generally a better person. Give shy and extroverted people a chance; just because someone doesn’t share your major, background or beliefs doesn’t mean that can’t be great friends and improve you as a person. Diversity is better than searching for someone like you; my greatest mistake was thinking that I couldn’t be friends with or relate to someone who didn’t share my tendencies. So wrong!</p>
<p>Uhh tulanechild, I haven’t taken french yet!! LOL. I’m taking French 1 in the fall so I don’t think you’ve met me Maybe I’ll see you around in the fall?</p>
<p>And I re-read my previous post and caught like 5 spelling mistakes/gramatical errors. I apologize-I’m not an english major for a reason.</p>
<p>Also, I definitely agree with tulanechild about diversity being important. While I know a lot of people with similar majors and courses of study, most of my close friends are actually liberal arts majors from across the country (or international students) with varied interests. I still can’t get over the fact that one of my suite mates this year is from HAWAII…how cool is that? </p>
<p>My tip would be to just to come to Tulane with an open mind. As long as you are friendly, open, and tolerant of and towards others I’m sure you will be fine :)</p>
<p>I might be thinking about another username, then. Weren’t you one of the Newcomb scholars? There was a girl in my French class who was in Newcomb scholars and was majoring in neuroscience. :3 So I just kind of assumed.</p>
<p>I was in Newcomb Scholars, but I decided it wasn’t for me and dropped. I want to double major and study abroad, and the classes didn’t fit in when I had to plot out my “4 year plan” with my adviser. It is seriously an awesome program for some people, but it wasn’t a good fit for me.</p>
<p>Did the girl’s name you are referring to start with an M? If so, I know who you are talking about.</p>
But okay. (Sorry, I’ve read too many of your posts and have figured you out!)</p>
Maybe I’ll see you around in the fall?</p>