<p>So I'm uber stoked to go to Whitman this fall, but one thing is sort of worrying me. I know that everyone is really cool and weird, which I am too, but I can also be kind of shy, especially at first, and bitter at times. Every description I've heard of Whitman sounds like everyone is really really social and extremely positive. Is this true? Everyone being THAT happy all the time might get on my nerves haha. Is anyone out there who is sort of shy or cynical and has done totally okay at Whitman?</p>
<p>Everyone at Whitman is not happy all the time, but I think there is a general sense of well being, or satisfaction with being there overall. I think some of that reputation for "happiness" comes from how well the school runs, and how student-focused it is. Students feel taken care of, I think. Which is a good thing if you are shy, and even if you are somewhat cynical. The transition for lots of freshmen is bumpy -- the chance to experiment with having a slightly (or radically) different persona, trying to figure out who your friends are, how to manage your own life, how to be away from family, how to live in such close quarters...</p>
<p>thanks. I don't mean to seem negative or anything. I'm not really THAT cynical. It sort of came out wrong I guess when I really nervous last night. </p>
<p>Yeah, I've visited, and I like it. I'm just kind of nervous about everyone being social all the time. Thanks though I'm sure it will be great. I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea and think I'm really depressed and moody because I'm not!</p>
<p>oh, and it wouldn't annoy me really that everyone is happy. I actually think it would be really cool. That whole post just came out wrong!!!! I wish I could resay everything I posted initially. I was just really nervous last night ahh haha ignoreeee meeeee :)</p>
<p>so yeah...i really didn't want to scare anyone away. I was having a really bad day the time I posted, and I was just really worried about it. But now I'm happy and it most definitely wouldn't annoy me. It was just a really bad week lots of things were happening but it's all better now I promise.</p>
<p>Don't worry, Maggie! This forum is just dead, it's not because you scared anyone away!</p>
<p>And you're definitely not alone. I think everyone can be cynical sometimes, and I don't think Whitman is Pollyanna-caliber "happy"--they're comfortable. They feel well taken care of and at ease. They're around great people, both peers and professors. The staff is amazing. Whitman just seems like a content place, no complaints.</p>
<p>I don't think "happiest students" pertains to a cliche, maniac-type of "happy." You'll fit right in!</p>
<p>I've known quite a few recent Whitman grads, and they range from all-American wholesome and happy, to sardonic and smart, to reserved and brilliant. There are all types at Whitman (within the array of smart and creative types Whitman admits, of course). I wouldn't worry about fitting in just because you have a darker outlook at times. But maybe don't call it "bitter" - go for "ironic" or "jaded," perhaps.</p>
<p>Yup, agreed with KBahr, this forum is just very zombie-like at times.</p>
<p>I wouldn't worry about being shy. After all, it's a small school, so I'm thinking that you'd be able to get to know everyone really quickly, verus a large school where you meet somebody new each day.</p>
<p>all right that's good! haha I really worried there for a second that I was taken too seriously. I was just having a pretty bad day when I wrote that so I was scared for a second. I'm usually, about 3 weeks out of the month, a very happy, positive person actually and love everything but am still ironic and can be sarcastic but hey isn't everyone. I phrase it really stupidly up there, so I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea :)</p>