As Orientation is reaching it's end, I am both forlorn and ecstatic for the days ahead and the memories I have accumulated. I feel like this week every year really is a learning experience for all those who take part; being surrounded by so many new people really makes you re-evaluate your outward facade and how you present yourself as well as makes you realize how valuable your free time is. I've taken numerous leadership courses here and am proud to be a thread in the tapestry that is Pratt's community. I've known since elementary school that I'm an introvert: I am naturally shy, reserved, and often find myself feeling inferior to those around me; my alone time is insanely important for me to recover my energy and I struggle to function and find my voice in large groups (and the same goes for one-on-ones).
Growing up, I definitely found my introversion to be a disadvantage. But now that I'm surrounded by a handful of peers and superiors that align with introversion it's become less of an obstacle and has helped me with my empathetic appeal to people. Although it may not necessarily be the "favored" personality of a "leader" it is surely not without it's strengths. I live very actively in my head and I think that's why I've channeled my work so well into art. Although I can't express myself too eloquently through words (I spend hours trying to form a sentence in my mind) my mind is full of pictures. I sometimes wonder how closely my mind works compared to those around me. High school was definitely a different beast but I think that a lot of kids at Pratt struggle with the same problems as I do. I guess that's a little bit of why I've charged into leadership positions. I want to set an example for those who are like me and bring out a little bit of personality from those who may be a little to reserved to express themselves without coaxing.
Either way, I've tried to open up and be a more outgoing person. Many people are even surprised when I mention that I'm an introvert; my very best friend from high school even refused to accept it and in fact told me the other day I was a "perfectvert". I push myself far past my comfort zone every day and it's becoming a little more manageable every itty bitty step of the way. Today was the first day of school and I found myself feeling less lost than I did even last year. I can't wait to plow into my design courses and explore my artistic self deeper. I had a very small friend group in high school so it's been so exciting to be able to walk onto campus and instantly want to talk to a handful of friends.
Welcome Back to Pratt
This Year's Resolution is the same as always: Try to express yourself truer than the day before and then the day before that.
No comments:
Post a Comment