Mikayla Magdziarz: The college routine is an unceasing continuum – a hamster-wheel we are all quite familiar with operating. We are preoccupied people, with a lot to do and much on our minds. 
This, of course, is all a part of the academic experience. But what if there was something – an aspect to our college routine which we are neglecting the benefits of? Most of the time we find ourselves sitting next to strangers in our classrooms, hesitant to engage with and apologetic if brushing elbows on accident.
We are social beings. Designed to build relationships and interact with one another.
These relationships, regardless if we’re aware of it or not, aid in forming who we are.
Inspiration and ideas root from the various shapes and forms of communication. Meeting new people gives us the opportunity for fresh experiences, perspectives on life and the endless wonders of it. It’s a thought-provoking adventure that is stimulative to our minds and hearts, you never know what someone might bring to the table.
So why do we, as a college community, more often than not, find ourselves sitting next to
strangers in our classrooms? Do we make excuses validating our exclusion from indulging ourselves in the simple greeting of one another? If the answer is yes, we should ask ourselves, why is that? I sat down and discussed the topic with my dear friend and fellow RVC classmate, William Ryan. He was the inspiration behind this article due to his eagerness to make the most out of his college experience by building friendships and relationships along the way.
Ryan approached me one morning before attending class with an idea he had pondered, “I’m going to make today different. I’m going to meet new people at Rock Valley.” And that he did.
VF: What inspired you to want to get to know the familiar faces surrounding you in the
classroom?
William: You never know who could become a new friend. I wanted to break the social norm of not talking to the stranger sitting next to you. I wanted to break the technological barrier our society has put us in. I think there is some shyness in all of us preventing us from branching out and meeting new people.
VF: Have you formed any new relationships so far with this inspiration?
William: Yes, quite a few.
VF: Did you find others to be hesitant to communicate with you?
William: Yes. A few were hesitant at first, I had to make the first move. I even formed a relationship by sitting next to someone and just starting to laugh due to my lack of sleep, and that broke down the barrier and initiated conversation. It gave a sense that it’s okay to be goofy or be yourself around a stranger.
VF: What advice would you give to someone who wants to reach out to their peers but is
hesitant to do so?
William: Forget what your subconscious is telling you. Ask yourself what’s the worst that can happen. You can only gain a new friend out of the experience, there’s only really a positive outcome.
I couldn’t agree with him more. I have interacted with those around me in the
classroom, and through those experiences, I’ve had the great privilege of getting to know
people from various walks of life. You never know what someone might be going through, a simple hello just might make a difference in their day. Break the barrier, take chances, enjoy and make the most of the college experience while it lasts. Before you know it, like all other experiences seem, here today and gone tomorrow.
