When I was planning my week, I set today for a major
reading session in Quiet: The
Power of Introverts. I couldn't stop reading, in fact after this I am
going to continue. Thus far, I reached the end of the first section. The reason
I passionately keep reading is that I am an introvert. I recently just transferred
from Corning Community College to Mansfield, and both schools are quite
different. I feel that Mansfield is bit more extroverted, but this school is
not terrible (especially compared to HBS). It is just a bit of an adjustment. I
somehow managed to create a schedule that is Tuesday and Thursday, so yesterday
was my first official day. I noticed many positives and difficulties that I had
on campus. Throughout the day, I was alone, and I did not have a problem with
that whatsoever. I was able to read chapters and sections for various classes in
advance for next week and acclimate to a new weekly schedule; however, I did
notice that some students were having a difficult time. Many extroverted people
were trying to find friends and classmates to socialize with, while I
maintained my contentedness. In class, we had to make introductions, and I hate
doing that. It’s not that I am shy, but rather I don’t find it too important. The
best thing I found from the day is that I am going into the perfect field, for
me. I am going into the realm of counseling and therapy. I have always been
more of a listener than a talker. Even in the classroom, I always prefer a
lecture where the teacher rambles on. I don’t mind conversation. Actually, I
love to listen to others, but I don’t like to be required to talk. I will
always be an ear over a mouth.
I find myself being able to relate to what your talking about. when I transferred schools and went to nursing school I found that it was physically exhausting for me to wake up in the morning and have to ride to school with a car load of other women who wanted to wake up and talk first thing in the morning. Then all day at school they wanted to socialize and hang out. I finally had to stop commuting with them because it was just physically draining for me and at the time I never understood why. I never realized that I am an introverted person. I can also relate to the dread of having to introduce oneself during the first class of the semester. It's something that I often dreaded. It sounds like you've picked a good career field for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting how you said extroverted people were trying to find people to socialize with. I also was never much for talking but rather listening unless a response was absolutely warranted. I feel like an extroverted professor is perfect for an introverted student in most cases, as it gives the opportunity to take in all the ramblings and decipher the message. Plus it keeps things lively and interesting. But I feel like even the most introverted, keeps to themselves kind of people should still socialize from time to time, as humans are, as they say, a sociable species. Introductions can be drab at times, but I feel it is important for showing people your not just an empty vessel or robot. I feel like my times on campus were much like yours though, good luck in your major.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong, I am social with people I am close to, but those "drab" introductions tend to do little for me. I always hate the "Tell us one thing about yourself approach." It seems that people like to generalize that introverts are loners and love to be alone most of the time. For me and many others, this is not true. I like having close connections rather than an extensive group of acquaintances. A conversation with someone close is far more important to me.
DeleteI also understand what you mean with this. I am the type of person that likes to sit to the side and am ok with being alone and not socializing as much as other people. I have transferred here this semester as well and have had my fair share of ups and downs but I am ok with it. I don't like to have to introduce myself to others either. They make it difficult when they want us to pick one thing to tell them. The generalization that introverts are loners is never a good feeling. Yes we like to be alone at times but there is always a reason for that and they don't understand that part.
ReplyDeleteOne of the problems that I have had with Mansfield, as well, is that all people want to do is socialize and always want to be with a buddy. I do not know if you have noticed but everyone has to be with someone else, you rarely see someone eating in lower or upper by themselves. Many people will not go to dinner if they do not have someone to sit with them. Is this demonstrating that almost everyone at Mansfield are extroverts? That everyone has to be socializing and cannot be by themselves? Probably not, it is a possibility that sitting at dinner with a friend makes them more comfortable with their life. Since Mansfield is the only college I have been at, it is hard to compare to other colleges and say that the students here are different than others. I am the type that I will go to lower and get food with a friend or not, walk to class alone, go to the gym alone, and I will even sit at home on Saturday instead of going to a party. It is interesting what you can notice about people after reading some of this book.
ReplyDelete