Spring Break
Friends help students stay balanced
By: Nicole Alvarado
Issue date: 8/20/08 Section: News
"There are an awful lot of adjustments that have to be made," Milburn said. "Even if we're adjusting to a situation we're happy about, change is always stressful. It is extremely important to develop friendships because they serve as a support base, which helps make the transition easier."
She urged students to seek help at the first sign of difficulty.
"College is different, but freshmen don't understand how different, so they use techniques that worked in high school, but aren't going to work here," Milburn said. "One of the biggest mistakes students make is not seeking help soon enough."
While it may be easy for some students to sit down at a table full of strangers in Sbisa Dining Hall and fall seamlessly into conversation, not everyone is as bold. Dalton Swan, a third-year student at Blinn College, is a good example of how more reserved students can reap the same benefits of friendship as their more extroverted counterparts.
"Being rather shy myself, I understand how hard it is to overcome [this obstacle,]" Swan said. "I try to bring my friends into situations that will make me feel more comfortable, such as riding around in my truck and listening to music. This helps me talk more freely with them."
No matter the situation or the person, it is widely agreed that the best way to make new friends is to join an organization.
"This is a large university. It's easy to get lost in it," Milburn said. "Developing friendships and finding a niche can happen in class or in dorms, but it's really important to get involved in a student activity of some sort."
She said the MSC Open House is a good way to find out about the 800-plus student organizations on campus. This fall, it will occur on Sunday, Aug. 31 from 1-6 p.m.
Whether you meet new friends or retain old ones, whether they come from Fish Camp, the classroom, the Rec or the dining hall-one thing all students have in common is that they are a part of something bigger here at Texas A&M.
She urged students to seek help at the first sign of difficulty.
"College is different, but freshmen don't understand how different, so they use techniques that worked in high school, but aren't going to work here," Milburn said. "One of the biggest mistakes students make is not seeking help soon enough."
While it may be easy for some students to sit down at a table full of strangers in Sbisa Dining Hall and fall seamlessly into conversation, not everyone is as bold. Dalton Swan, a third-year student at Blinn College, is a good example of how more reserved students can reap the same benefits of friendship as their more extroverted counterparts.
"Being rather shy myself, I understand how hard it is to overcome [this obstacle,]" Swan said. "I try to bring my friends into situations that will make me feel more comfortable, such as riding around in my truck and listening to music. This helps me talk more freely with them."
No matter the situation or the person, it is widely agreed that the best way to make new friends is to join an organization.
"This is a large university. It's easy to get lost in it," Milburn said. "Developing friendships and finding a niche can happen in class or in dorms, but it's really important to get involved in a student activity of some sort."
She said the MSC Open House is a good way to find out about the 800-plus student organizations on campus. This fall, it will occur on Sunday, Aug. 31 from 1-6 p.m.
Whether you meet new friends or retain old ones, whether they come from Fish Camp, the classroom, the Rec or the dining hall-one thing all students have in common is that they are a part of something bigger here at Texas A&M.
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