By Brandon Ladd

Desperation comes in many forms, some are searching for love, some are searching for friendship and some are searching for themselves. No matter which of these categories or the countless others that you might fall into, it is important to realize the opportunity that college offers. 

I have been talking to a friend recently about his desire to have more friends and be welcomed into new social circles. I always tell him about my first few months at SUNY Oswego, over three years ago. I was hesitant at first to be social because I felt like I needed to ease into my time at the university. I focused on going to class and hanging out with my roommate, also trying to continue my favorite hobbies from when I was home before. I would sit in classes and just blend in, never sticking out or going out of my way to make new friends. 

As time went on, I started to make friends through my broadcasting classes and doing my radio show at WNYO. Ironically, the two guys who sat next to me in two of my classes became my best friends and future roommates. We had the radio station and a passion for sports in common. It still took me two months to say a word to them. I thought Aaron Valentino was really noisy, some things never change. As soon as I opened my mouth I became more comfortable around them and as time went on their friends eventually became my friends. 

Suddenly, it was the fall of 2019 and in just a short year, going from just talking to my roommate to having parties with 25 to 30 people each and every weekend. Life can change in a blur like that but it took me coming out of my comfort zone for that to happen. Also, finding people who shared common interests with me certainly helped. 

With this generation of socializing in a digital setting instead of face to face, there is sometimes a culture shock with being in a new scene. After spending your whole life in one setting, you have to instantly adjust to being around new faces and scenes. The key to getting a grasp on your new reality is to be social and extend a grapevine to those in your classes. A simple offer to study together with a few classmates for an upcoming quiz is a great way to start. 

You cannot be too rigid in who you are either when it comes to making friends in college. Be open to going to activities you may not particularly have previous experience with. This could include going to the various Laker Life events that occur throughout the week, the website that Laker Life offers is great in finding clubs to attend. 

College life lasts a total of four years for most around Oswego State, with a little plus or minus for some of course. The best way for the experience to be smooth and with less regret is to find activities and friends as soon as possible. The bonds developed are immortal it seems at times and creates memories for the rest of life. Be an ally and strive to be a part of the amazing community that exists on this frozen tundra of a campus. Be loud, be proud, be a Laker. 

Ben Grieco | The Oswegonian