When your family is far away, its easy to feel lonely and scared. You want to find comfort knowing that you’re not alone. You want to find people that are from the same background as you; speak the same language, eat the same food and have the same values. While hanging out with friends from the same country will make you feel less lonely it will also harm your personal growth. You need to make new friends. Not just new friends from the same country. I’m talking about friends from all around the world. Its time to get out of your comfort zone!
I know how nervous this can be. When I came to America, I had so many friends from Vietnam (I’m Vietnamese btw) I just found it easier to make friends with people that understood my language/background. But as time passed by, I realized that I had no friends from other countries I only knew about my country, my culture, and my people.
I was disappointed that I had no friends from other countries because I was scared. I slowly then made an effort in school to make new friends. I want to prove to you that you can do it 🙂 I know how nervous it can be to making new friends. But if you never try, you never know. I have one friend that I met in Math class and till’ this very day we’re friends. And we always help each other out whenever we can. That is the beauty of having friends in America. As much as I stress out that you need to rely on yourself only, there will be times when you need others help.
Here are 4 places where I have made friends:
- Classrooms: This is the ULTIMATE place to create your contact list. I recommend by the third class you start asking around. Just ask people who sit close to you “How was your weekend? Do you like the professor so far?” These questions always get a response! People always have an opinion about the Professor :p
- Gym: Before you judge, this is the place for you to meet friends who have the same interest/outlook on health & fitness. I met one of my friends here and we both always text each other motivational quotes. Its a great feeling knowing that you’re not alone in your fitness goals because I know how daunting it can be to juggle the gym, school and work. The best way to make friends at the gym without appearing creepy is whenever you see someone cleaning up, just help them. Or ask do you need help? Thats it. You don’t appear like you’re intruding on their gym time. Its short, brief and straight to the point. So next time you’re at the gym just ask “Do you need help with that?” People will either say “oh yes please!” Or “oh no worries I got it, but thanks for asking!” Its not so bad after all 🙂 People will (hopefully) remember you that you were asking if they needed help!
- School Clubs: There are plenty of clubs at school to join. Why don’t you give it a try. I feel like people don’t join school clubs because they feel like its pointless or they just can’t afford the time. I joined the marketing club at my school and I was able to learn, connect, and grow. In America having a bachelors/masters degree is not enough nowadays. YOU NEED TO NETWORK. To Network means to make connections! Start connecting with your peers in classrooms, school clubs & etc. Nowadays getting a bachelors degree does not guarantee you a job. I hate to say it but some people in America get jobs so easy because they have connections. So do yourself a favor and get going! Start networking to make it a little easier for you.
- Ballroom Dancing: I know what you’re thinking. Either you don’t like to dance or you think this place is silly to make new friends. I feel like Ballroom dancing is a very useful skill. In some point in your life you’re going to be dancing; weddings, social events, company parties. So don’t be known as the person that is a “bad dancer” get out there and learn a new skill. Even if you’re afraid of not having a dance partner at the Ballroom dancing class it’s completely fine. There is always someone there who doesn’t have a partner. Or if there’s not enough people learn to dance by yourself. Its not scary. It helps you build confidence. Looking in the mirror should empower you. I sometimes feel that people don’t enjoy dancing because they aren’t comfortable with their image and they get a little scared, nervous when they look at themselves in the mirror. Its ok. I used to be like that. But overtime it gets better. I promise 🙂 The first time I went to Ballroom dancing classes I had no partner. I went there and there were a lot of old people. They were very sweet and fun to talk to. Don’t overthink or be scared to join this place. I had a wonderful time last time I was there.
At the end, this is how you’re going to grow as a person. By making friends you’ve already accumulated the following; networking, communication skills, “You need to get out of your comfort zone.” You’ve probably heard of this phrase in school but when you actually do it, its really scary but it pays off. If I could do it! So can you.
Hope you’re all having a wonderful Christmas holiday. I am flying back to California this weekend!
Until then Bisous! xoxo
