Here you are, unsure what to expect the first time you step in class. Youve heard from people how college is very much different from what youve lived through in high school. And theyre right.
Your first day is monumental, and its crucial that you dont miss it out. It marks the start of an exciting quest to your ticket to the world, and it all begins with meeting new people of varying interests and cultures.
Now speaking of people…
All the students youll be meeting? They all came from different schools with different “high school cultures”.
They dont know you (most likely, unless youre a pop star). They dont know where you came from and what you were back in middle school. You can easily feel left-out and alienated if you have no idea how to approach them or talk to them.
And like how Sun Tzu said that “knowing is half the battle”, learning beforehand how to adapt to these new sets of people can be crucial to your survival in college. To adapt is to know these people and how they can help you in your arduous journey in the University.
So sit back and pay attention as we go through the list of five types of people you will meet in your first class.
The Welcoming Committee
Location: Near the front door
Behavior: Mostly gathers in groups, well-rounded and accommodating
Strengths: Group Activities, Publicity, Persuasion
You can almost see them while youre a mile away from the front door. As soon as you set foot inside the classroom, youll be greeted with warm smiles from them as they acknowledge your presence. Theyre not afraid of sitting in front of the class, and usually serve as the eyes of the Professor on the outside (or the class, when it comes to it). They are friendly enough to welcome strangers as well, usually making newcomers feel comfortable with the cheerful aura they emanate.
The Dapper or The Chic
Location: Middle of the class
Behavior: Shines bright like a diamond
Strengths: Trendy and Friendly
The star of the class, and quite literally at that. They often shine with charisma that seeps through other classes as well. Definitely hip to the core, you can always count on them to stay updated with the latest trends. Easy enough to approach and talk to. Sometimes, theyll even be the one to start up a conversation with you! Careful though, prolonged exposure to the spotlight they are in can overwhelm you completely.
The Dungeon Master
Location: Near the window
Behavior: Staring blankly outside, making dragons out of clouds.
Strengths: Imaginative, word-vomiter, writing
They can easily be dismissed as loners and introverts, but do not mistake their silence for timidness. These people usually work-off their minds and try to contain their wild imagination through elaborate concentration. They often write poems, song lyrics and broad storylines at a whim, and find them discussing philosophical outlooks in life. You can only hope to gain even a residue of their Da Vinci-grade minds, so stay close to them for an inkling of their heaven-sent insight.
The Napper
Location: Way in the back
Behavior: Takes power nap to the next level
Strengths: Energy Conservation, Fast Learner, Fast Worker
Please, if you see one, do not disturb them. The much-needed rest they are currently taking is a result of exhausting work (or, maybe theyre just really sleepy). Whenever they are awake though, they display outstanding feats with all the stored energy they charged up while sleeping. You will also find out that most of the time, these people even work part-time jobs. But be warned, when they *yawn*… you may… fall asleep as… well...
The Observer
Location: Anywhere
Behavior: Gets along with everyone
Strengths: Playing Safe and Strategizing
These people are friendly and seemingly outgoing, but when class starts, they put their game faces on. They display little interest to others while taking down notes and absorbing everything the Professor is saying. They are usually drawn to places where knowledge reeks the most, or in better terms, where there are things that needed observing. During projects, they are the sources of treasured information, and dont be surprised if you find their notes complete, word by word.