Always wear a smile

The spring semester brings a whole new bunch of classes and many new friend-making opportunities. Make sure you do not miss the chance to make the best of your social experience at Baruch.

If you had some trouble finding your niche last semester, try a different approach this time around. Maybe you were always waiting for the girl that sat next to you in biology to strike up a conversation with you; this time, you can be the initiator.

Do not wait for a clique to fall into your lap, because the odds are against you. You need to be bold; step out of your shell and do not think too hard about your next move. This is not a game of chess that requires strategy. It doesn't require anything except guts.

There is no need to be formal either. A simple "Hey!" when you walk into class can be the entrance you need.

Making friends is no easy task in such a busy city. You need to broaden your horizons and you need to network.

If you hear about a concert, go. If a club interests you, join. Joining clubs is a great way to make friends. Clubs are full of people who share your interests and want to meet you.

You also need to make yourself approachable. You need to make sure that you look willing to converse. Texting and listening to your headphones will make you more difficult to approach. Don't cut yourself off from your classmates either. Choose a seat in the thick of the crowd, not the one in the back corner. If a seat opens up in a study area, take that one instead of sitting alone.

There is no need to spend the rest of your college years alone or searching for your clique. You will see results if you put in some effort. Put yourself out there and, as cheesy as it might seem, always wear a smile.

-Daniella Bondar '12
Journalism/Creative Writing