My name is April Coan, and I am an academic success coach and the assistant director at the Office of Undergraduate Student Success. Throughout the fall semester, I will offer tips and suggestions in The Current, which will focus on topics like success in college and taking advantage of the unique opportunities available at NSU.
Your first year can be a wild rollercoaster of social activity. The excitement of your first-year experience will be enhanced by the endless opportunities to meet new people, join new clubs and go to parties. However, for some people, the thought of being thrown into odd social situations while being surrounded by hundreds of strangers is more anxiety-inducing than exciting.
Naturally, you’ll feel this way if you’re an introvert. The main difference between introverts and extroverts is that extroverts gain energy from being with others, while introverts gain energy from being alone. To use an example, after a day of attending numerous on-campus activities, an introvert would probably prefer to stay in their dorm room and watch Netflix to recharge their mental batteries. An extrovert, on the other hand, would probably prefer to go out and eat dinner with their new friends.
Other introvert/extrovert differences are that introverts prefer to think before speaking, while extroverts, who love the social spotlight and being the center of attention, think by speaking. Despite their natural differences, both introverts and extroverts have innate strengths that the other personality type can learn and benefit from. Since college is a place to experiment and grow, there is no better time than now to challenge yourself to cultivate new skills and build a better you. With that said, in order to make the most out of your college experience and increase your future success, try challenging yourself with these fun introvert and extrovert activities.
The extrovert challenge
If you’re an extrovert, challenge yourself to appreciate the quiet, nurture your creativity and focus inwardly. Introverts tend to do this naturally, so as an extrovert, aim to challenge yourself to focus on obtaining a healthy work-social life balance. This means you might need to prioritize and learn to manage your time efficiently. Having fun and participating in social activities and events is a big part of college, but it shouldn’t consume or overwhelm you. Lastly, dare yourself to enjoy at least one solitary experience every semester. For example, you can challenge yourself to read a Pulitzer Prize novel, take a piano class, visit the NSU Art Museum or write in a daily journal.
The introvert challenge
If you’re an introvert, challenge yourself to break out of your comfort zone. This is one thing extroverts are notorious for doing. Introverts tend to have a more defined level of comfort that they find it hard to break away from, and, as a result, they may not experience all the opportunities available to them in college. Every semester, try to do something new that intimidates you. Try joining a club, being the first to volunteer in class, striking up a conversation with someone you’ve just met, meeting with your professors during their office hours or studying abroad. Remember, studying and doing well in school is important, but studying and earning good grades shouldn’t be the end of your college experience.
PHOTO CREDIT: PHOTO PRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM A. COAN
