By: Kyle Chmielowski
Hi, I’m Kyle Chmielowski, I’m a first-year student majoring in Journalism and throughout this article, I will share important strategies for life.
Kyle Chmielowski on the sprawling hills of Wilbur Wright College (Photo Credit: Jonathan Suarez)
When I started attending Wright College in Fall 2024 I was nervous because I hardly knew anyone. Yet I quickly learned how to find community by joining clubs and organizations, being open to new adventures, and embracing being myself.
This place feels like home, all because I have the opportunity to be surrounded by amazing people with various personalities. Initially, I didn’t think there would be much of a social aspect at a community college.
I planned to keep my head down and get work done. However, meeting people here changed that mindset. I understand that transitioning into environments where we feel comfortable is challenging. Yet over time, people who were once strangers become like family.
In this article, I will share advice on how to find the people and activities that bring out the best in you.
Start with your interests.
A big reason why this school feels like home is because I joined communities where I felt comfortable being myself. I joined the Wright Times last semester, which helped me find a place where I am welcomed and where my passion for writing is encouraged.
Here at Wright, there are numerous clubs you can join to find people who share similar interests. Not only is this a great way to make friends, but it also gives you more confidence by putting you in a place where people can build off of each other's talents and personalities.
Representing a variety of interests, clubs can offer that missing piece you are looking for. To get some ideas you can go to the cafeteria to see various clubs Wright has to offer and you can go to Presence on your student portal and sign up for clubs.
Posters in the Science Building near the Cafeteria, advertise the many clubs at Wright College. (Photo Credit: Kyle Chmielowski)
Be open to new experiences.
I have a post-it note on my mirror that I repeat to myself every day, which reads, “Reach out and look for opportunities, the worst thing in the world is to wonder what could have been.” Do not be closed-minded.
Joining new communities, meeting new people, and trying new activities is for everyone. If you decide to try a new experience and realize it doesn’t fit well with you, it’s ok to walk away. Now, you will not have any questions about whether it’s for you or not.
If trying something new peaks your curiosity go for it. Over time the new becomes the normal, and you realize there is a place waiting for a person like you.
Fit in by being you.
Each day I find people who inspire me to be better, teach me new things, and offer me a sense of belonging. The idea of “fitting in” only applies when you are being your authentic self. You don’t have to put up a facade, pretending to be someone you’re not.
From my experience, being accepted for who I am is what makes me feel confident. Confidence is not feeling good about yourself from the validation of others. Confidence is saying this is who I am, take it or leave it, I feel comfortable in my skin.
To “fit in” you do not have to change your personality to please others. To find your community, start by finding people with similar interests, viewing new experiences as an adventure, and being the unique individual we call you. Follow these tips above and you will find your crew.
I hope you find these tips helpful. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email me @kylechmielowskiwtn@gmail.com. I am happy to share further advice.
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