Wallflower could have been my name during my first semesters at USI.

I lived off campus, had a part-time job and spent as little time at the university as possible. I didn’t join clubs or organizations, and I didn’t make friends in class.

And in the words of my friend Max, I have “hang-ups”.

For freshmen entering the university, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd and blend in with the scenery.

However, easy is not always ideal. In this case, easy is missing out on a world of new experiences, friendships and self-discovery.

It took me a while to break out of my shell, but the brief discomfort of doing so was well worth everything that I have learned from daring to put myself out there.

Though I haven’t been the most involved, the most charitable or the most hard-working student, I like to think I’ve discovered at least one golden nugget worth sharing.

In the much more simplified words of dead presidents past, be fearless.

Reach out to people. Try new things. Don’t let your “hang-ups” keep you from being the person you want to be.

For me, a newfound fearlessness manifested itself in a study abroad experience in Mexico two summers ago.

It took a lot of commitment – something I have not always so readily embraced – but it was the most heart-breaking, informative and empowering experience of my life.

For others, being fearless might be running for president of an organization, entering a contest or simply talking to a classmate.

Finding your place on campus will take some experimentation, but when you find the cause you love or the people you don’t mind working late hours into the night with, you won’t regret being brave.

It can be tempting to hole yourself up in your campus apartment every weekend, but sometimes the world of college can be so small.

Diversify your college experience by getting to know your community.

Volunteer with an off-campus organization like the United Caring Shelter or the Humane Society, or do like I did and get a job or an internship.

At this point, any work experience looks good on a resume… unless you’re a stripper. No offense to you ladies… you are beautiful and brave.

Meeting people off-campus can lead to helpful contacts for finding a job when it is finally your chance to don the cap and gown.

That is why you came to college in the first place… right?