Just over six months ago, one of my friends wrote a blog post about being an introvert. As a fellow introvert, I related to many of the things she’d written —

I seldom hang out with friends in large groups; whenever I catch up with friends, it’s almost exclusively in an one-on-one scenario. At large social gatherings or parties, I turn into the most unnoticeable wallflower. I rarely make small talk with the strangers at the grocery store, with my hairdresser when I’m getting a haircut, or with the students I meet at campus events. I mentally prepare myself before social gatherings and take an entire day to myself in the comfort of my apartment afterward, even if I had a fantastic time.

Whenever I take a Myers-Briggs test (I know this test is sometimes questionable, but all the same), I’m always an INFJ. When I went on tour with my orchestra a few summers ago, a small group of introverted friends and I collectively agreed to travel together, alone. In other words, we agreed to form a travel group so we could be quiet, together, and have a legitimate excuse to decline invitations from larger, more social groups. My friend’s post still resonates with me on many levels.

But this semester, I’ve also found the beauty and joy in embracing my inner extrovert (even if she is still buried somewhere very, very deep within this introvert).

I still prefer one-on-one time, I’m still an INFJ, and I still have to mentally prepare before group outings — but I enjoy going out, seeing people, and spending my time with others so much more now. I love keeping up with my friends, hearing about their lives, and being there — consistently — for them. You have all helped me become a much happier human being.

It’s hard for me to pinpoint what has changed and caused me to suddenly enjoy my social life far more than I did in the past. Frankly, I’m not sure I’ll ever really find out why, but regardless — I’m so glad this change happened before I graduated. You bet I’m making the most of my remaining time on campus.

Thank you to all my wonderful friends who have been there for me and welcomed me into their lives with open hearts and arms. You have made my final, stressful semester of college a complete and utter joy to bear. I am so grateful to have all of you in my life.