This is my first article for the Odyssey and I honestly didn't know what to start with. Then I decided it would be appropriate to introduce myself on this writing platform.

Hi, I'm Faith. I'm a freshman at the University of Tampa, majoring in Film & Media Arts. I love green tea. And dessert. And animals. Now that we got that stuff out of the way, let's get to the point of this article: #shystruggles.

If you're introverted like me, you probably don't have an army of friends. But what you do have are a select few people who you could bet your life on *cue Imagine Dragons*. It takes years to form a special bond like that, but when you do, it's for life. So naturally, moving to a new place is scarier for people like us. It will take time to find “your people”. You will get frustrated. Sad. Lonely. But once you find your niche, everything will fall into place. Trust yourself and your judgement.

It's perfectly fine to eat alone. To try and fidget with your phone to make it seem like you're busy doing something. To prefer to watch your current Netflix obsession (Gossip Girl anyone?) instead of going out. To only hang out with your roommates the first few weeks of school (as long as they aren't insane).

Being an introvert is tough, but it's given me the deepest connections to myself, others, and the world around me. It has taught me the value of self-reflection. For the most part, I have learned to appreciate myself and all the virtues and flaws that tag along.

If you, dear reader, happen to be an introvert, I hope you aren't ashamed of it because it's a pretty cool thing to be.

Sincerely,

Faith