The type A personality characteristic is defined on Google as the following “A temperament characterized by excessive ambition, aggression, competitiveness, drive, impatience, need for control, focus on quantity over quality and unrealistic sense of urgency. It is commonly associated with risk of coronary disease and other stress-related ailments”. The definition makes it sound like having this type of personality can be interesting and exciting. I can guarantee because I have it that it is not always such a great trait to have. For me the most important part of this definition is the last sentence consisting of “It is commonly associated with risk of coronary disease and other stress-related ailments”. Many people have told me that I am intimidating because I appear to be a fully composed and successful control freak. However in reality this is only because I have a personality that one could associate with Barbie if she was actually real, right down to the desire to have multiple jobs that do not correlate to each other in any way. The stress that I have because of this is constant, so constant in fact that it keeps me up every night and causes me to grind my teeth when I actually do fall asleep; not to mention the hair pulling, Eczema, and stress induced headaches. Most of the stress comes from the fact that I need to live on a micromanaged schedule to function happily. Currently life as an unemployed college gradate hasn’t provided me with this luxury that most people would hate. Last year when I had a full class load, two part time jobs, and two internships and was a member of the schools news paper and radio station I was at my busiest and happiest. Even now with no full time job my showers are scheduled and timed. The decision whether or not to get coffee in the morning is always scheduled the night before. What day of the week to go to the Exxon station and how much to spend there is also scheduled. Time spent to apply to jobs is again….scheduled. The worst schedule of all is the master schedule I keep under my fully planned office desk calendar. Life events, the ones that just kind of happen for most people, are scheduled by year for me. The big problem is that scheduling everything never works because life constantly throws hurdles in the way and causes set backs, and I cant process it. And then there’s the perfectionist part of having a type A personality. If any aspect of my life is not 100% perfect then, to me, it is unacceptable. To me a clean room with few pet hairs in it is as bad as a room that can be seen in the TLC show Hoarders. Now the worst part about being a perfectionist is dating. It doesn’t actually happen because I find something wrong with everyone. However this type A personality situation does have its advantages. Multitasking and problem solving especially with a deadline is not only highly likely to be completed, but the actually act of completing a hard task is super rewarding and fun to do. Also any form of work that I complete is usually of a high quality because of my own obsession with perfection including but not limited to home improvement projects, car detailing, or news articles, and I have achieved everything I ever truly wanted to thus far. The type A personality is neither all bad nor is it perfect, but I wish it would be possible for people to see me as someone who struggles with my own issues as much as everyone else praises how composed or intimidating I can appear.
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Luckily, many colleges offer a number of ways to take part in campus and community life, without forcing you to dedicate all of your time to these organizations. Here are a few ideas!
1. Look into Housing and Dining.
Many first-year students start off college life in residence halls, and the Housing & Dining network throughout campus often provides multiple opportunities for students throughout the year. Many buildings have student community councils that work to create policies and events that make the dorms a more welcoming home for residents. Becoming a community assistant (or the students who work the desks at the front of many halls) is another easy way to have a consistent, well-paying job only minutes away from your room.
If you really enjoyed your housing experience, consider applying to be an RLA, or, if the school offers it, help to teach the first-year community. You'll get the chance to help support new and returning students over the year, and many of these positions also cover major costs like board and meal plans.
2. Pay attention to campus postings.
This advice is more obvious, but it still gets overlooked a fair amount. Even on a busy day, taking the time to stop around campus and look at the flyers advertising clubs and events can draw your attention to something that you never would've noticed otherwise. Students on many campuses also chalk the sidewalk to catch students' attention while they walk to class. Just make sure that the event you're interested in hasn't taken place already!
3. Find common interest groups.
One way to find friends and get involved is to focus on what you're passionate about. Have you always loved to sing? Do you enjoy playing video games? Is photography your favorite past-time? Have you always wanted to join Greek life? Whatever you love devoting your time to, chances are there are organizations around school who are focused on the same thing. Check the student life section of your university's website, or stop by a student organization fair at the beginning of the semester.
4. Join an intramural sports team.
If you're the athletic type, you've probably heard of intramural sports. Often offered through the Rec Center or the residence halls, most colleges often offer various indoor and outdoor sports to take part in throughout the year. Personal favorite? Mini golf.
5. Work on a cause that you care about.
Whether you're passionate about a political group, a social cause, or a religion, working with people who value beliefs similar to yours can be an easy way to meet people, get a better sense of your own identity, and promote causes that are important to you. Look into getting involved with College Democrats, Republicans, or whatever party that you belong to. Find a club that supports social issues, from women's rights to protecting the environment. If you're religious, look into student organizations based on your faith.
6. Join a club related to your major.
Even if you're not entirely sure what you want to do after school, finding a club or organization related to your field of studies can benefit you long after you leave the classroom. From career-related workshops to conferences to professional connections, these groups have a lot to boast.
7. Get an on-campus job.
If you have the time, need to work, or want to save a few extra dollars, finding a job on or near campus is a time-effective way to build up your bank account and gain work experience. Check in your residence hall (see #1), at local businesses and offices, or make an appointment with your school's career center.
8. Volunteer.
When you're caught up in school life, it can be hard to think about the bigger picture. Volunteering your time to people (or animals/an environment) in need puts things in perspective and allows you to feel good while making a positive difference. Check if your college town has a volunteer page, or look up local organizations requesting help.
Best of luck this year! Get out, and get busy.
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