I stood in the long, winding cafeteria line and listened as everyone else's chatter and laughter echoed off the walls. Looking around at a roomful of strangers, I wished I'd waited for some girls from my floor or wing. At least I kind of know them, I thought. I ended up choosing a random table and having an awkward conversation with some students I didn't really know.

As I walked back to my dorm room, I felt so lonely and disappointed. Here I was, just a couple of days into my freshman year, and I already felt let down. I guess I'd always thought I'd fit in on campus quickly and have a great social life, just like on the college sitcoms I'd watched growing up.

But then I realized something: I hadn't really acted like the kids on those shows. They were outgoing and seemed open to friendship. But I'd been pretty withdrawn, letting my natural shyness get the best of me.

If I was going to make friends, I needed to show that I was a friendly person—like Proverbs 18:24 says. I couldn't wait for people to come up to me and start conversations. I needed to take some chances and reach out to others.

As I sat on my bed that evening, I thought about some ways I could show that I was open to new friendships. Maybe I need to come out in the hall more when the other girls are hanging out. Or maybe I need to make it a point to walk to the cafeteria with some people from my classes. Most of all, I felt I needed to work on my attitude. I can do this, I told myself. I can try a little harder to get to know people.

A couple days later, students and faculty got together at a reception after chapel. Looking up from my cookies and juice, I noticed a girl I'd run into a few times during orientation activities.

I took a deep breath, ignored the knot in my stomach, and smiled at her.

"Mary, right?" I asked, relieved when she nodded in response. "I'm Jocelyn."

For the next few minutes, we talked about where we were from and what our interests were. It turned out that we were both pre-med majors—and both taking organic chemistry that semester. When class began, I had someone to compare notes and study with. I even felt comfortable eating with her in the cafeteria.

That experience helped me to get past my fears. As the semester went on, I made more efforts to smile and make small talk with people. I joined one of the campus choirs, went out for movie nights and bowling nights, and started sitting with different people at meals.

After a couple of months, that cafeteria line wasn't as intimidating as before. The friendly faces I saw were also familiar faces. But they'd become familiar only because I'd been willing to change my attitude and take some risks.

So, did my college life start to look like those shows I'd watched? Not quite. But it did become my own special experience, with friends and memories I cherish.

Jocelyn is a senior at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois. She and Mary still have a lot in common.

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