Friends Forever?

Many of us have been told that in college you will find out who your real friends are. In college we find ourselves with a new independence.

Photo by Catie Wilson

We begin to search for something that feels familiar. This search can create a sense of loneliness and despair. The separation from everything that we once knew can cause one to do one of two things. We can stay in their comfort zone and not reach out, or we can get involved on campus and create new relationships.

College is about finding out who you are, growing up, and learning how to stand on your own two feet. This can often be a long and challenging road, but it is one that must be conquered. It does not matter if you are enrolled in a prestigious university, or the community college in your hometown, when it comes to finding friends, as women we face many of the same obstacles.

Jessica Brooks, a student at Tulsa Community College, has felt this feeling of despair many times. With only three semesters left at TCC, she has made new friends, lost friends, and even rekindled some old friendships.

Photo by Catie Wilson

“I think that it is true that in college you find out who your true friends are,” says Brooks, “ I have had many friends move away, and the ones that I keep in contact with will be my friends for the rest of my life.”

Brooks, like many girls going through this change, has learned that if she puts herself out there, and makes herself available she has more of an opportunity to connect with girls that know how she feels.

“My first semester of college was one of the hardest times in my life. Even though I was in my hometown, I felt so out of place and lost,” says Brooks, “ I just knew I had to meet some new friends.”

There are many ways that you can connect with other girls at your university. You might have to step outside of your comfort zone, and it may require a little bit more of an effort,but it is worth it.

We're All in this Together

Photo by Catie Wilson

Growing up is hard to do. It is inevitable. It is something that we must all go through. From learning how to do our own laundry to learning how to pay the bills the transition into adulthood can be bittersweet.

For women this change can be a little more difficult. As a college student myself, I am currently going through this transition. So far it has been a little bit of a challenge for me. I am learning how to handle the feeling of being on my own. It has been so eye opening to learn of all the other women who feel like I do. It was nice to know that I was not alone.

The University of Oklahoma has a few organizations that try to ease the pain during this stage of life for women. One of these groups is the Women’s Outreach Center. Since 1999, the WOC has been dedicated to helping students’ become aware of the issues facing women. They have done so by holding seminars on issues important to women, and addressing issues that disproportionately affect women such as equal pay, sexual assault, dating violence, breast cancer and eating disorders.

Kathy Moxley, the Coordinator of the WOC at OU explained to me that one of the things the WOC does for students' transitioning into college is offer an opportunity to volunteer and connect to others on campus.

“Sometimes getting involved with a campus department helps to make connections and feel purposeful,” says Moxley “We also provide referrals to other resources on campus such as counseling or career services.”

Photo by Catie Wilson

It is difficult to go through this rough ride alone, so it is my goal for this semester to find the key things that will help ease the pain of growing up. Being a woman can be challenging in and of its self, but add a job, homework, and bills on top of it, and it can be more than a single girl can handle all at once.

I know personally that the WOC has helped me to cope with growing up and all the things that come with it, so I hope that many of you will take a look at what the program had to offer. Check them out at:http://studentlife.ou.edu/content/view/23/25/

SOP #2- Coffee Shop Music

Photo by Catie Wilson

This is another SOP photo. It is at one of my favorite coffee shops. I can here the music playing just looking at this picture.

SOP- Evening at the Park

Photo by Catie Wilson

This picture was taken at a park in Tulsa. To me it signifies simplicity and relaxation. It makes me want to sit on a park bench and read a book.

PWOP- Music of the Heart

Photo by Catie Wilson

From music to family this photo is a description of me. It symbolizes the some of the things that make me who I am.