Inclusion/Seclusion

Inclusion: -noun- the act of something that is included.
Seclusion: -noun-solidarity, being left out, secluded.

My first year of college has flown by. I'm already through almost 25 hours of class work, and I'm well on my way to finding what my potential careers could be. I'm working a steady job, solid in a Fraternity, and am very active on campus. Usually you can find me with a smiling face, and a "Hey, how are you?". I feel so included in everything that I'm a part of. I'm included in intramurals, my Fraternity, campus activities, off campus happenings, trips, classes, etc.

So why do I feel so secluded? Is it normal to feel secluded, even when you're included?

I started to ponder the question a little while ago when I was asked who I was going to take to our Fraternity Formal. Truth is, I hadn't a clue who I was going to take. There's just so many girls out there, so many people I could take!

And then I really thought about it. All of the people who I've been hanging out with have boyfriends; they're too wild, or crazy as far as parties go; they're too tame when the occasion calls for a little fun; or they're just not really my type. Well, now I've filtered down my list of girls to zero. I'm starting off on a clean slate.

It seems as if I've been included so often in college that I've actually secluded myself from other groups. I've put myself in a "comfort zone" that I don't really want to get out of because I won't feel comfortable around other people. I hang out with the same people day in and day out. Sure, work could be to blame for that; but I honestly have to blame myself before I can blame anything else. I've allowed myself to become content with where I am.

If you're reading this note I just want to challenge you to become included, and secluded. Each of these words bring new meaning. Each of these words will allow you to not get into the situation that I'm currently in right now.

Never be content with where you are. Always step up to the plate when you're given a chance. You never know who you might meet, and what groups you could be included, and secluded in