{"id":27404,"date":"2016-02-08T09:54:20","date_gmt":"2016-02-08T14:54:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/?p=27404"},"modified":"2016-02-08T09:54:20","modified_gmt":"2016-02-08T14:54:20","slug":"braving-times-square-the-introvert-gets-involved","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca\/lifeatuoft\/2016\/02\/08\/braving-times-square-the-introvert-gets-involved\/","title":{"rendered":"Braving Times Square: The Introvert Gets Involved"},"content":{"rendered":"A whorl of chaotic colours, blacks and indigos, fluorescent yellows and oranges, pulsating at the edges of your eyes. A cacophony of shouts and honks drowning out the sound of your own breathing. The smell of greasy hotdogs, sunscreen, and cologne suffocating you. Arms and elbows and hands tangled with others as people nudge past you to get to one of the many fast food restaurants, shops, or stores stretching along either side.\r\n\r\nTimes Square, a force with which to be reckoned in\u00a0all its sights, scents, sounds, and touch. While some people can handle the hustle and bustle of this chaotic mass, others are overwhelmed by the amount of people, scents, and sounds crushing them and have to leave the vicinity from time to time to catch their breath.\r\n\r\nSimilarly, after socializing with other people for a period of time, introverts need some \u201calone time\u201d to recharge because they get drained from the activity. Some get drained after a couple of hours, others after several hours.\r\n\r\nBut, what is an introvert?\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWell, the Oxford dictionary defines an introvert as a \u201ca shy, reticent person.\u201d However, many people lean towards another definition, which is documented in the ever-reliable source, Urban Dictionary. This dictionary defines an introvert as \u201ca person who is energized by spending time alone.\u201d\r\n\r\nI am both: I sometimes get shy around strangers, and I like spending time alone.\r\n\r\nAt first glance, \u201cintroversion\u201d might seem like the antonym of \u201cgetting involved.\u201d I used to believe that. Being around people drains me mentally, and frankly, I sometimes get way too nervous around strangers. How could I ever get involved with these traits of mine?\r\n\r\nHowever, I was determined to join new groups, so I targeted some that accommodated my introversion. Hopefully these tips will help you as they helped me in finding groups I\u2019m capable of handling and currently loving:\r\n\r\nJoin a group that specializes in one of your hobbies.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nYou won\u2019t have to break the ice and prod strangers to discover their interests. By joining a hobby-specific group, you\u2019ll already know the other members have the same interest as you. And trust me, it\u2019s much easier talking to strangers and feeling energized around them when you\u2019re gushing about the same thing. Maybe you\u2019re into Argentine tango, Harry Potter, choir, magic, or in my case, books.\r\n\r\nI joined Bookends<\/a>, U of T\u2019s book club, because even though the idea of talking in a small group setting terrifies me, I know I\u2019ll be much more at ease knowing we\u2019re all book lovers discussing books.\r\n\r\n
\"The<\/a>
Here\u2019s our February read: The Incarnations by Susan Barker!
Source: http:\/\/d.gr-assets.com\/books\/1439787175l\/23492504.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\nJoin a group that does work you consider interesting.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nI joined the Hart House Literary and Library Committee<\/a> because even though I know nothing about planning and executing events, the idea of doing so for literary events thrills me.\r\n\r\nSo consider joining a group that\u2019s doing something you\u2019re passionate about, whether it centers around academic activism, mental health, animal rights, poverty, or the environment.\r\n\r\nEven though you may feel nervous or drained around the group during its meetings or its events, you\u2019ll be doing something you believe in, and that will make the experience easier on you.\r\n\r\nJoin a group with a balance of interactive and independent time that suits your preferences<\/strong>.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nI decided to join a student publication group called The Spectatorial<\/em><\/a> \u2013 a group that publishes journals and blogs focusing on speculative fiction \u2013 as one of their copy-editors. As a copy-editor, I\u2019m able to contribute to a super cool publication all from the sanctuary of my room. There are other ways to get involved without working with others in-person, such as helping out as a layout designer, artist, or writer for other publications.\r\n\r\nOf course, you\u2019d want to eventually push yourself out of your comfort zone and join groups that require you to engage with others in-person, since it improves your teamwork skills, but if you\u2019d like to take baby steps forward, this is the way to go.\r\n\r\n
\"Two<\/a>
I learned about the opportunity to volunteer with The Spectatorial through their booth at the Literary Fair! Here are some of the things I collected from the event.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\nOur very own Life @ U of T Video Crew also documented the fair!\r\n\r\n