Think about a time when you joined a new group activity (maybe a team, religious retreat, club, or workplace).
- How did you feel when you first joined?
- Do you recall a moment when you felt like you were part of the group?
- What benefits did you get from participation in the group?
- What can you do to help yourself feel like part of a group at City Tech?
I feel okay when I joined. I get to make new friends.
Hi Tia,
It’s great that you’re feeling okay and making new friends! That’s a solid start, and it’ll only get better from here. Keep building those connections!
When I joined, I felt sad at the fact I was going to start all over again- to try and make new friends, and the fact that the summer was nearly over was making me melancholic. Today though, we were laughing at a joke we had just posted on the wall, and it was really nice to see others laugh at something I came up with. I feel like with enough time, I’m gonna get comfortable here.
Hello Ariel,
I think it might be necessary to switch your public name as it would make it easier for us to identify you.
That’s awesome! Starting college can bring a lot of mixed emotions, but it’s great to see you’re already finding your footing. Making friends and feeling comfortable in a new environment takes time, but sharing those little moments of laughter and connection is a huge step in the right direction. Keep being open to new experiences, and soon you’ll feel even more at ease. You’re on the right track!
A time when I joined a new club was in high school. I was worried on how I would fit in with the rest of the people in that club. To be honest I have no clue how I felt like to be a part of that group. I eventually fitted in with everyone else and I had a great time in a social aspect. I can make myself known to my peers and have a good time at CUNY City Tech.
Hi Jacob,
It’s great that you were able to fit in and enjoy yourself in that club. Use that same confidence and openness at City Tech, and you’ll definitely make connections and have a good time here too!
I joined dance club in my high school and I truly enjoyed it. I had previously danced in a lot of elementary school shows and missed dancing again. So when I found out my school had a dance class and a club I was excited and nervous to join. In the beginning I was not sure if I would join the club but as I saw my friends have an interest in going I decided to get into dance club with them. I remember I felt like I was apart of the group when my dance teacher had taken into account a recommendation that I gave for the formation of a dance. I felt heard and the group tried it out and everyone liked it so we kept that formation. From participating from the group I was able to dance at a nursing home during the holidays, and it was nice seeing the excitement people had for the club to go there. I also built really strong connections not only with my friends but also my teacher. I can try forming a dance club, however I also know about the Zumba club that is offered so I may consider joining that. Being able to learn Zumba would be a new experience for me and I can be as open as I was when I first joined dance club at my high school.
i felt good when i joined. once i joined a cultural club . There was dancing singing fashion show drama etc etc . i participated for fashion show . i never did that before it was kinda new to me but i tried to adjust myself in it and meantime i made alot of new friends , i got know so many things . they taught me , helped me out . its kinda beneficial when you are in group .
Hi Amaris,
It’s awesome that you had such a positive experience with your high school dance club! It’s clear you enjoyed being part of that group and even contributed creatively. Joining Zumba club (the fitness center offers Zumba if you wanna check that out) at City Tech sounds like a great idea, especially since you already have that enthusiasm and openness from your previous experience. It could be a fantastic way to connect with others and try something new, just like you did before!
I joined an after school program at my Highschool which I enjoyed as it gave me a feeling of how college would work out for me. When I first joined this program I felt nervous and intrigued at the same time as I knew that this program would be an excellent opportunity to learn and prepare myself for my future life style. I felt mostly nervous because I didn’t know anyone else in the program and wasn’t sure how to communicate with the other members. When my professor split us up into discussion groups to discuss a given topic about social norms present in our community. In this certain discussion I felt apart of my group as I began to realize and notice the similar ideas and mind set that I shared with my fellow peers. At the end of this discussion I even ended up exchanging phone numbers with some of the members in my group and made new connections and friendships through this college now class. The benefits that I received from participating in this group was that I was able to improve on my communication skills with people that I don’t know and strengthened my ability to self advocate myself because I had to speak up to my fellow peers and professor in order to finish the task at hand. I think that taking part in other group events such as a fitness class in order to make connections throughout City Tech and form bonds with people that will make me more apart of the community as well as more engaged with my college life by pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
Hi David,
It’s great that you had such a positive experience in your after-school program, especially with stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s impressive how you used that opportunity to improve your communication skills and make new connections. Joining group events at City Tech, like a fitness class, sounds like a perfect way to keep building those bonds and staying engaged with college life. Keep pushing yourself—you’re doing amazing!
A time in my life when I joined a new group activity was when I joined black student union after transferring to a new school. When I first walked through those doors, I felt scared that I wouldn’t fit in with my peers. But as meetings passed on and went by, I started to feel comfortable and developed very meaningful friendships. Throughout my time in Black student union I learned very important history and information. I also was able to gain experience in public speaking as we had to host events during school to promote our club.
Hi Abigail,
Joining the Black Student Union was a big step, especially after transferring to a new school. It’s great that you were able to overcome your initial fears and find comfort in the group. Developing meaningful friendships and gaining public speaking experience are valuable outcomes. It shows that putting yourself out there can lead to personal growth and lasting connections!
There was a program I joined, I was nervous when I first met the people there. Everyone was different in their own ways, there was a lot of diversity, I thought I wouldn’t fit in with them. However, I was wrong, the difference in us is what made us get closer and learn more about the world they live in. I learned that although we all came from different places, we all had some similar experiences/challenges which helped us become who we are.
Hi Marjahan,
It’s amazing how diversity can bring people closer together and enrich our understanding of the world. It’s great that you found common ground with others despite your initial nervousness. Sharing experiences and learning from each other’s backgrounds can create strong connections and a deeper appreciation for different perspectives. Nice post!
When I was in High School I was in an Advisory class and throughout the three years we did in person the classmates and advisor never changed. At first everyone including myself was nervous of talking or interacting with one another but as time went on we created a bond that was strong and were able to get comfortable with each other to the point we helped one another. The benefits it gave me was meeting new people and helping my social skills. Something I can do to help me feel like a group at City Tech is meeting new people, creating new friends, and making new memories.
You formed a strong bond in your Advisory class, building social skills and connections. Now, do the same at City Tech! Meet new people, create friendships, and make memories, you’ll find your people.Be open, attend events, and connect with others. Go for it!
Once I joined, I was more than ecstatic to be apart of this club and couldn’t wait to make new connections but I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to get my thoughts or ideas out there. One of the many things we did in this group was share new ideas and build off of each other. Unfortunately, I’m always hesitant to share my ideas ,even answers to a problem. I fear that my answers might be wrong or my idea isn’t good enough. After a while others encouraged me to speak up and once I did I felt more comfortable and more sure in myself. As I start college I am determined to include myself in more discussions and not doubt myself so I can put myself out there.
I totally understand! You were excited to join, but hesitant to share your ideas – it’s a common fear! But you pushed through, and with encouragement from others, you found your voice. Now, bring that same determination to City Tech – don’t doubt yourself, and remember that your unique perspective is valuable. Nice post! You got this!
I joined the Cross Country team in my school during my senior year. I felt anxious about being part of the team since I wasn’t as skilled as the rest of my teammates and was hesitant to even join the team because of my insecurities regarding my abilities. Once I joined and started to go to practices and meets, I realized how safe of an environment I was in that allowed me to grow and become a better runner. Everyone who was a part of the team supported each other regardless of how high or low their skill was which made me feel comfortable and from this, I managed to improve my running speed and stamina. Although I was far from the best on my team, my team encouraged me to grow and didn’t make me feel any less for not being the best. This helped me build the mindset that everyone is not out to judge or isolate you is one of the best ways to engage myself in a group, which is a mindset I plan to carry on into my college life. Now being in college, this new environment requires you to engage with the people who attend college with you. One of the ways I can do this is by indulging myself in more extracurriculars and clubs without the fear of being judged or not being able to fit in.
That’s incredible! You faced your fears, joined the Cross Country team, and discovered a supportive community. You learned that everyone has room to grow and that encouragement can come from unexpected places. Carry that mindset with you to City Tech – remember, it’s okay to start somewhere and improve. You’ll find similar supportive communities here, and your growth will be celebrated. Keep pushing yourself and embracing the journey!
A time when I joined a club was Japanese Story Telling. I didn’t know much about manga so I was pretty excited when I first joined it. I did feel I was part of the group because my classmates had the same opinions about the type of manga we read. What I gained from it was finding new ways to read certain things. What I can do to help myself is to find others that have the same thoughts as me when certain topics come up.
That’s awesome! You joined a club outside your comfort zone and found common ground with others. You gained new perspectives and insights, and now you’re ready to apply that same openness at City Tech.
I feel like at all times when joining new groups it can be a little nerve racking, its always weird meeting new people trying to figure them out and trying to make the best out of situations at first until you have your first genuine interaction with them. I feel like a moment when I feel like im part of the group is when everyone lets me take lead. I feel like as the lead in groups i always know how to listen to others and make everyone comfortable with their roles and the outcome. To feel like im in a group at city tech I feel like I would have to meet more people and just find more people with the same similarities as me and that have interest in the same things, i dont personally think ive found those people yet but hopefully in the near future i will find the right group for me at city tech.
Joining new groups can be nerve-wracking, but you’ve got leadership skills! Keep being open, meeting new people, and exploring shared interests. Your genuine connections will come, and you’ll find your place at City Tech. Nice post!
When I was in high school, A flyer about a volleyball team caught my attention. I was a Sophomore then and had never played the sport before but I was willing to learn. At first, I was very bad at the sport, however, my teammates were very supportive of my progress and they showed me ways to get better as a player. As time went on I got better and better. The benefit of this was that I understood teamwork, and hand-eye coordination as well as being more in shape. I believe that if I just go try different things that Citytech has to offer I can have a similar experience as before and learn something new.
That’s awesome! You took a chance on something new, and your willingness to learn led to growth and valuable skills. Now, you’re ready to bring that same mindset to City Tech! Trying new things and being open to learning will lead to new experiences and discoveries. Remember, it’s okay to start from scratch, you’ll find supportive peers and opportunities to shine. Go for it!
i started boxing at my local boxing gym years ago. I remember feeling very nervous due to the fact that they all knew each other like a big family and the anxiety that i had that them knowing that i was new with no experience is what really made me nervous. But what shocked me is the help that i received and how they made me feel part of the group. sooner with practice and dedication i actually got the hand of it and they really started to notice. Thats when i really felt part of the group. the kindness and lessons they taught me and the benefits i got from participating. I was more physically active and for me it was great because i felt more dedicated and motivated to do anything. A boost on confidence. And i feel like what i can do to be a part of city tech is to interact and be talkative and facing your fears of being judged at. because most likely theyre feeling the same way too.
I totally get it! You were nervous, but took the leap and found a supportive community at the boxing gym. That’s exactly what you can do here at City Tech, be open, talkative, and face your fears. Remember, everyone’s in the same boat. Keep pushing yourself and fostering connections.
In my senior year I became a Peer Leader for the freshmen. At first I was worried because this was the school’s first year doing something like this and my first time actually being a leader so I didn’t know what to expect. There was a requirement that all of the Peer Leaders had to attend a retreat. During this retreat I was able to bond and connect with the other people from my school who I didn’t know too well. This trip brought all of us together and made me feel more comfortable around everyone. I can become about of groups at City Tech by being willing to try new things and actually putting myself out there to talk to other people.
Great leadership experience! You stepped up, bonded with others, and now you’re ready to connect with others at City Tech. Keep being open, trying new things, and starting conversations, you’ll build a strong community here!
When I joined a club, it was an art club I was quite nervous because there were people I never met before and I thought I wouldn’t be able to speak to any of them. As time progressed in that club I started to talk to my peers more and we discussed many of our interests as well as ideas about art projects and that’s when I felt apart of the club. What I gained from it was being able to speak up and express my ideas as well as my many interests. To make myself feel like a part of City Tech would be speaking to new people and making connections with people who may have a similar personality.
That’s great to hear! Joining the art club was a fantastic way to step out of your comfort zone and discover your voice. I was also part of a art club my whole life. By sharing ideas and interests, you formed meaningful connections and felt a sense of belonging. Now, you’re ready to bring that same energy to City Tech! Keep being open, speaking up, and embracing new relationships – you’ll thrive here!
The first time I joined my drumline team I was a bit nervous because their were other people that were way better then me. I was the outcast of the group and I had some learning to do. But I had determination to learn the drums because they always sounded cool to me.So being the outcast helped push me to improve in that skill. My fellow teammates would always have my back even if it meant staying a couple hours back to help me learn a new beat. I knew that I was in a safe environment because I had a lot of support, this also helped me grow to be a better person then I was, become more of a leader for other people in my shoes. I’m ready to face more challenges while I’m here at city tech.
That’s awesome! You turned struggles into growth, and support from others helped you become a leader. Keep pushing yourself and embracing challenges – you’re ready for City Tech!
When there are times where i would be in group assignments, i would be shy and a little nervous because i don’t know anybody. Yesterday, i felt like one of the ones who were doing the assignment. I felt like i had met new friends and felt more comfortable with the people around me. For me i feel like talking a little bit more and more can make you feel like part of the group. Breathing is good for you so that you can ease your way in to the group.
Great job stepping out of your comfort zone! Speaking up and contributing helps you build connections and feel like part of the group. Keep being yourself and taking small steps – you’re making progress! Nice post!
Hi Joey,
It’s natural to feel shy in group assignments, especially when you don’t know anyone. It’s great to hear that you’re starting to feel more comfortable and even making new friends. Talking a little more each time is a smart way to ease into the group. Remember to take deep breaths and give yourself time to adjust—you’re doing great!
When I first went to big brother big sister program I was very excited because it was a new experience and I was hoping to make new friends. I felt like I was apart when I was comfortable with being more open with everyone because I’m usually shy at least a little bit in the beginning. And when other students that were in the program invited me to eat with them and to go home with them on the train. I got to be more comfortable talking to people when I first meet them, I made more friends, and had someone to listen to me when the friends I usually hang out it wasn’t there. Something that could help me feel part of a group at city tech is to join a club that is about a topic you like or when their is a group assignment be open to talk and get to know people.
That’s great to hear! You stepped out of your comfort zone and it paid off. You made new friends and became more confident in opening up to others. That’s exactly what you can do at City Tech – join a club that aligns with your interests and be open to group assignments. Great post!