Making friends with solitude

I would say that having more time for myself has been one of the greatest benefits of college life for me during the past two years. I am no longer bound by the timetable established by my school, spending all of my time in the same classroom going through the same cycle of lessons and reading the same textbooks. However, it also implies that I can lose a group of consistent companions, or friends, who I can go to the classroom, lunch, and dorm with and who I can have endless conversations with since we spend all the time together.

Such scenes might seem unbelievable in college because everyone has their own to-do list. I might be sitting in this classroom with a friend, but after the lesson is complete, we'll go in opposite directions. As a result, I am increasingly joined by solitude, a silent friend who sometimes I may not even recognize is there. I initially struggled to adapt to this new way of living. It was difficult for me to control my need to discuss all the insignificant matters. So, I had to come to terms with the possibility that I might not get my friend's response when I had hoped. I no longer take the company of others for granted. We are like tourists heading in different directions. We may support and care for one another when we board the same train. After all, we'll say our goodbyes and switch to another line.

I began to draw energy from my solitude. I use a pen or a keyboard to tell this person my story even though I know I won't get a response. I am given more time to observe the world, taking glimpse of a daisy along the road that I never look at. I take pleasure in the now, staying here and not worrying about the unknown future. Like a mirror, solitude gives me more time and opportunities to reflect on my own behavior.