Hey there, all my life I have been surrounded by conservatives as I just finished high school at a right-wing catholic school and my entire family is republican. For some time I felt a bit alienated from my environment, but I ended up building great friendships with people whose political views aren’t unable for me to get past.
However I’m starting college in a few weeks and I’m attending an Ivy, I’m not gonna disclose which but it’s got a reputation for being very snobbish and I am afraid I will meet but frat guys with Epstein-vibes-dads and just people that I really do not identify with, and I don’t mean exclusively on the political sphere. I am very tolerant in regards to mental health matters, as I struggle with those myself, I’m a raging stoner and softcore psychonaut and I’m very naturally physically unattractive.
Maybe I shouldn’t have applied there in the first place, but I plan on going to medical school so I thought couldn’t not take the opportunity. Anyway any tips on how to survive 4 years of college away from my family and friends and surrounded by people I will potentially not be able to establish meaningful bonds with? And where do you suggest I try to meet friends instead (I’ll be out of state and on the opposite coast from home)
I know colleges tend to be very diverse by design, so I am aware that I am considering the worst case scenario that I think and hope won’t come to be, but as it is a possibility I’m trying to mentally prepare myself for what might be the loneliest time of my life. I mean I’m obviously keeping in touch with everyone, but I can’t help but think that that doesn’t replace fun parties and nights out especially because they will most likely be out there in their chosen colleges meeting new people.
So what do you suggest? Thanks in advance.
As someone that got a scholarship to one of the most bourgie boarding high schools in my country, and managed to graduate relatively in tact, here's my experience:
The drifting apart from existing friends will happen, even if you keep in touch a lot. Not the worst thing in the world, but something to keep in mind.
Not all rich kids are the same. While there will be plenty of "large sons/daughters" and rich assholes/Epstein vibes people, there are also some bourgie kids who like to do a lot of fun shit. One of my best friends at the time was a rich kid who liked to smoke weed, experiment with growing it (legal in my country) and a lot of other cool shit I won't mention to avoid self incrimination.
If you find you just can't relate to these people, look out for others with a similar background to you. I'm sure there will be at least a few people who are not trust fund kids that you can talk to or meet.
Anyways that's all from my experience and hope it helps a bit.