How to Find Your Tribe

The importance of creating connections in university.

Have you ever worked a job you dread, but your coworkers made the eight-hour shift bearable, even enjoyable? It's amazing how our connections with people can drastically change our perspective about our surroundings and ourselves.

When I finished my undergrad and started veterinary school in Australia, I couldn't connect with my classmates and I was struggling to motivate myself in class. After scraping by in first year, I took a break from school before trying again, and that's when I found my tribe. Suddenly, school didn't feel like I was climbing Mount Everest when I only brought my daypack. Sure, the intensity of my schoolwork remained the same, but being surrounded by people I connected with inspired a confidence and resilience in me that I would have never found by myself.

Your tribe isn't going to be everyone, and it may even be only one person, but when you meet that person(s), you will know exactly what I'm talking about. Your tribe is made up of the people who take you as you are and help you grow into what you hope to become.

Here's how to find them:

1. 1. Be authentic

This seems like such an obvious thing to do, but in the expanding world of technology and social media, it seems far less common to put into practice. Only when you are willing to be vulnerable with others can you develop meaningful connections.
2. 2. Join groups and clubs around campus

Put yourself out there! You won't find true friends hiding behind a screen, so go out and join an activity.
3. 3. Get curious about other people's stories

You never know what you have in common with people until you're engaged enough to listen to their story.

In between lectures and cramming for exams, remember to take time to enjoy university life, and find your tribe to experience it with you.