Do students typically reinvent themselves upon entering college?

Hey everyone! I've heard a lot of stories about students turning a new leaf when they go to college. Just curious, is this actually a common thing? Or is it more of a myth?

This is actually a pretty common phenomenon and for a couple of reasons. For starters, college represents a fresh start. It's a new environment, often in a new city or state, with people who've never met you before. This can provide a blank canvas for personal change since the external pressures to behave as you traditionally have are greatly diminished.

Many students seize this as an opportunity to improve or modify certain aspects about themselves that they might not have been satisfied with in the past. For example, someone who felt they were too introverted or shy in high school might make an extra effort to be more outgoing and socially involved in college.

Secondly, college exposes students to a diverse range of experiences, cultures, and ideas that can naturally prompt personal growth and evolution. You're not confined to the viewpoints of your family or high school community anymore; instead, you're part of a larger, more diverse group of students who come from different backgrounds and have different opinions and perspectives. This exposure can inspire changes in how you view the world and how you see yourself in it.

However, it’s worth noting that while many students do go through changes, it also doesn’t mean they completely transform into entirely new personalities. Often, the essence of who they are remains; they've just grown and gained new perspectives and experiences. It can feel like a reinvention, but it's also a lot about personal growth and development.