O Knows: The Advice Column (September 15, 2020)

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Dear O Knows:

I am a Freshman here at Alcorn State University (Go Class of 2024) and I’m hoping that you can give me some advice to help me out. I come from a small town in Louisiana with less than 3,000 people in it. My parents were extremely strict while I was growing up and didn’t allow me to participate in any extracurricular activities therefore I didn’t get to make that many friends and the friends that I did make moved away. To keep away the boredom I engulfed myself in video games, superhero movies, comic books and action figures. O I must admit I am a Blerd (Black Nerd). When I try to tell most people this they normally laugh at me or ignore me. Now that I’m in college I want to change my image. I want to make friends but honestly I don’t know how. I want to be in organizations around campus but my anxiety acts up when I’m around a large group of people. And not to mention I need a wardrobe revamp from top to bottom. O I just want to be a normal kid and enjoy my college experience because I feel as though I have missed a lot that life has to offer. I hope that your advice helps me reach the potential I know that I’m capable of. I’m like clay right now, MOLD ME!

Signed

Ready for the Next Chapter

Dear Ready For The Next Chapter:

First, I would like to welcome you to Alcorn State University where the grass is greener, the air is cleaner and the water is just a little bit sweeter. We are happy to have you here and I am personally so happy to have you as one of my fellow Alcornites. Before you look for friends, create one within yourself. Acknowledge and come to the realization of how dope you really are. There isn’t any set standard on what “cool” is, so “cool” is whatever you make it. If cool is comic books and action figures in your book, that is what it is. In my book being a “Blerd” is cool. Like really, who wants to hang around people with no intelligence, sense of direction or anything to add to the person you are? I wouldn’t advise you to change your image, your interest or anything dealing with you. Be who you are, because authenticity glows. Before you know it, you will attract friends you once thought would never acknowledge you just because you are always your true self. People really admire and respect people who are real. Always remember that you are exactly where you need to be. You haven’t missed out on life, you are just getting started. Bloom where you are. Also keep in mind, confidence is not how positive you are in people liking and accepting you, it’s you being fine if they don’t. If perhaps no one recognizes how ridiculously dope you are, I do and you always have a friend in O.

Best wishes,
O’ Knows