[OpMoc]

I am moving to a new college in a few days. I want to be able to meet new people even though im an introvert. But I am not willing to conform and just be another generic college kid. Ive lost alot of friends because of it.

I feel like college is masked as a time to develop individuality but really a time of conformity.
-I don't know if any of you guys have experienced the same thing. but I have been harassed in college because I don't party hard, don't like the beatles, and because I am a Christian by many "free thinking college kids"- who all really seem to become generic agnostic liberals (no offense meant to any christian liberals).

Ive started by checking out Campus Crusade for Christ, and a club for my major, but I was wondering i you guys have any tips. I would appreciate it.

[Rainer.]

I'd say just don't over think it. But don't set yourself up as a judge over others, you're really not any better of a human being than "those generic agnostic liberals." They're real people, too, and while you may have had bad experiences with that sort of thing, you can't hold resentment against people in general and hold yourself as worthy to judge their actions because of it. Don't let your impression of the ugliness of their lives blind you to how wonderful their God-created souls are. That's really just no way to reach out to people.

That said, it is a fantastic idea to plug in to local groups and to find a local church to get involved with. I am sure that the Christians from campus generally filter into a handful of local churches, all of which you should visit, and get really involved with one of them by talking to someone in that church's leadership.

Just be open to where God might lead. Just remember that we're not supposed to sequester ourselves in the church with other believers, but to open up to those in the world, too.

[OpMoc]

With the church's thing that is the plan. Honestly I am looking for two things really-a group of christian friends and/or same thing but to jam with (not really worship stuff, I served for many years, need a break).

I absolutely see your point. often its too easy to get swept into cynicism even when you are trying to be the loving type of person. Its especially hard to see people that way when you're frustrated with your own life. But i do think conformity and college lifestyle has alot to do with often making more of a challenge to see people how God wants us to.

I appreciate your thoughts. Its something to meditate on.