Being a UBC Blogger

Someone asked me, “What does it feel like to have other people come up to you and say they’ve read your blog?”

It’s not the first time I’ve been asked something similar to that. Every now and then I’ll be having a conversation with someone and they’ll suddenly repeat something that I said here. I’m always a little stunned. Don’t worry — I’m not creeped out. I don’t think that you are stalking me. Actually, I’m quite touched that you’re reading this. It’s always gratifying to know that my blog is achieving its purpose. I want people to read my blog — and if it helps, I’ll be even more glad.

I admit it: I love writing. That’s why I leapt at the opportunity to blog for UBC students, particularly my fellow first-years. Let me reemphasise that point: I’m writing for UBC students. I write about my experiences as a first-year student, both good and bad, because I really hope that it will resonate with other people, or at the very least entertain them. Or if it doesn’t — if what I say seems really wrong or inaccurate — then I’m keen to hear other opinions. I’m not writing here just because I like it.

Believe me, when I want to do that, I write plenty of stories and poems that will never see the light of day.

Do I dislike talking about my blog in person?

It’s true I don’t mention it very often. I’m not great at self-promotion; I much prefer it when other people bring it up. Any short silences don’t mean that I’m offended, though — it’s usually me trying to reorientate myself. An unexpected reference to one of my blog posts is like the continuation of a conversation I wasn’t aware that we were having. I just need to remember what the conversation was about before I continue it. After I’ve found my bearings, I’m quite happy to talk.

Am I creeped out by how much you know about me?

At first I did find it mildly unsettling to have people know random details about my life. Then I got used to it. I’m the one putting myself out here anyway. If I don’t want you to know something, I’m not going to talk about it — and there are some aspects of my life I am fiercely private about.

Being honest is scary. I started out my blog determined to be all peppy and happy, until I hit this phase when I thought I didn’t belong at UBC. It was scary admitting that UBC isn’t this perfect place for me — I thought there was something wrong with me because I wasn’t as happy as everyone else seems to be. Turns out lots of people felt the same when they first moved here. Admitting UBC isn’t perfect was the first step to realizing that I have to work really hard to make a place for myself, but that it is possible. It’s kind of sad it took me so long to settle in and deal, but on the up side, if I can do it, then anyone can! It’s normal to take some time to adjust to a new school setting or country or living on your own.

And so I blab a lot and put myself out there for you to make judgments about, but hey. I figure that you would find out what I’m like if you met me in person anyway. This way, you’re a step ahead of me and we can focus on you when we do meet, no?

P.S. Sneak peak of the next post: The rarely heard legend of the magical creatures that haunt UBC’s laundry rooms is about to be revealed…