Pro at the Intro...

ever feel like you need a name tag? A big bold sticker on your forehead containing the words 'Shannell, Building A, and yes, I have a Facebook." College is a lot of books, responsibility and a lot of awkward introductions! In order to survive you must master the art. In the last month I have met the same twenty four people at least twice a week and I still can't remember their names. Picture me, recognizing someone walking towards me in the hall and trying to get their attention by shouting out every detail about them except their name. "Hey Belt Buckle Guy!," "Oh, um yeah the girl with the sexy boyfriend!" :/ and my personal favorite, "You're the guy who's lap I accidentally became rather familiar with on the bus... twice. Yeah hi?" Yes! There have indeed been some less than graceful encounters with the dailys, not to mention the countless random one timers. Those aren't as painful as making a fabulous first impression and a fabulous second impression and a fabulous third impression and fourth and fifth and etc etc. You get the point. I'm pretty sure there should be a handbook on introductions... Within the last 24 hours I have 'met' 9 people I will hopefully meet again tomorrow and for the next week in order to remember their first name. I was told once that when I am introduced to someone I should relate something about them I will remember to their name. I have tried that... I have failed that. The one thing I find to relate ends up redirecting to what I want for dinner or wondering who really did see me slip and slide down the stairs in the computer science building. So the decision was made to not even bother thinking anything while trying to pick up someones name. If I end up running into them later [which is 90% of the time] then they must be worth asking what their name is again.
Basically I am here to say that everywhere at every time in our life we will meet new people and there is no way to make it less awkward... well besides looking down before you sit on the bus. That might improve your ability to say "Hello whats your name?" without apologizing for smashing his comfort zone with your butt. Regardless.. I have made a career out of creating widely awkward situations for everyone on the bus, in the hallway, subway and pretty much my every pathway. And in doing so, opening all new and unexpected doors to conversation that might not otherwise been started. Granted they are started at my expense... but I suppose it's the small price to pay for a common ice breaker... and in my case a guaranteed reputation breaker. Believe me as much as it sounds like it I am not the biggest loser on campus. I'm the biggest dweeb on campus but we don't talk about that. As far as creepers go I haven't made top 10 yet! I consider that an A++ on the freshman social scale(:
I have, however, had the high honor of meeting the all to common men with this sign taped to their chest:

Tell me that's not screaming 'Total Babe!' When you enter into a place with a diverse variety of people this 'charming approach' may tickle someones fancy! There are the smooth talkers, the ones who say it all with a look and then of course you have the 'yeah I couldn't hide what I'm really thinking with a 4 ft wall' people [a.k.a] like me. This is the unfortunate and non preferred, permanent sign on my chest:

Well it goes without saying... I should be hanging out with the 'Intense Researchers of Individuals.'

Deciding how to approach an introduction can be tricky though. Should I be myself [overbearing, loud and sarcastic]?? Fake the 'Bad Girl' scene to either attract the wrong group or deflect the right one, Do I put on the 'happy go lucky' face with smiles and polite comments or should I completely shut down and avoid ever meeting anyone ever again!?!? HA! I can't help but meet people, ironically, in the 'cynical, you're an easy target for criticism, p.s. Hi I'm Shannell by the way' mode. This method doesn't seem to have the highest rating on the upfront friendly scale. Shocker! It is a strong belief of mine that we will always have someone who likes us and we will always have someone who dislikes us. So why not be the person they remember either way!(: Just talk loud in public, sing the songs you know and feed off awkward intros!!! 

Planner 101= Success! Stay tuned for detes!