Some of my peers think I'm too "off the wall" to be taken seriously. My lapses of cluelessness at time tends to frustrate some. When I'm in a situation I'm not too comfortable in, I become shy and awkward. On weekends during the school year, I can only call on a couple of friends, and not all of them are reliable. Some girls play me solely for the attention. Once I catch on to their games, they vanish into thin air, not wanting anything more to do with me. They don't even - gasp - want to be "just friends! (if they don't like me romantically)." Exactly zero girls keep in touch with me. The point is, my social status isn't the greatest right now. HOWEVER, this is not a rant or a vent or a self-grieving post. Instead, it's the opposite! Right now, I guess you could say my social life at school is in a bit of a lull. What does that mean? There's only one way to go, and that's up. As I prepare for my senior year of college - I leave for school any day - everybody on campus better watch out - because the "new" All-American is coming!

My confidence has never been higher. For once, I have NOTHING TO LOSE. I'm the underdog. I'm an afterthought. No one really thinks of me as a big threat when it comes to girls or being in power. This year, my biggest goal is to fully believe in myself and have people react to me, not the other way around. Here are some of my goals/tips to others:

1.) Assume control from the beginning! Although I've been at school for three years, I'm going to meet lots of new people. Additionally, I'll be getting to know some acquaintances better. From the moment I step on campus, I'm going to do what I want to do. In every sort of relationship, one person is the "alpha" and the other person is the "beta." I want to be the alpha - the one who chooses what the night will bring instead of being the one who is taken along for the ride. In sports, the best want the ball at the end of the game, the best want the fate of the game in their hands. They don't fear defeat. That's my mindset entering this year.

2.) In my smaller, discussion-sized classes, get to know everyone! I'm very much trying to expand my social network. What better way to do that than get to know my classmates? We all have things in common, and I'm sure they all like to have fun on the weekends. Getting to know my peers and classmates will make life a lot easier. If I get sick and miss a class, if I need someone to study with, or if it's lunch time and I'm off to grab a bite and would like company, being "tight" with people I see a few days each week will really help.

3.) Take the high road (and be optimistic)... Sure, there are times where I would REALLY like to bash someone's face in, or tell off someone who did something stupid. It feels great for a little while, maybe a few hours, but what does that accomplish in the long run? Overall, it just makes you look bad. I've learned this the hard way, and unless the other person is really close to you, it's not worth flipping out on them. Also, it's always good to be optimistic and upbeat. It makes you feel good and it makes you LOOK good in front of others. If people are looking for a leader to rally around, someone who can be the "hero," being optimistic and taking the high road when issues arise will get you to the top.

4.)...but don't let others drive over you! One reason I used to get frustrated at others (and it would show) was because I would let them take advantage of me too often. Not anymore! I'm going to throw down the iron fist, but my goal is to be more aware of these occurrences. Although it's not always easy to do, my goal is to express how I'm feeling in a respectful manner. If I feel something isn't right, I'm going to say something instead of letting it slip by. Also, if a situation looks like it's going to get out of control and you can't do much about it, WALK AWAY. When the bombs fall, you don't want to be there for the explosion.

5.) When I'm out at a party or at a bar, have no fear and talk to everyone! If I can do this, I'll have overcome one of my biggest obstacles. While I consider myself an outgoing person who likes to be social, I still get a little bit of anxiety when moving along with attractive girls. I get inside my own head and things go haywire. Remember, you're the one running the show. You know you're good, you're money. If she doesn't like you, that's HER problem. She's not worth it. Move on to someone who does like what you have to offer.

6.) BE YOURSELF! All of my new-found confidence revolves around this simple concept. If you be yourself, you'll find the right friends and get the right girl. What do I mean? If you act as somebody else, others will respond to your alter ego, not the real you! They're not seeing who you really are, you're LYING to them. In my case, this means not being so self-conscious anymore. I care too much...whether it's about how I am presenting myself or how others think of me. It's time that came to an end. No more acting the way others want me to act for their own benefit. This year, I plan on being myself, come he!! or high water. If people like me for it, great. If not, that's their problem. I'll find people who like me for me. The most important thing is that I believe in myself.

It's time I started putting my thoughts into action. My social life on campus needs a shake-up, and now is the time to deliver. I have nothing to lose, and as I said before, things can only go up from here.