Is it common for people to reinvent themselves when they go to college?

I've heard a lot of people say that college is a time to 'find yourself' and start fresh. Do lots of folks really reinvent themselves when they go off to college or is this more of a myth?

Absolutely! The concept of "reinventing oneself" in college is quite common and definitely not a myth. When individuals head to college, they are usually leaving their home – their usual environment, routines, and the people they grew up with. This presents an opportunity, and often an inherent need, to adapt and grow.

This "reinvention" could mean anything from changing one's style or interests to developing brand new habits or passions. College is a new setting full of diverse individuals and experiences, and students often find themselves branching out and exploring in ways they haven't before. For example, you might find someone who used to engage only in academia in high school, revealing a hidden athletic inclination in college by joining a sports team.

However, it's crucial to note that while college provides a platform for exploration and reinvention, it doesn't change who you fundamentally are. Most people find that they're still recognizably themselves, but with added dimensions. As new experiences complement your existing interests, skills, and dreams, you could say that college is more about self-realization and growth than complete reinvention.

Most importantly, whether or not to change or reinvent oneself in college is a personal choice. While some people embrace the opportunity to become "a new person," others prefer to use this time to further develop their pre-existing identities. Neither pathway is right or wrong.