Campus Stereotypes and how to break them

What stereotype do you fall under in campus? Are you the partyholic? Are you the bookworm? Are you the churchly one? Are you the hustler? Are you the politician? Or are you the typical student?

You are probably tired of that 'tag'. When we become too associated with something, we might end up becoming it. And not all things are good to be associated with.

When we join campus, we are usually not sure of how to go about the many opportunities and freedoms that present themselves. Samuel Kogi says,"when I joined Moi University, I gave my all to coding.

I have become very good at developing computer programs but most people don't find me social. I have friends but I think it would be great to explore a little outside my world of computers".

Don't associate with a given tag

"Where's the party at this weekend?"...is a common phrase you'll hear among campus students. One way of dissociating from stereotypes is trying to not talk about your given 'tag'.

If you party too much, don't spend time telling others how awesome parties are. If you have a position at the campus, politics should not be the only matter you talk about.

I personally use up most of my time watching television series and movies. When I'm talking with others, I try to limit sharing what Luke Cage has been up to and I engage with what others are doing. This also helps one connect with diverse people who do not share your interests.

Make new friends

Breaking from a clique of friends is not easy. If you are a lady and would like to know what the fuss about Manchester United or Kenya Premier League is all about, making more male friends is a good start.

There are also ladies who are into sports and it starts with asking a potential friend which match was played over the weekend.

Men can also make friends with ladies if they're interested in finding out more about women's fashion. Young men are really venturing into fashion nowadays as an enterprise to pursue.

Try out new things

"I joined a guitar class this semester just to break my bookworm stereotype," says Edgar Momanyi, who has been performing very well in his studies.

 We end up being too comfortable where we are and eventually we get associated with that kind of lifestyle. Trying out something different is a way of breaking such stereotypes.

Take it positively

Most young people, I included, are self-conscious and that is why we end up analysing what our peers say about us. Some stereotypes are usually not all that bad and maybe we just need to balance between what we like doing and exploring new things.

If people say you're the typical "good student" who is always doing what is required of them, then that should not bother you.

There are students who are also referred to as "hustlers". The ones who know how to make quick cash and know the inner dealings of small businesses around campus. This is a positive stereotype but only if they are not dodgy at what they do.

At the end of the day, it is all about doing what you like and challenging yourself to take new risks without doing it the wrong way and trying to build a better version of yourself throughout the time you will be in school.