How to Make Friends with Classmates of Different Ages
It may surprise you to learn that the average age of college students is actually 26, according to New America. Now, if you're in your 40s, that still seems young, but if you're in your 30s, it's not quite as intimidating as a classroom of, say, 20somethings.
When you think about your military career, you started among a group of peers, all about the same age, and then, as you advanced, you started working with people of different ages. A senior noncommissioned officer, for example, is often older than their company commander or even battalion commander.
College may seem a little less foreign with that perspective. And, while you may not be attending classes with the sole intention of making friends, there's no reason to think you can't become friends with classmates, even if they are of different ages. Here are some ways you can do that.
Find Something in Common
Finding common ground is always helpful when building a new relationship. Breaking the ice can mean chatting about a shared experience -- perhaps with other veterans in your class -- or sharing about your hobbies. If you see a classmate reading a book you've read, commenting that you've read it too may be a way to break the ice.
Make the First Move
Introduce yourself to the people around you, don't wait for them to talk first. You already have something in common taking a class together. You may find more things in common, and you may not. But having a friendly face in class can go a long way towards making your college experience more enjoyable.
Join a Group
If you're looking for people to connect with, joining an already established group is a great choice. Volunteer with a group or join a community of others with a shared interest. Play softball or basketball at the local park, see what Team RWB has going on in your area, volunteer at your kid's school, or find a book club at the local library.
Keep an Open Mind
Yes, you may be older or younger than your classmates. Yes, you may have vastly different life experiences. But when it comes down to it, you know surrounding yourself with other people helps you be a better person. Find more people to help you become that person, to broaden your horizons.
Make Time for Friendships
Life is busy. Life in transition is even busier. You may feel like you have more time now that you aren't on active duty, but you may also feel the need to make up for some lost time. Don't let all of those overdue "to-do's" get in the way of making new friends. You'll want to share this newfound free time with your friends, doing the things you like.
It's time to start building your new support system, which means finding some new friends to add to your list. You'll have several opportunities to make new friends, both inside and outside the classroom. Embrace those opportunities.
Ready to learn more about navigating the higher education system as a veteran? Start here.
