You asked:

Last time I went home, I just didn’t click with my high school friends like I used to. I’m kind of worried I’m going to wind up being a loner in my hometown this summer. Any suggestions?

Nobody said you have to maintain a great relationship with your old friends. After high school, people change, grow and go their separate ways -- and that’s OK. Part of being a college student is venturing off, forming new relationships and learning about yourself. There is nothing wrong with admitting you’ve drifted away from your former friends, but don’t worry about being a loner this summer. You found friends away at college, right? You can do the same in your hometown.

• Go to local shows and events. Hit up the public library for newspapers and flyers about upcoming concerts, festivals, fairs, etc. Events such as these are often free, and during the summer many are held outdoors -- where it’s easy to mingle and strike up convos with other people who have the same interests as you.

• Get a job or an internship. Perhaps you can make some money and save a little for the fall ... and meet new people. Jobs are a great place to meet people from your town, and you’ll also be able to add it to your resume! You could also try getting an internship that pertains to your major or area of concentration at school.

• Take a summer class. You could always enroll in a class or two at the local college. Be sure to check with your current university before doing so to make sure they will accept these credits. Or just take a fun non-credit course, such as, guitar lessons or belly dancing. You’ll meet plenty of people there.

• Embrace the solitude. Take advantage of the alone time while you’re social life isn’t so crazy. The weather is great, so there’s no excuse for veggin’ out inside. Take a blanket and a book out to the park. Pack a lunch, and check out a nearby museum or art gallery. Or, just meditate in your own backyard.

• Call up your old friends. Even if you’re not really feeling it with your former friends, you can still see them in small doses. Give someone an occasional shout-out to just meet for a quick lunch or coffee to catch up.

Name: Jonathan Fieweger
School: New York University
Major: Arts Administration and Cultural Policy
His deal: Jonathan is an R.A. for sophomores at NYU. He is tour guide in the undergraduate admissions office on campus and is also president of a food rescue and sustainability club on campus. Currently, he works at DreamWorks Theatricals as a press and marketing intern.

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