fourWhen I first went to college, I was determined to start over, to become what I called a “Brand New Ellie.” No more shy, retiring bookworm. I was going to be social, friendly, the life of the party like my sister always was. Girls would want to hang out with me, and boys would want to date me.
I was just seventeen my freshman year and still living at home. Back then, this wasn’t unusual, and the private liberal arts college near my home had organized a number of socials the first few weeks to give new students opportunities to get acclimated and get to know each other.
I tried. I stretched myself so much in those weeks that I fell into bed exhausted at the end of every day. I introduced myself to strangers. I chatted with classmates instead of finding a quiet corner to read. I acted l
