“Pomp and Circumstance,” the song that symbolizes new beginnings and that fact that you are now thrust headlong into adulthood, but for many of us with social anxiety, that timeless tune resembles sudden death.

Now you alone are responsible for yourself and your academic progress, you solely have to figure out college enrollment, find your way on campus and schedule the dreaded meeting with a counselor.

Sure it’s not as bad as it seems but with those uncomfortable with talking to people face-to-face and one-on-one, the whole interaction can be deemed overwhelming.

Most of us rather put it off as long as we can rather than make that appointment and rearrange yourself uncomfortable while waiting for what seems like an eternity for the counselor to come strolling out and engage you in small talk as they walk you over to their office with their college pennants and whimsical knick-knacks.

I don’t want to see adorable baby pictures of your kids, Miss Debra, I want my academic situation to magically resolve itself so I can remain the hermit that I am.

Going to see the counselor should not be viewed as an inconvenience but as the academic resource that it is, however, to motivate those who are dissuaded by social anxiety counselors should reach out to those who have been enrolled for some time but haven’t yet made an appointment.

Those too awkward to function would rather respond to an email than schedule an appointment straight off the bat.

Counselors should send courtesy emails in attempt to reach out to students especially those who have dipped in their average grade range.

Silence is never a good thing, I understand it is the job of the student to take initiative handle their academic affairs on their own, however, counselors are paid and present to help those who are struggling.

If counselors truly love their job as much as they claim, they should consider helping out students who are unable to reach out for it.