<p>I took a yearlong leave of absence from Whitman following my freshman year to explore other college options since I felt like I didn’t integrate well into the Whitman social scene. Even though I am currently at another college and like it, I am considering coming back to Whitman this fall. The one thing that worries me is fitting in with the student body. Freshman year, I found it difficult to make lasting friendships because I do not drink, and did not have a lot in common with fellow students that were mostly Pacific Northwesterners. I did join a few clubs, but they turned out to be more like drinking groups 
Do any of you Whitties have any ideas or advice on how to find friends at Whitman? Any personal anecdotes to share? I have obviously been searching in all of the wrong places for friends, and do not want to keep hitting dead-ends. I yearn for the Whitman experience that everyone around me seems to love and enjoy!</p>
<p>wecandoit92, as a parent of a current sophomore, I can say that my S and his friends have matured quite a lot in 2 years. He purposely picked Jewett freshman year because it was the “social dorm”, and I must say he very likely sowed a lot of wild oats, but by the end of the year he was seeing all those carefree antics with a more jaundiced eye. He has now picked a major, broadened his circle of friends, gotten his butt kicked by Calculus II, and has gotten much more focused. I do believe that going back as a junior would be a very different experience, those freshmen you knew have grown up quite a bit. </p>
<p>Hopefully, you’ll get some more concrete suggestions from current Whitties. I really admire you for taking another look and being willing to explore new approaches. If I get any brain storms, I’ll PM you. best wishes.</p>