Going by a different name in college?

StPaulDad
Wed, 18 Jul 2018 14:38:01 +0000

No better time in your entire life to reinvent yourself than right now, when everything is changing and almost no one will follow you from your old world. You may get some funny looks at Christmas break or next summer from people who knew the old you, but keep your head up and your feet moving and you should be OK.

Quick caution: just changing your name, cutting your hair and buying some new shirts isn’t going to change who you are. Have a clear idea how much you expect from this change, as you’re already going to be going through a lot as you transition to college. You’re getting a new home, new classmates, new friends and starting on a path towards a major, so the break from Old You is already pretty substantial. Add the new name if you have something specific in mind you’re moving towards, but it’s not necessary if you just want to start fresh. (I’m not trying to bum you out here or dissuade you from a change, just keeping the broader scale of the transition to college in mind. Have fun and good luck.)