In the real world though, I guess being myself, including the occasional awkward moment, is more than just a saying thrown around all the time. We all have our own unique sets of skills and weaknesses.

I like this. I got badly damaged as a child, so relating with people can be brittle, there is a brittle place buried and waiting to leap out at me. By contrast, I have friends who are supported in their families and who exude charisma but who are lazy and messed up in other ways.

College is a place where everyone is experimenting, playing power games and by nature artificial and un-easy. Also, like you say there is stuff that has to be done if you want/ need a good qualification.

Is there a place inside you who can drop the insecurities and reach out for a few moments of joy and fun each day - let the light in? Personally I feel out of place where I live currently - have a zillion acquaintances - but I have learned that there are as many social environments as there are different types of people. One baby step at a time... hugs!!