Hello, I feel a little silly writing this but I guess I really need some feedback from people that have been there and done that. I have just finished my second week of nursing school. I know it is still early but I am feeling a little out of place. It seems that most of my classmates have paired or grouped up and "cliques" are forming. There are a few people that I am friendly with but it seems like I am always getting left out. For instance, my first group project, the other ladies will schedule meeting times to organize our presentation and I will always be the last to know. Either, one lady will let me know after the fact, or I will have to ask.
Also, I have found that I am also usually sort of left alone. I have tried to go up to groups and be friendly and conversate. They will talk to me then but no one really approaches me or tried to be my "friend". One example of that would be yesterday I approached a group to talk about our check offs and they were friendly and talkative with me; but I went to the restroom for just a couple of minutes and when I came back and they were all gone lol. Now, I know I am not there to make friends nor is that my main goal. In fact I really don't have time to have serious friendships outside of school because I am so busy with my family. But, it is making me feel very low about myself and that something is potentially wrong with me.
I am of average height and weight and do not think there is anything physically off putting about my looks either good or bad. I have good hygiene. I am 29 and am married with a family but most of the students are my age or a little older. I try to smile and be friendly. I have even gone out of my way to be friendly to some of the girls but I don't get much back in return. The last few days I have given up and decided to eat lunch alone and study. This ended up paying off for me because I made an A on my first test but I am still feeling like a social pariah and this is honestly making me feel very anxious (which could be contributing to the problem). I have heard that you need friends to make it through nursing school. Any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated :)