But we, the students, must do our part. And, really, it shouldn’t be all that hard.

In fact, it’s already being done. In my year, the Social Studies concentrators have organized parties in various dorms. As a result, they seem like a pretty tight group.

But I think the main solution doesn’t require so much organization. Small talk in section can lead to big talk about shared interests, which can lead to sitting down for lunch in Annenberg, which can lead to endless possibilities. The key is to maintain a culture of openness and friendliness that allows conversations to carry on beyond small talk. It sounds naïve, but I think it’s true: We need to be friendlier to one another.

These things are awkward only if you make them awkward. If I could go back, I wouldn’t act so perplexed by the friendly freshman in section. Rather, I’d engage with her in conversation more. I’d grab a meal with her. And, who knows? Maybe we’d hit up some kickbacks together.

Sure, I’m satisfied with my friend group as it is. But I also know that I don’t want this campus to be a place where you can feel alone in a section full of people. Students come to Harvard “for the people.” Now that we’re all here, it’s time to be together. It’s time to make friends.

Dashiell F. Young-Saver ’16, a Crimson editorial writer, is an English concentrator in Winthrop House. His column appears on alternate Thursdays.