I thought that after high school I would be done with group projects. HA! That couldn't have been further from the truth! At least once, if not twice, in every class I am forced to participate in group projects. Don't get me wrong, I love my classmates! I'd probably even hang out with a few of them outside the classroom! Still, getting coffee with them and entrusting them with my grade for the class are two completely different things.
1. First impressions
You are not suppose to judge a book by its cover, but in group projects, you must. Size them up so you can prepare yourself for the inevitable.
2. When you find out that you have freshmen in your group
Congratulations! You have just become the babysitter for these guys!! Not only are you older than all these babies, but you may even become their new mentor now that they know you've been around the block a few times.
3. When someone keeps suggesting awful ideas
Sometimes I wonder if people forget to filter themselves, or if what they said was already filtered. Either way, there is always one person who will say whatever comes to mind.
4. When you suggest the first smart idea and the whole group shuts you down
This is probably the most frustrating part. Wisdom only comes with age so if I suggest something, please listen. I really don't need to fail this project because you think you know it all.
5. When someone doesn't have their work done and the assignment is due in 6 hours
I mean, come on! You've had all week! If only I could be as bold as Edna Mode.
6. When the final grade comes back and you seem to be the only one that cares
I guarantee if I had to do this assignment alone, I'd have easily done 10 percent better. So accepting the suck just comes with the territory.
7. When someone is complaining that they did the "best work" they could've and something must be wrong with the professor
You seem to think there's a lot of professors that have issues. Oh wait, maybe it was your sucky work.
8. When someone suggests that ya'll should work together in the future
Trying to make them feel like you enjoyed working with them can be hard. Even when you want to scream at them for all they have done, you have got to keep your cool.
9. When the teacher asks if you enjoyed working with others
Really? How do you think it went? Awful. The answer is awful!
Everyone basically hates group projects. They force you to work with people that don't care if your grade drops because of their lack of effort. If you enjoy them, you're most likely part of the problem that was described earlier. So, if you are a part of the problem, may I suggest something? Leave the group, give us a shot at receiving a good grade this time. Oh, and maybe go apologize to all the other people you screwed over.
