[00:00.00]Narrator: Listen to a conversation between a student and a counselor at the university counseling center.
[00:06.82]FEMALE STUDENT: Hi, thanks for seeing me on such short notice.
[00:10.10]MALE COUNSELOR: No problem. How can I help?
[00:11.97]FEMALE STUDENT: Well, I think I might've made a mistake coming to this school.
[00:15.99]MALE COUNSELOR: What makes you say that?
[00:16.64]FEMALE STUDENT: I'm a little overwhelmed by the size of this place. [00:19.54]I come from a small town. [00:21.21]There were only 75 of us in my high school graduating class. [00:24.81]Everyone knew everyone; [00:25.45]we all grew up together.
[00:27.23]MALE COUNSELOR: So it's a bit of a culture shock for you, [00:29.99]being one of 15,000 students on a big campus in an unfamiliar city.
[00:34.65]FEMALE STUDENT: That's an understatement. [00:36.22]I just can't get comfortable in class, or in the dorms, [00:39.40]you know, socially.
[00:40.45]MALE COUNSELOR: Hmm, well—let's start with your academics. [00:43.49]Tell me about your classes.
[00:44.97]FEMALE STUDENT: I'm taking mostly introductory courses, and some are taught in these huge lecture halls.
[00:49.52]MALE COUNSELOR: And you're having trouble keeping pace with the material?
[00:52.51]FEMALE STUDENT: No, in fact, I got an A on my first economics paper. [00:55.67]It's just that, it's so impersonal. I'm not used to it.
[00:59.56]MALE COUNSELOR: Are all your classes impersonal?
[01:01.91]FEMALE STUDENT: Nah … It's just that, for example, in sociology yesterday, the professor asked a question. So I raised my hand … several of us raised our hands … [01:10.58]and I kept my hand up because I did the reading and knew the answer. [01:14.00]But the professor just answered his own question and continued with the lecture.
[01:18.15]MALE COUNSELOR: Well, in a big room, it's possible he didn't notice you. [01:21.50]Maybe he was trying to save time. [01:23.26]In either case, I wouldn't take it personally.
[01:25.94]FEMALE STUDENT: I suppose. But I just don't know how to, you know, distinguish myself.
[01:30.95]MALE COUNSELOR: Why not stop by his office during office hours?
[01:34.09]FEMALE STUDENT: That wouldn't seem right, [01:35.51]y'know … taking time from other students who need help.
[01:38.41]MALE COUNSELOR: Don't say that. [01:39.65]That's what office hours are for. [01:41.56]There's no reason you couldn't pop in to say hi, to, uh, to make yourself known. [01:46.73]If you're learning a lot in class, let the professor know. [01:49.68]Wouldn't you appreciate positive feedback if you were a professor?
[01:53.20]FEMALE STUDENT: You're right. [01:54.18]That's a good idea.
[01:55.44]MALE COUNSELOR: OK, uh, let's turn to your social life. [01:58.15]How's it going in the dorms?
[02:00.14]FEMALE STUDENT: I don't have much in common with my roommate or anyone else I've met so far. [02:03.65]Everyone's into sports, and I'm more artsy, you know, into music. [02:07.71]I play the cello.
[02:08.72]MALE COUNSELOR: Ahhh. Have you been playing long?
[02:11.37]FEMALE STUDENT: Since age 10. [02:12.52]It's a big part of my life. [02:14.19]At home, I was the youngest member of our community orchestra.
[02:16.82]MALE COUNSELOR: You're not going to believe this! [02:18.49]There's a string quartet on campus—all students. [02:21.64]And it so happens the cellist graduated last year. [02:24.99]They've been searching high and low for a replacement, someone with experience. [02:29.43]Would you be interested in auditioning?
[02:31.43]FEMALE STUDENT: Absolutely! I wanted to get my academic work settled before pursing my music here, [02:36.73]but I think this would be a good thing for me. [02:38.82]I guess if I really want to fit in here, I should find people who love music as much as I do. [02:43.76]Thank you!
[02:44.56]MALE COUNSELOR: My pleasure.
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