Group projects. We have all had them; we’ve all survived them. But what about that frustrating experience when you are assigned to work with the one student in the class who does not do anything?

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Group projects. We have all had them; we’ve all survived them. But what about that frustrating experience when you are assigned to work with the one student in the class who does not do anything?

We all know who I am talking about: the student who arrives late every day, the guy or girl who literally falls asleep habitually at the same time and the student who texts through the entire class. These students are not only distracting, but they also put our own grade at risk when we are paired with them to work on a project.

Why the heck do these students even show up for class? Dealing with these kinds of students who are so worthless takes patience and understanding. However, let’s be honest. After having to tolerate them for so long, I, as well as half the student population, have little to no patience left.

Currently, I am working on a group project that is requiring me to develop an original and creative advertisement. When I say requiring me to develop, I put emphasis on the word me; alone, with no help. My partner has lacked involvement from the very beginning. The first time we met in class, she was on her cell phone the entire time, speaking her texts out loud. The best part was when the professor walked by, she would look up and say, Yeah that sounds good to make it seem as though she were actually participating. Needless to say, it went downhill from there.

Here is how to get through this maddening situation. Step one: even if you happen to be the nicest person around, without a mean bone in your body, you need to be stern and, in a sense, mean. There is a difference between sinking to their level and getting fair treatment. There is no need to be catty or rude; however, let your partner know that this grade and this class mean something to you, and that you are not okay with them sliding along, putting all of the work on you.

Step two: if your partner continues to do nothing and you are completing the majority of the work, do not be afraid to go straight to your professor. People are hesitant to do this because they feel as though they would be tattling on someone, but doing this is actually the opposite. By sharing your concern with the professor, he or she will know that you are being proactive and that you truly want to do well in the class.

The final step in dealing with seemingly useless partners is to simply do your best. As long as the professor knows you are trying and you have brought it to his or her attention that your partner is not helping at all, then this is all you can do. By putting your best foot forward and keeping a positive attitude given the circumstances, you are sure to succeed not only in the class, but in life as well.

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