Working in a group?

Let’s not.

As soon as I hear the word “project,” I pray to God, with every fiber in my being, that the word “group” is not associated with this project. The awkwardness of working in a group is unavoidable (trust me, I’ve tried). I am all for new friendships, but I don’t want to be forced into them by working in a group. The idea of being forced into group projects, and hence making new “friends,” just because the teacher think it’s “easier,” is appalling.

I’ve always found the idea of working in a group as much fun as taking a test.

Why force someone to work with people they don’t know or don’t like when working independently is clearly more productive?

The awkwardness of working in a group, in itself, is major reason as to why working by oneself is the best.

Most of the times, awkwardness and anxiety have a positive correlation. Being put in an awkward position, like working in a group, is likely to lead to social phobia, which affects 5.3 million people in United States. Just the mere idea of being in this awkward situation makes me want to cringe.

Now one might say that the awkwardness can be defeated by working with friends. There’s two problems with that, too. Firstly, the teachers almost never let people pick their groups. Secondly, even if I do somehow end up working with my friends, it’s not necessarily the best option. I always have more “important” things to talk about with my friends and the distractions of working with them are astronomical.

I know, I don’t.

But when the teacher makes the group, there’s the occasional free rider. He or she is that person that will show up on the first day, and you won’t see them again until the due date, when they have done absolutely nothing.

That person fits the definition of the phrase “good for nothing.” Sure, he or she might have a legitimate excuse for not being able to do the work but most of the time, that’s not the case.

Their little contribution or lack of it is completely wrong and unfair. But the decision to tell the teacher might leave the other person with a failing score and supreme hatred.

So, no. Snitching is not a possibility.

Working independently lets me show my academic abilities rather than mask them with a group.

The case is clear. When it comes to collaboration or independence, the only one you have to face is the same person who looks at you in the mirror.