Adjustment to life at university

NARRATOR:Listen to a conversation between a student and a counselor at the University Counseling Center.

FEMALE STUDENT:Hi, thanks for seeing me on such short notice.

MALE COUNSELOR:No problem. How can I help?

FEMALE STUDENT:Well, I think I might have made a mistake coming to the school.

MALE COUNSELOR:What makes you say that?

FEMALE STUDENT:I'm a little overwhelmed by the size of this place.I come from a small town.There were only 75 of us in my high school graduating class.Everyone knew everyone, we all grew up together.

MALE COUNSELOR:So it's a bit of a culture shock for you, being one of 15,000 students on a big campus in an unfamiliar city?

FEMALE STUDENT:That's an understatement.I just can't get comfortable in class or in the dorms. You know, socially.

MALE COUNSELOR:Um... well, let's start with the academics. Tell me about your classes.

FEMALE STUDENT:I'm taking mostly introductory courses and some are taught in these huge lecture halls.

MALE COUNSELOR:And you are having trouble in keeping pace with the material?

FEMALE STUDENT:No, in fact I got an A on my first economics paper.It's just that, it's so impersonal, I'm not used to it.

MALE COUNSELOR:Are all your classes impersonal?

FEMALE STUDENT:No, 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.And I kept my hand up because I did the reading and knew the answer.But the professor just answered his own question and continued with the lecture.

MALE COUNSELOR:Well, in a big room it's possible he didn't notice you.Maybe he was trying to save time.In either case I wouldn't take it personally.

FEMALE STUDENT:I suppose. But I just don't know how to, you know, distinguish myself.

MALE COUNSELOR:Why not stop by his office during office hours?

FEMALE STUDENT:That wouldn't seem right. You know, taking time from other students who need help?

MALE COUNSELOR:Don't say that. That's what office hours are for.There is no reason you couldn't pop in to say hi and to make yourself known.If you are learning a lot in class, let the professor know.Wouldn't you appreciate positive feedback if you were a professor?

FEMALE STUDENT:You are right. That's a good idea.

MALE COUNSELOR:OK, er... let's turn to your social life. How's it going in the dorms?

FEMALE STUDENT:I don't have much in common with my roommate or anyone else I've met so far.Everyone's into sports and I'm more artsy, you know, into music. I play the cello.

MALE COUNSELOR:[genuinely curious] Hah, have you been playing long?

FEMALE STUDENT:Since age ten. It's a big part of my life.At home I was the youngest member of our community orchestra.

MALE COUNSELOR:[excitedly] You are not going to believe this.There is a string quartet on campus—all students.And it so happened that the cellist graduated last year.They've been searching high and low for a replacement, someone with experience.Would you be interested in auditioning?

FEMALE STUDENT:Absolutely. I wanted to get my academic work settled before pursuing my music here.But I think this would be a good thing for me.I guess if I really want to fit in here I should find people who love music as much as I do.[extreme gratitude] Thank you.

MALE COUNSELOR:My pleasure.