Sitting With My Friends | Owen Satterlund

Photo Credit: Gail Cornwall

I should be able to sit with my friends. I don’t think it's distracting; in fact, I’d argue that the one thing that makes a class interesting and one I want to attend is that my friends are there and near. I should be able to walk into math, chemistry, and physics with a mindset that hasn’t degraded to the point where I’m sitting in the corner on my phone, zoned out.

Everyone at some point has had a class with nobody they knew in it and has been put at a table with people who seem a bit odd. Sometimes, hopefully, they become your good friends. At least that's the ultimate goal of these tables, right? You make new friends and meet new people. That's great! You managed to make new friends, but then the seats switched, and suddenly you got to do it all again. It is frustrating; just let me sit next to my friends. I want to walk into the classroom with a smile, not dread because I have to sit next to these people I’m not trying to get to know.

In my experience, sitting with my friends led me to associate that class with a good time. When I start to like a class, I pay more attention to it. Having the freedom to sit with friends also encourages collaboration and creativity. When we work together, we often bounce ideas off each other, leading to a deeper understanding of the material. My friends and I can help clarify concepts that might initially seem confusing, transforming our discussions into productive learning sessions.

Furthermore, there is an arguable amount of emotional support that comes from sitting with friends. School can be overwhelming at times, and having familiar faces around provides reassurance. We can celebrate each other's successes and lift each other during challenging times, reinforcing a strong sense of community. Ultimately, this camaraderie not only enriches individual experiences but also creates a more dynamic classroom atmosphere, encouraging everyone to participate and thrive. Letting us sit together isn’t just about comfort; it cultivates a positive culture.

Having my friends close by fosters a sense of comfort. It’s easier to ask questions and share thoughts when I know I’m surrounded by people I trust. When discussions arise in class, I can contribute more confidently since I feel supported. Group projects become more enjoyable, turning what could be a stressful experience into something manageable. Have you ever had a group project where you did everything? It sucks, they keep on saying they will work on it, but that usually only happens around an hour before its due, which isn’t worth it, so you just do it yourself.

The social aspect of learning is often overlooked. Being around friends boosts my motivation, and I’m more likely to engage actively in discussions. Motivation is crucial in challenging subjects that require focus and effort, and having friends nearby makes tackling those difficult concepts less tedious. So please, let us sit together.