Ask Katherine

By KATHERINE LAMB

Senior Writer

Hey Katherine,

As a conservative student, I often feel like I can’t speak up in class or that my ideas get ignored. How can I express to people that this bothers me?

Sincerely, To The Right

To The Right,

As a left-leaning moderate, I’ve had insults hurled at me from every end of the political spectrum so I like to think that I can relate. The most you can hope to do is to explain your point of view and get a better grasp of theirs. But in most cases, it is good to ask questions until you find some common ground. For instance, in the Night Vale Presents podcast “Conversations With People Who Hate Me,” the host, Dylan Marron, finds unlikely common ground with a guest when they both agree that the guest should not have sex with her cat. It’s a great podcast, and I highly recommend it. Try to keep in mind, also, that at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how you feel about an issue. What matters are the solutions and compromises you can find with the help of others.

Good Luck, Katherine

Hey Katherine,

I think my professor hates me and that he grades me harder than he does other people. Is there anything I can do about this?

Sincerely, A Little Lost

A Little Lost,

The most important thing to remember in this situation is that no one else is going to fight for you and if a change is brought about you will have to be the one to bring it. Here are the steps I took when this exact thing happened to me.

1. Go to office hours as much as possible to figure out the underlying issue and address it. Ask him what he’s looking for that your work hasn’t been providing. Press him for specifics.

2. Explain to your academic advisor (or another professor who you trust) what the situation is. See if they have any advice surrounding the subject.

3. If nothing has helped and you truly believe there isn’t anything else you can do on your end, ask the department head for help. Professors do not exist to flunk you but some of them forget that at times.

Wishing you the best, Katherine

Hey Katherine,

I bought a TV for my dorm that’s nicer than my roommate’s TV. When I suggested we replace hers with mine, she got really mad and told my other roommate that I shouldn’t have bought a new TV without asking her. Now, she’s giving me the silent treatment. I didn’t mean for this to happen. What can I do?

Sincerely, Channeling Frustrations

Channeling Frustrations,

Your roommate’s reaction is completely unnecessary. With that out of the way, you and I both know that you’re going to have to be the one to apologize. Tell her that you’re sorry about not consulting her before getting the TV. Talk to her and try to figure out what the root of the issue is. Explain why you thought your actions wouldn’t be a problem. Be gentle. You can get your RA involved if necessary. At the end of the day, I would bring the TV anyway because you are allowed to have your own stuff in your room.

Wishing you the best, Katherine