I’d like to think that I am pretty happy with my university experience for the most part. But if I’m going to be honest, there are some every day type things or situations that annoy me a bit, and well, today I feel like talking about them! Don’t worry, the list isn’t that long, I’m not that irritable:
Med Hopefuls who Pretend to Be Your Friend
Given how competitive the medical school admissions process is, it’s not surprising to find a few med hopefuls who will do anything to get ahead: including trying to be your friend just so they can take advantage of you. I’m very fortunate that I’ve met only one or two people like that in my three years here, but even one can just be really annoying.
These are the type of people who actively search out people doing well in classes, and if there is a hint that student might be applying to medical school, this type of individual is suddenly your “best friend”. You rarely speak to them, but once you get a medical school interview, for some reason they already know. And, of course, despite the fact that you never talk to them except for the unfortunate few times you run into them in class, they try and pry interview questions out of you!
The amazing thing about these individuals is that they seem to be a bit delusional. You can give them the cold shoulder or make it obvious you are annoyed by the whole act, but they act as if they have no idea you find this irritating. It just blows my mind sometimes.
Seriously, people need to calm down. Honestly, if just the admissions process alone makes you so paranoid that you’re willing to throw your integrity and respect for your peers out the window, I’m worried about how composed you will be if someone’s life is on the line. Chill out!
Med Hopeful’s who Think They are Obligated to Know Your Marks
These people definitely aren’t as annoying as the first type, but can still push my buttons. Honestly, I’ve never been the type to ask other people their marks. You can tell me if you like, but it’s not my business, so I don’t really see any reason to ask you. Also, I would feel pretty bad if you bombed a test and I didn’t.
I’d like to think everyone else would feel the same way, but there are some people who thrive on other people’s failures. These are the people who ace a test, and of course, quickly go around asking people what they got, knowing full well they at least did equal or better. I guess it’s an ego thing, but it’s really annoying and a bit rude and unthoughtful.
Everyone else’s business isn’t your business. I mean, if it’s a close friend of mine who I like and respect, and I know isn’t out to get me or whatever, I have no problem telling him/her my mark if they really care to know. That’s cool, because we’re friends, and I know you don’t hate me or gain pleasure in seeing me do bad.
But if you’re only asking me my mark with the hope that you can tell me how much you owned me on this test, then that’s just super weird and you need to find better ways to have fun.
Professors who Don’t Post Notes / PowerPoint Slides
I really don’t understand the logic in this. There are professors who aren’t willing to post their notes or slides online. But somehow, they expect students to not only copy slides or notes down, but also pick up the information they’re saying at the same time.
But why not post your slides, so that I can give you my full attention instead of copying random bullet points down?
Fortunately, most professors don’t do it, but it just blows my mind when I have to sit through the few that do.
I’ve had one professor justify it by saying that not posting slides/notes forces students to come to class. But seriously, if your slides/notes are so good that having lecture becomes meaningless, then I think that’s saying something…
Hallway Cloggers
Sometimes you have two classes in a row, maybe far apart in location, so you’re in a rush to get from class A to class B. Unfortunately, you run into a hallway clogged by a group of people who are either standing in the middle, or walking as a group at a ridiculously slow place, as if they have no realization that there are other people who need to use the hallway or passageway.
Sometimes it’s a pack of friends, other times it’s a lovey-dovey couple in a tiny 2-person wide passageway. Please, be respectful of those around you, and recognize that every half or full hour, there are generally going to be loads of people trying to go somewhere!
That’s All?
I have a brain fart right now. I’m pretty sure I’m missing something, and if I think of it, I’ll be sure to add it later.
I hope these complaints don’t make me sound like a really angry person, because I’m not… most of the time.
Have something about school that really annoys you? I’d love to hear it!
