My Chinese Seatmate

Do you have a favorite seat mate in class? In my case I don't think I have one in particular but my Chinese seat mate is really interesting. But she isn't necessarily a favorite.

In my Cultures class, that one time when I announced to everyone I am Filipino changed the whole entire thing. Before, she was seated a few chairs away from me but since that announcement, she often tried sitting as close to me as possible, like we know each other. You could say I am mean for not trying to be nice to her but she started to annoy me when she began acting too clingy. She would ALWAYS make sure that we are in the same group in every class activity worse, partners in every "Pair Share". I tried to avoid her but whenever our professor signals a hint of a group activity, even before Prof. Chiarelli officially announce it, she'd look me in the eye as if it is already understood that we SHOULD be paired together. What I would do is just smile and nod like I have no choice but to, as if I am trapped in this whatever you may call it thing.

As my friend and I would have it, she might be too awed that I am, too, an Asian. But what the heck, it shouldn't mean exclusivity. My doors are open to everyone regardless of race or gender and I hate that she thinks we are the only ones that should be close, should be tight and should be friends. It's just too much too handle. At times I'd be guilty whenever I talk behind her back but it is just impossible to not talk about it because even other people notice it. I'm sure she panicked on the occasions that I acted faster than her and picked another seat mate instead. But I think I am also helping her to just be more open-minded, relax and not to be afraid of other people-- I guess.

It's weird that it has been ten years since she moved into the States and yet, she still has a strong Chinese accent and a hard time understanding English (it's easier for her when words are written, not spoken). But then, I don't know. I want to help her but if you know me well, you know that clingy people scare me the most. They are like a leech you can't get rid of. Good thing the term's nearing its end, I am just wishing her luck in her future classes and that she find another victim to chase, no, I mean to befriend. ;p

This is such a mean entry.