Doing 90% of the work in a “collaborative” setting.
DOING 90% OF THE WORK IN A “COLLABORATIVE” SETTING.
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We all remember those late nights. The meticulously color-coded notes that looked like works of art, the bottomless coffee, and the occasional, silent breakdown in the library stacks. That unique blend of intense intellectual pursuit and sheer emotional exhaustion defined our years, a shared crucible forging our academic mettle.
Among those vivid memories, one particular scenario stands out: the "collaborative" group project. Remember the initial optimism? The shared Google Doc, the brainstorming sessions filled with good intentions. Then, slowly, almost imperceptibly, the burden shifted. You’d find yourself pouring over readings, structuring the entire argument, crafting elegant prose, and chasing down sources, while others offered sporadic contributions or, even more frustratingly, just a cursory "looks good!" on your near-final draft.
It wasn't collaboration; it was often a masterclass in independent project management, with you as the uncredited lead and primary workforce. The silent resentment, the internal debate – do I call them out? Do I just finish it myself to maintain the grade? Usually, the latter won, driven by our inherent perfectionism and an unwillingness to compromise academic excellence.
Those experiences, while infuriating at the time, ironically sharpened our skills. We learned to anticipate, to delegate (even if only to ourselves), and to deliver under pressure, regardless of the team's actual input. It taught us resilience, a deep, sometimes cynical, understanding of human nature, and an even deeper appreciation for true partnership when we found it. We survived. We thrived. And we certainly have some stories to tell.