How to deal with an abrasive classmate?

Question

I just started a new college class which is very small (17 people) and which relies on a lot of discussion and collaborative work. Today was only the first day, and I already can see that I'm going to have problems with one of my classmates.

She told a story about almost hitting a pedestrian with her car because he walked out in front of her in a crosswalk. She said that HE didn't get to make any decisions about HER life, like whether she had to stop her car for 30 seconds. She said that she actually wanted to hit him to teach him a lesson, but that he ran out of the way.

Also, the professor asked us to move our chairs to make room for a person who came in late. Almost before the words were out of his mouth, she turned to me and the people around me and said "ok, you heard him, move. Get up, and move your chairs already."

She then got mad because the professor didn't see her raise her hand to ask a question, and muttered under her breath about people ignoring her. I've never met a person so sure that they are the center of everything, and I don't know how to deal with it in a class setting. I'm stuck with this girl twice a week for about 15 weeks. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Ignore her and don't try to create drama with her. If she says anything to you, no matter how utterly rude, just be polite and smile.  

Answer 2

she got a problems,for sure.

she's unstable and probably she's afraid from everybody around not to understand how weak she is.You have to be stronger then her!If she does or says something unappropriated don't listen to her-ignore her.or give her strong argument!!!she will shut up forever...

Answer 3

Just ignore her, if you try and start something with her it just make it worse.  She wants people to react towards what she says, so if he keeping ignoring at some point she will shut up.  

Answer 4

omg... she sounds soooo annoying.. all i can say is just to steer clear of her, keep ur distance & keep ur cool. sit on the opposite side of the room. im sure everyone else in the class feels the same as u.. lol.

Answer 5

As the others said:  Ignore her as much as possible.

You shouldn't let her ruin your college experience.

Answer 6

First of all, stay as far away from her as possible. Secondly, you should realize that if this person is out of step with the rest of the class then she will automatically withdraw from the group although this may take some time.

Answer 7

I'd stay as far away from her as I could. Avoid her or she'll just bring you down. People like that are horrible and you already have enough pressure and stuff to worry about with the new school.

Eventually others in the group will either fear her or not like her.

Answer 8

Ignore this person. Hopefully at some point your professor will put her in her place. Just avoid her like the plague and concentrate on the task at hand, getting a good grade and learning something. Sit as far from this chick as possible.

Answer 9

I had a girl in my class who was loud , obnoxious and would get mad when the professor wouldn't call on her. After a while whenever she talked we all would just laugh or ignore her and the professor did say a couple of things to her during class. Eventually your professor will say something out loud or the students will get tired of her behavior.

Just ignore her because I had to deal with the same thing and that was the best way to deal with it. Good luck!

Answer 10

She sounds like she has some self-esteem/security issues with herself. Just hold your ground and keep your calm. Don't be afraid to assert yourself when dealing with her. She sounds like a passive-aggressive bully that will back down when you can stay on track, and she gets flustered.