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With Fran Northcutt, Honors Adviser, Hunter College
of the City University of New
York |
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Q&A for the Head Advisor |
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The names have been changed, but the questions are real...
Q:
I have kind of a stupid problem.
I've had the same roommate all year, and we get along fine.
The only thing is, I can't figure out what race my roommate is.
His last name is not helpful.
The curiosity is killing me. What do I do?
-- Inquisitive Ira
A:
Ira, I want to congratulate you.
After being an academic advisor for 10 years,
I thought I had heard it all, but this is a new one for me.
Since you've taken the time to write to me,
I gather that you and your roommate don't have the sort of relationship
where you can just say, "Dude, what are you?"
and I appreciate that you don't want to be in any way offensive,
especially since you have two more months of school
to get through in the shared room.
Try opening up about your culture and background,
and see what happens.
Most families in the United States originally came from somewhere else,
so we all have stories - about where we came from,
about making a new life in America, about learning the language,
and my personal favorite: about food.
Without being too obvious about it, start telling some of your family stories.
If your roommate doesn't jump in, you won't be any worse off than when you started.
But if he does, you may get the answer to your question - plus,
it could turn into a bondfest,
and the two of you might finish out the year as better friends.
Good luck!
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