Sitting on the fence....again

Categories: swansea

Date: 19 May 2006 17:40:08

I can fully understand what Karine Polwart means when she sings "when your arse is sore from sitting on the fence..." in 'Only One Way'. I always seem to be doing it. And it seems here is no exception.

There are three third year students who joined us on placement here, earlier this week. And one of them, is um... (for want of a beter word) strange. She's very abrupt, loud and fairly egocentric. It is hard work trying to have a conversation with her. But, I believe its important to make the effort. The other two third years though, often complain about her. I haven't seen them all together yet, and I don't think they are rude to her face, but when she's not around they are always saying how annoying she can be. I feel a bit stuck in the middle really. I can completely understand what the other third years mean - she is not the easiest person to talk to. But, having been on the other side of things, I can empathise with her.

I would imagine that she is isolated, to an extent, from the rest of the third years. From what I can gather, they are polite to her, but don't make a special effort to include her. Make her feel welcome. I spent about 3 years at secondary school, with friends, but never feeling included or welcomed. They'd be polite to me within school, but would rarely invite me to join them with anything (and they had a busy social life). I spent 3 years, desperately trying to fit in, before I gave up and found some new friends. So I can understand how she must feel. Which is why I try to make an effort to include her and everybody else who doesn't quite 'fit' in society these days. But, I also get on well with the other third years. And its difficult being stuck on the fence between them. Do you know what I mean? I'm trying to keep everyone happy (as usual). As Karine Polwart nicely puts it - my arse is getting sore! But what else can I do?