<p>Just got to my BFA program a couple days ago and have began to meet my classmates. I'm loving most of them, but there's this one guy I can already tell for some reason does NOT like me, and for the life of me I can't figure out why. I'm usually pretty honest with myself when it comes to how I treat others, but I can't think of anything I have said or done to tick him off. I think the thing that got to me the most was we were singing to each other today, and in the middle of when I was performing I heard him say something rude about my voice to a fellow classmate. The other thing is, I'M A GIRL. So I don't see how we would even be competitors at all. Please tell me I'm not the only one out there who has to deal with something like this. I thought I left all this drama behind in high school. Has anyone else had a similar experience and how did you deal?!? I really want to be friends with everyone, but so far I'm obviously not hitting it off with everyone.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, regardless of the school, major or program, there will always be a chance that you encounter a student with whom you just don’t get along or who behaves immaturely or like a jerk. In a small BFA program, it is just more difficult to avoid encountering such a student. The fact that you are all in a program where there is a common passion to perform and to receive professional training in MT does not insulate or inoculate you from having such experiences. You may also find that during your 4 years, your social circle may shift and reshuffle several times as your views of individual classmates change over time as you have more experience with them. In many ways, a small, intense program such as MT can be particularly susceptible to “drama” in interpersonal relationships. Transitioning from high school to college is not like throwing a switch. </p>
<p>The only thing you can do is just be as professional and mature as you can be in your demeanor and interactions with others in the program. Try not to let one jerk’s antics distract you. Be invested and focused in your own efforts and supportive of your other classmates. You may find that someone who snipes at other students quickly develops that kind of reputation. You will also find other students whose values and attitudes are more in line with yours and with whom you develop supportive relationships as colleagues and friendships.</p>
<p>MichaelNKat, as always, gives very sound advice. I would add that you might want to calmly ask the person directly - it might be a misunderstanding - it might put the person on notice - or it might confirm he does not like your voice. In any case, if this is really bothering you, you can put it behind you and concentrate on your training. There will be plenty of “drama” in life - a successful person rises above the noise.</p>
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<p>This aspect of small programs came to Ds attention during a well-respected summer pre-college program, and informed her preference for a program where a small number of MTs regularly interact with a much broader group of theatre and non-theatre students in a traditional university environment. So far she’s found that to offer a perfect balance for her between personalized training and a diverse social group.</p>
<p>As others have said, I hope you resolve this conflict quickly and amicably. It sounds like you are taking a thoughtful approach to formulating a response, so I bet you’ll both learn from this. Best of luck!!</p>