Case Study: Chapter 3. Roommate Relations

I. Statement of the Problem

Definition:

Maria Franchino is excited about her college life in USA. Her roommate, Jennifer Robertson, is an American girl who doesn’t pay attention about other people’s feelings and room’s cleanness. Maria was really wanted be a friend with Jennifer. Somehow, Jennifer hurt Maria’s feelings in some sides. Finally Maria moved out from that room.

Analysis:

In my opinion, living with somebody else should have some basic respect and politeness. Jennifer is not a bad girl, she just ignore Maria’s feelings and not a well-organized person. However, Maria is a very conservative girl who never experience American college life before. In this case, I think Jennifer’s rambling lifestyle and Maria’s cautious personality are the main problem.

II. Suggestion of Possible Solutions

1). Maria should change a dorm.

2). Maria should talk to Jennifer.

3). Maria should keep living with Jennifer.

III. Evaluation of Possible Solutions

1). Maria should change a dorm.

Advantages: I don’t suggest that Maria move into her friend’s house, because she needs to live with Americans to experience college life. Even her friends can take care of her, but same time she lost a very good chance to learn grows up. The right way to solve problem is face it but not avoid it.

Disadvantage: She may have another horrible roommate even worse than Jennifer. That’s the truth happened in college every beginning of semester. When people want to change the room, this is an inevitable thing related to dorm changing.

2). Maria should talk to Jennifer.

Advantage: I gave this suggestion to Maria because I think Jennifer’s personality is easy-going. For instance, she let Maria joined the dinner means she treats Maria as a friend. So I think Maria should try to talk with Jennifer about those things bothered her otherwise she may lose a good friend.

Disadvantage: There are still have some chances that Jennifer don’t listen to Maria, then this friendship is going to end. Jennifer might say some thing to lower her reputation, because according to Maria’s friends said she won’t fell guilty when she did something bother other people.

3). Maria should keep living with Jennifer.

Advantage: in this case, I suggest Maria continually living with Jennifer. Maria should start to clean the room to hint Jennifer that the dorm should be clean. For Jennifer boyfriend, I think Maria should get used to it. It will frequently happen in the future. If she can go over Jennifer’s issues, I think that’s mean she really grows up to a mature college student.

Disadvantage: If things are not going to change, then Maria will still suffer from the pain. Eventually, everything will get worse because Maria already has some prejudice with Jennifer.

IV. Selection of a Solution

I think No.2 is the best solution. As I mentioned above, Jennifer is not a bad person, Maria cannot judge any person before she talked to them. The main problem actually is they have two different or even opposite attitude for life. They should compromise to each other. Talking is the best way to solve this problem.