My 'Connection' experience.

To be truly honest, we connect with people all the time. We talk with them, we open doors for them... Hey! Even giving somebody a stern look qualifies as establishing some sort of connection, right?

Unfortunately, We can't have all that we want in life, any my definition of 'Connection' is one of them too. People who are very concerned with the business aspect of their lives (not to imply that there is even a single person who does not think about their business aspects in life,) have tried with disturbing enthusiasm and excitement to drill this definition inside my head. This is what I have gleaned from all that argument around me.

"A 'Connection' is a link between one and another, quite possibly multiple individuals who seek out to gain any sort of benefit by establishing and maintaining a relationship."

Well said, Mr.Engineer. Think about it, don't we all? I could befriend a guy who is very good at math not because I don't necessarily love him as a person, but as a person who can help me out of tough spots on that homework that's due some thirty minutes later. I could befriend a person on Facebook, (in lack of a better word, since 'befriending' somebody on Facebook usually means another click the 'befriendee' has to execute and no more.) just because I think I could get her to go out with me... er, someday.

In this materialistic world where the survival of the fittest still takes an important role in the survivalability of each and every individual, I think to be 'fit' means to amass the largest quantity of materials one could possibly acquire with his/her own ability. This so called material can be anything, from a coin to a word of useful advice on raiding that drug-dealer hangout. Connecting with other people is an odd but efficient method of creating resources, allowing for a win-win situation for both ends of the line. It creates a relatively great potential of earning something while losing almost nothing, and thus can be seen as a way to multiply the sources and materials one may have in his/her arsenal.

Alright, enough with the rant. Now that I have my newly defined meaning of 'Connecting', let us spare a bit of time in recalling a not-too-long-ago experience in 'Connecting' with my RA.

My RA is in his third year in UIUC,and is a MCB Major with a minor in Chemistry. As awesome as that sounds,  I could see just how much of a toll the it was taking on the friendly face when I sat facing him on the dining table at lunch.

"You look half dead, Hani, what on earth happened?" I asked, somewhat mildly stricken and amused by the ominous marks of fatigue on his visage. "Nothing much," he replied. "Just stayed up till 5, doing an assignment." I cringed as I put the glass of watery orange juice down from my lips. Not being an MCB major nor wanting to be pecky, I refrained from asking what the assignment was about. Hani's half closed eyelids drifted from one food to the next on his plate, then closed as he slumped back on his seat. I took this momentary pause to think of a topic which I might be able to connect with him. I had just the right topic. "You took MCB 150, right?" I inquired, and Hani gave an affirmative nod, wrenching his eyelids open with some effort. "I took the first exam of the year for it just yesterday, and to be frank.." I sighed, shrugging my shoulders, "I don't think I exactly rap..e.... er, did exactly too well on the exam."

Hani was looking at me. Half an eyelid open, sure, but looking nonetheless. "Yeah, the first exam is always the hardest," Hani commented, "It's because nobody knows how to properly study for them.." He leaned forward, and I pressed on. "Can you give me any advice? I'm not sure if my method's working out well or not." I asked, and for the next ten minutes, I was told secrets so deep and profound to the point where I'm reluctant to openly share the knowledge on here in fear that it will be widely adopted by students; you may call me selfish if you want, but I will be forever reluctant to reveal the secret know-hows of an MCB major. Not without his consent, at least.

It was time for both of us to leave the table, and I offered to take his plate in return for his advice. "No-- no,no,no" he protested as he pulled back the dish I was trying to pull away from him. "It's fine, I'll do it." he grinned. "Gotta suck it up, y'know." And with that, he took his leave from the dining hall.

And so ended my short meeting with my RA. It's not as if it was my first time meeting him in person, and in reality I am quite close to him before this event as you can tell by the way I went on with the conversation.

In this relationship, I have strengthened the bond which I previously had, from that of a student - RA relationship to a Freshman - Junior relationship, (or more accurately, to that of a senpai-kouhai relationship)

So in this relationship, I have gained something my retaining and managing my relationship. Furthermore, I have a deeper insight into the study methods which I may be able to employ in the near future and what's more is that I am now interested in the position of an RA myself.