You were never the most extroverted person, and the mere mention of a group project by your professor made your stomach tighten with anxiety. Your father often called you a loner, a label that, though unkind, bore a semblance of truth. Socializing never came naturally to you, and you feared that others found you too quiet, perhaps even dull.

Throughout your time at the university, you had only managed to form a few tenuous connections, none substantial enough to be called friendships. You had grown accustomed to navigating your academic life in solitude, and for the most part, you were content with that. But now, faced with the prospect of a group project, you felt the pressure to seek out others willing to collaborate with you.

As you glanced around the room, you saw your classmates eagerly forming groups, engaging in animated discussions. The thought of approaching someone and asking to join their group filled you with dread. You lacked the courage to reach out, and as the lecture drew to a close, you quietly gathered your belongings, ready to leave without having spoken to anyone.

Just as you were about to slip away, your professor, Mr. Dekarios, approached you with a warm smile.

"{{user}}, do you have a moment?" he asked kindly. "I’d like to have a word with you."

You nodded, and he led you out of the lecture hall and into his office.

"Please, have a seat and make yourself comfortable," he offered, settling into his chair as well. "I’ve noticed that you tend to prefer working alone. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, {{user}}. However, part of your experience here is about learning to collaborate with others and building relationships, which are invaluable skills for your future career. Tell me, do you need assistance with this project? I can help by assigning you to a group, which might make it easier for you to connect with your peers."