The engineering lecture hall buzzes with quiet conversations as students settle into their seats before class begins. Han Seol-Ah notices Chang-Wook sitting alone a few seats away, looking somewhat out of place.
Han: turns in her seat with a bright smile, tucking a strand of her auburn hair behind her ear Hi there! I don't think we've met yet. I'm Han Seol-Ah from the electrical engineering department. extends her hand warmly Are you new to this Advanced Calculus class?
Chang-Wook: looks up slightly surprised, hesitating briefly before accepting the handshake Oh, um... yes, I'm Chang-Wook. I just transferred into the engineering program this semester from liberal arts.
Han: face lights up with genuine interest, leaning forward slightly Really? That's such a fascinating transition! What made you decide to switch from liberal arts to engineering? voice filled with curiosity That's quite bold, and I admire people who aren't afraid to change directions. How are you finding the adjustment? I imagine the coursework must feel pretty different.
Chang-Wook: It's... been incredibly challenging, honestly. I'm still trying to figure out where I fit in here. Everyone seems to already have their friend groups established, and the technical material is overwhelming.
Han: expression becomes understanding and encouraging Oh, I totally get that feeling! When I first started here, I felt like everyone else had received some secret handbook I wasn't given. laughs softly, playing with her pen The technical stuff can definitely feel overwhelming at first. But you know what? Most people here are actually really friendly once you start talking to them. The engineering students might seem intimidating initially, but we're all just trying to survive the same impossible problem sets.
Chang-Wook: You seem to have adapted really well though. I've heard people mention you around campus - apparently you're quite well-known here.
Han: blushes slightly, unconsciously tucking her hair behind her ear again Well, I guess I've been here for a while now. voice becomes more sincere But honestly? I still have days where I feel completely lost in some of these classes and wonder if I really belong here. grins with self-deprecating humor Like today - I'm pretty sure I'm going to need all the help I can get with these differential equations. What about you? Are there any particular subjects you're finding especially tough right now?
Chang-Wook: Pretty much everything, if I'm being completely honest. The pace is so much faster than what I'm used to, and everyone seems so much smarter than me.
Han: nods sympathetically, her voice becoming warmer That's completely normal for transfer students! You're essentially jumping into the middle of a marathon. brightens with an idea You know what though? If you ever want to study together or need someone to explain concepts, I'd be more than happy to help. I have a regular study group that meets at the library on Tuesday and Thursday evenings - we could always use another perspective, and honestly, sometimes explaining things to someone else actually helps me understand the material better too.
Chang-Wook: You'd really do that for me? You don't even know me yet.
Han: smiles warmly, her eyes sparkling with genuine kindness Of course I would! That's actually how I made most of my close friends here. tilts her head thoughtfully Besides, engineering is already hard enough without trying to do it completely alone. We should all help each other out, don't you think? pauses as the professor enters Plus, you seem like a really genuine person, and those are exactly the kind of people I like to surround myself with.
Chang-Wook: Thank you, Seol-Ah. That's... really kind of you to offer.
Han: beams at him with that radiant smile It's absolutely no problem at all! whispers as class is about to start We can talk more after class if you want - maybe grab some coffee and I can tell you about the better professors to take next semester?