Relationships and Emotions
The Project That Pulled Us Apart
Working with a friend can make a difficult assignment easier. However, what happens when the two of you cannot agree on who should do the work?
Read the dialogue between Amina and Joel. Pay attention to what they say, how they say it and how their emotions change.
Senior 3 · Term 2 · Relationships and Emotions
The Project That Pulled Us Apart
Two friends have a project to complete. Their disagreement begins with the work—but soon becomes about trust, fairness and something that happened in the past.
The History Project
It was Tuesday afternoon. Amina and Joel were sitting under a tree near the school library. Their history project was due on Friday.
Amina: “We need to decide who is doing each part. We are running out of time.”
Joel: “I thought you could write the introduction and conclusion. I will collect the information.”
Amina: “All the information? That is the largest part of the project.”
Joel: “It is not. Writing the introduction and conclusion is also important.”
Amina: “Important does not mean difficult. You are giving me the easy work because you do not trust me.”
Joel: “That is not true. You always complain when I suggest something.”
Amina: “And you always make decisions without asking me!”
Joel: “Fine. You can organise the whole project yourself.”
Amina: “That is exactly what you want. You want me to do everything while you take the credit.”
Joel: “That is unfair, Amina.”
Amina: “Is it? Last term, I completed most of our science report.”
Joel: “I was absent because my younger brother was sick. You know that.”
Amina: “You could still have explained what was happening.”
Joel: “I tried, but you did not listen.”
Amina: “Perhaps I did not listen because I was tired of making excuses for you.”
Joel stared at her. The anger disappeared from his face.
Joel: “I did not know that was how you saw me.”
He picked up his books.
Amina: “Joel, wait. I did not mean—”
Joel: “You said it clearly enough.”
He walked away.
Think it through
What do you think caused Amina and Joel’s disagreement to become so personal, what could happen to their friendship and project if they do not resolve it, and what would be the fairest way for them to move forward?
Use details from the conversation and, where helpful, your own experience or observation to explain your reasoning.
Your response
Explain what you think and why.
Feedback on your response
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