There are 6 Oddly Specific Types of Groupmates — Are You One of Them?

School’s back, and you know what that means: group projects are making a comeback. Everyone hates it but what can you do? No matter how much you try to avoid it, teachers like to shove them in your face as “practice for the real world”.

Unfortunately, finding the right mix of groupmates is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get!

There are just so many oddly specific types of groupmates that they make us want to volunteer to do a project by ourselves! Here are six of the people in school we have come across so often but never really had a name for… until now.

---

1. The Type A Leader

They love organization, power & being the star of the show. If there’s one thing the Type A Leader loves most in the world, it’s planning everything from start to finish. Because of their superb work ethic, they have built quite the reputation for being the best group leader in class. They might as well have a blinking sign that says “pick me if you want an A”.

Everyone else wants to be partnered up with them… until they actually experience being their groupmate.

If your mediocre-loving ass is paired with the Type A Leader, then get ready to be pushed beyond your limits against your will! Aside from the micromanagement, they get easily angry if you’re a second late with the impossible deadline that they set.

The worst part is that you can’t get mad at them because in the end, they know what’s best for the group!

2. The Ghost

Rumor has it that this person disappears when you need them most. They are one of the most frustrating types of groupmates; it’s the night before a huge deadline and everyone, and I mean everyone, is on their third cup of coffee working together at 3 AM.

But there’s always someone who’s nowhere to be seen. One who’s never been there from the start and whose presence is only felt because their name is written on the cover page.

“Where is that #@&$!%,” the Ghost’s groupmates all shout in unison.

Were they asleep? Or perhaps they were just getting drunk at the bar? No one knows. That’s why they’re called the Ghost.

3. The Savior

If there’s a group project that needs completing, who you gonna call? The Savior!

Nobody actually expects them to contribute because this person doesn’t reply much and is probably super busy with life. In fact, they’re pretty much the Ghost until the very last minute!

This person, who has not even touched the .doc file before, suddenly saves everyone’s collective asses by making major contributions right before the deadline. Over the course of a night, they become the most valuable player of a group project.

And just like that, all their past sins are forgiven. Maybe they were too busy before, or maybe they just enjoy the thrill of passing a project last-minute. But whatever their reason was for being MIA, we are thankful for the Savior’s presence.

4. The Spy

Need some tea about how the other group is doing? Or maybe you need some details about what the teacher wants to see on your project? Good thing you have the Spy as your teammate. Their extensive network means that they know how to get the best score for your project.

The Spy is one of the most underrated types of groupmates you’ll have. They are the favorite sidekick of the Type A Leader, who always wants to get the latest scoop about the competition. Because of their natural ability to be shameless and sociable, the Spy always has useful insider info that they’re willing to share the group.

The sweetest words that escape their lips: “the other group hasn’t started yet”.

For whatever information needs you may have, make sure you call on the services of the Spy.

5. The Designer

Look, some people just weren’t born to do long research papers; some were born to be artists! When all the boring paperwork is done, it’s time to hand it over to the Designer.

They will make sure to create a beautiful, kick-ass presentation out of a 50-page, Times New Roman 12, double-spaced paper. Powerpoint, Photoshop and Canva are their Holy Trinity. Leave all the aesthetics work to them because no one knows better.

For some, they are a useless groupmate who should’ve just used their energy to do something more “useful”. But for the intellectuals who know how much great visuals can put a presentation over the top, the Designer deserves as much praise as the researchers.

6. The Assistant

Some people are better off doing the bare minimum than being given huge responsibilities. They are the people who have gotten the reputation of not being good groupmates, or are just too busy with other things.

That’s why the Assistant is delegated the easiest tasks in a group — tasks that are almost impossible to screw up. These include doing the report during class, bringing materials, and printing the paper.

Easy, right? But imagine how pissed you and your groupmates would be if the Assistant managed to screw up the simple task that had been assigned to them. It’s a lot of pressure!

---

What oddly specific types of groupmates entered your mind while reading this list? Let us know in the comments below!

We’re still trying to accept that we’ll be “back in school” in a few weeks, but the worst part is classes will all be done online! Read about how the school year will feel a lot different with Miss Rona around.

Never miss out on anything by following us @ZoomersCornerPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.