school and social anxiety

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This semester, I have to do several projects that involve working with a complete stranger. One is a series of assignments that will comprise about 80% of my grade in the class. I have to find a host librarian and work with her for the whole semester. I have to take up about 4 hours of this person's time, and I have to show all of my papers to her. Today, I have to meet with her in person for the first time. I'm extremely nervous about it.

In another class, I have to interview someone in a managerial position. I haven't even contacted anyone yet. Just thinking about it gives me extreme anxiety. I don't know how I can get over this, do the assignment, and hand in the paper on time. I hate asking strangers for favors and I don't know how to express my appreciation to them. I get so nervous in social situations that I come across as immature and unprofessional.

I don't even have a formal diagnosis yet so I can't talk to the teachers about what's going on. Has anyone else dealt with similar problems? Any suggestions?

Been there!
I drink lots of milk or a cup of green tea before going to any interview.
it can help you stay calm. Don't drink any cofee or take any sugar.
Also, if you wanna express your apreciation to strangers just say thank you, or "I really appreciate this"
I went trough my first BA without an AS diagnosis, so yes It was very hard not knowing.
I don't regret having finished a BA, so if it's important to you, go get some help at your school's health center.
they might be able to help you with note taking or with a mentor.


Using your aspie intelligence for creative ways of dealing with this issue can also help you, but if anxiety is also an issue then do seek help.

Thanks for the advice! I think that coffee and sugar could be part of the problem because I consume those in large quanities. Things are getting slightly better now. I wrote that during one of those moments when I was kind of freaking out, but nowhere near having a full panic attack (fortunately).

I also got my BA without knowing about AS. The depression and anxiety probably prevented me from reaching my full potential, but I did all right, all things considered. I can't use my school's health services because I'm a distance student, but I'm going for a formal diagnosis in a few weeks. Once I have that, I'll talk to the school's disability services to see what they offer. It's a big enough school that I suspect they have experience with students who have AS.

Perhaps you could explain the situation to your instructor and ask if you can do an alternative assignment.

Do you have to interview the manager in person? I can't think of a way around the librarian issue, but maybe you could interview a manager over the internet - through email.

Perhaps you could contact very "impressive" people from very "impressive" companies via email in lieu of interviewing people in person. I would ask for permission first if you're unsure. I would explain to the professor that people have more time to answer thoroughly in an email than they do in an interview. I have used this in the past. It's a legitimate request, especially if you come armed with questions you want to ask and knowledge about the company you've already researched. (hint, hint).

This suggestion may be irrelevant.... but I feel your pain. At the very least, if the professor says no, you will get more experience doing face-to-face interviews. Ho-hum. I hate that.

At least you will get to know the librarian fairly well over the course of the semester. That always makes me more comfortable. You have more than ONE opportunity to make an impression.

Good luck.