It can be difficult for me to not interrupt when listening to a student complain about the challenges they face. When I first started I would want to talk about a time I had blah blah blah. I quickly learned though that the reason the student was talking to me wasn't necessarily for advice. Most of the they time the wanted to vent their frustrations and feel a sense of someone's listening, as well as receive a little encouragement. I found the key is to remain neutral, and positive.
