Not Impressed.

March 15, 2006 at 9:42 AM

Last week, I finally got up the nerve to call a highly recommended teacher in Anchorage to inquire about lessons. The first time I called, I nervously waited as the message machine explained which button to push to leave a message for the person I wished to contact. Clearing my throat, I began to stammer to the beep, stumbling over the explanation of my situation, my desires, my willingness to travel, only to be intercepted by a small, incoherent voice. ...Hmm, must be a very young daughter. She hung up on me.

I called again. This time, I thought perhaps I would get the teacher. Instead, I was funneled to her personal mailbox to leave yet another message. I began my explanation again, only to be disconnected by the machine before I could leave my number. My nerves were frazzled, my courage gone, but I had to give it one last try, if only to get my number on her machine. Otherwise, she would never call me back.

I mentally prepared my concise sentence that would effectively get the point across in the least amount of time: "Hello, This is Emily Grossman, my number is--" This time, the older son picked up the phone. "Can I take a message?" he asked. I gave him my name, a brief message, and phone number, making sure he spelled it all correctly, and letting him know she could call me any time. He promised to let her know.

She never even returned my call.

From Barry Berman
Posted on March 15, 2006 at 10:43 AM

I had the same experience with a teacher here. When I eventually did track down that teacher and get a response, it was that she was too busy to consider lessons. Apparently too busy to be considerate enough to respond too. I chalked it up to learning I wouldn't be compatible with a teacher like that anyway.

From Jim W. Miller
Posted on March 15, 2006 at 5:29 PM

I agree. Plus it sounds weird over there.

From Jim W. Miller
Posted on March 15, 2006 at 5:38 PM

P.S. But I'd probably follow up to make sure.

From Terez Mertes
Posted on March 15, 2006 at 5:43 PM

Oh God, how awful. Made me anxious just to read about it. But, you know what, never trust that someone will get a msg that you leave with a kid. I'd call one last time, and like you said, make it fast and concise. And hopefully none of the little rugrats will intercept it.

After THAT, well, if she doesn't call back, then you can finish saying, "screw her - I don't need this."

From Emily Grossman
Posted on March 15, 2006 at 10:22 PM

It was really a half-hearted effort on my behalf, anyway. I really don't have any time to offer her at present, but I'll call her if anything opens up. ;)

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on March 17, 2006 at 7:39 AM

I think that the most probable explanation for her lack of response is that her son didn't give her the message. It happens all the time. Do you have an email address for her?

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Not Impressed.

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