Home
Righto, apologies for the delay @Snatchpato and @Krump - have bags now and am in a taxi so should have enough time to draft.
Humiliation story to make Roosters fans feel better in comparison
A little while ago, and not so far away, I was hired to tutor a Masters-level class in the Japanese Economy at ANU.
This was a good gig - great money, good prof, easy work - and I was pretty pumped. But I was also trying to do phd research at the time. This meant I was constantly distracted, dopey, cross, and disorganised.
First class I taught fine. Had notes, had attentive students who asked tough-but-not-too-tough question...lovely.
Second class I was in the midst of something and got a bit of a shock when I saw the time. Dashed out of the office, fucking jogged across campus (I'm more of a leaner than a runner), and made it only a few minutes late.
Barged in the room and all the students were attentively sitting down. I didn't recognise any faces, but as I seldom do this wasn't a concern.
I dropped my notes and thought distraction was a good plan - and went on the offensive. "Who here can tell me about [x] from the papers you were assigned to read last week?"
Silence.
"Cmon, don't be shy - anyone can speak up!"
Silence.
"Don't make me choose someone. Look - this was the first bit of the reading. It's in the abstract. I'm sure you know this."
Silence
"Wait, did anyone here read [waves four thick printed papers] any of this?
No? Seriously?! [starting to get properly cross]
Ah look, this isn't good enough. I know it's early in the year, but you are adults in a tough class and if you fall behind now you'll stay there. [large red-faced, red-haired man is beginning to shout at a class of slightly-built students]
It just isn't good enough! These are accessible and frankly fun bits of research that you'll need to be across. You have to make an effort!"
Silence. 20-odd people staring at their desks, or behind me.
"Right, let's start at the start then. So..."
I'm interrupted be the sound of the door opening behind me, and a senior Finance prof walks in.
Her: Can I help you?
Me: No, I'm fine. Thanks?
Her: You're in my class
Me: No, I'm sorry, but this is MACRO6012 - Japanese economy. I'm tutor and guest lecturer. Would you mind?
Her: No, this is third year undergraduate finance. It's my class.
...
I look at the students. They nod. Some smile, a little.
...
"Right well, thanks everyone for your attention and do try and keep up with the readings".
Leave, walk next door. Recognise a few faces.
"Morning all! Sorry I'm late. Now, how did you find Corbett's article?"
Hands rise.
And for all the semester I'd get knowing smiles from complete strangers across the ANU.
Humiliation story to make Roosters fans feel better in comparison
A little while ago, and not so far away, I was hired to tutor a Masters-level class in the Japanese Economy at ANU.
This was a good gig - great money, good prof, easy work - and I was pretty pumped. But I was also trying to do phd research at the time. This meant I was constantly distracted, dopey, cross, and disorganised.
First class I taught fine. Had notes, had attentive students who asked tough-but-not-too-tough question...lovely.
Second class I was in the midst of something and got a bit of a shock when I saw the time. Dashed out of the office, fucking jogged across campus (I'm more of a leaner than a runner), and made it only a few minutes late.
Barged in the room and all the students were attentively sitting down. I didn't recognise any faces, but as I seldom do this wasn't a concern.
I dropped my notes and thought distraction was a good plan - and went on the offensive. "Who here can tell me about [x] from the papers you were assigned to read last week?"
Silence.
"Cmon, don't be shy - anyone can speak up!"
Silence.
"Don't make me choose someone. Look - this was the first bit of the reading. It's in the abstract. I'm sure you know this."
Silence
"Wait, did anyone here read [waves four thick printed papers] any of this?
No? Seriously?! [starting to get properly cross]
Ah look, this isn't good enough. I know it's early in the year, but you are adults in a tough class and if you fall behind now you'll stay there. [large red-faced, red-haired man is beginning to shout at a class of slightly-built students]
It just isn't good enough! These are accessible and frankly fun bits of research that you'll need to be across. You have to make an effort!"
Silence. 20-odd people staring at their desks, or behind me.
"Right, let's start at the start then. So..."
I'm interrupted be the sound of the door opening behind me, and a senior Finance prof walks in.
Her: Can I help you?
Me: No, I'm fine. Thanks?
Her: You're in my class
Me: No, I'm sorry, but this is MACRO6012 - Japanese economy. I'm tutor and guest lecturer. Would you mind?
Her: No, this is third year undergraduate finance. It's my class.
...
I look at the students. They nod. Some smile, a little.
...
"Right well, thanks everyone for your attention and do try and keep up with the readings".
Leave, walk next door. Recognise a few faces.
"Morning all! Sorry I'm late. Now, how did you find Corbett's article?"
Hands rise.
And for all the semester I'd get knowing smiles from complete strangers across the ANU.
