And so this morning marked the first tuition lesson with my new student;
lobang introduced by lishan. Let's just say it was like
nothing I expected.
Arranged to meet at tpy cos' it was convenient for both of us, i.e. it was with
his approval and consent that we chose to have lesson outside. And I distinctly spelt it out very clearly to the dear boy that I tutor my other kids at places like macs, mos, subway etc, by their choice. His reply was that he preferred to be tutored outside and not at home.
Sounds okay right? Yeah, I thought so too. Seeing as how my other 2 kids are angels and don't give me any problems.
But this one totally
off the mark! Appeared with his
father, of all people, who appeared rather enthusiastic at first about meeting his son's new tutor, but underlying that was actually a chance to reprimand. Omgoshh.
Like,
hello? Is it my fault that your son
chose to be tutored outside? It's not as though I didn't tell him where I usually hold my lessons. He was freaking agreeable can! And the dear boy just stood silently at one side while his father
rebuked nicely scolded talked to the bemused yet irate tutor (a.k.a
me).
Then the next best part was, he asked me how much was the tuition fee and proceeded to take the cash out in full view of everyone else. Mind you, there was this huge crowd of people around us cos' of some ongoing exhibition. This has to be the first time I'm paid on the first lesson. Usually, it's either end of month or late payment.
I was, like, "You should pay me at the end of 4 lessons you know. We haven't even started the first." And he proceeded to tell me about trust in the tutor all that crap, and there I was thinking, wow, does he really go around trusting a few hundred bucks with people he meet for the first time? For all you know, I could just run away after the first lesson (not that I would la).
And guess what?
Nooo...of course not, how can I fully trust you although I say so? I was damn amused when he pulled out this piece of folded paper, began to unfold it and took out a nice silver pen.
"Then you can sign here."
Huh?Ahh..it's an acknowledgement of the tuition fee received. Complete with requirements of my name, IC number and signature. Totally
pull stunt can! And I forgot to add, printed in full
colour too. He should donate his printer ink to me, seriously. I can think of better ways to use it.
In total, we spent
20 minutes of precious tuition time discussing about why I picked such a lousy venue for lesson, how he trusts me enough to pay me on the 1st lesson, followed by signing of the acknowledgement, yet more ramblings about his son's english and whatnot. The boy looked decidedly uninterested. I wonder if it's because he's been through it too many times.
And to top it all off, he didn't bring any materials for tuition. Okay that was probably my fault, I concede. I should have texted him last night instead of this morning. And I should stop assuming that every student is as eager and takes initiative the way HP and YW do.
And so, off we went to buy him an assessment book. First and last time, really. In the past, any additional books my teacher bought were paid by my parents.
Ohmygoodnessgracious. I actually typed
soooo much about one encounter today. But it has me all warmed up and ready to type more. Hahaha. Not that I have much else to grouse about. The boy's fine la, albeit a little
buay zi dong. And signing the acknowledgement is pretty fair too. I mean, they're nice enough to pay me on the first lesson. It's just the way the father launched onto me like a rapid missile, totally blaming me for not picking a conducive environment for lesson, which has me ultra
irked. Please lor, I offered to go to your house! Get your facts right before not letting me get a word in edge-wise.
Irritating to the
max!
I sincerely hope that I will never see the father appearing at tuition again. Waste my time only! I ended up finishing half an hour later than was agreed. >_<
Ohh anyways! Finally done with my application! I completely forgot about it, what with starting work and all. Deadline's tomorrow and my dear mummy has very kindly offered to send it down for me personally, so that I can submit it on time. Thanks mummy! So sweet of her. I was thinking if I should have it couriered.
Pretty much wrote rubbish in the essay, but heck la. Last minute work can't produce very much la huh. Let's just hope it's enough for me to clear the first round! *crosses fingers*
Okays it's time for dinner! And I thought I would be out now mugging my jap. No idea what happened haha!
