To the Chair of the Math Department,
On Wednesday September 6, at approximately 8pm, I went to the Math lab to acquire practice sheets for my course. I was helped by XXXX who showed me the appropriate column where I would find said paperwork; however, I was a bit confused due to the fact that the column adjacent to the one pointed out by Miss XXXX was also labeled with my course code. When I attempted to get some clarification, Miss XXXX, became visibly annoyed and responded to my question by saying in a sarcastic and demeaning manner, “columns, vertical / rows, horizontal.” She did all this while simultaneously moving her hands in both an up-and-down and side-to-side fashion and speaking in the slow exaggerated manner that one would perhaps provide an imbecile. I was somewhat taken back given that after thirty-one years of age I feel it is implicate that I would be able to differentiate such matters without her rude and curt guidance. I am aware of the fact that I walked in minutes prior to the closing of the lab and that my presence there was perhaps not very welcomed after what might have been a very long day for XXXX; however, there is no real justification for such antics given the fact that I was there during regular business hours, no matter how near the end of day.
All I required was one kind minute of her time which she initially proved hesitant and later incapable of providing. It is difficult to explain how disheartening and belittling the experience was. I feel that I am well within my right to a respectful, courteous and professional experience, while seeking help in a space that has been specifically designated for service provision. None of these demeanors were reflective of Miss XXXX’s tone and body language towards me. I politely explained to Miss XXXX that there was no need for condescension or sarcasm and that I was in fact very aware of the differences between rows/ columns and vertical/ horizontal. At this point she gave me her back and ignored me. Embarrassed and in part defeated I left without having my questions answered to my liking, unsure if I had the appropriate material and uncertain if I would ever return.
Ten minutes, while I was on the escalator I noticed that Miss XXXX in front of me. She was clearly unaware of my proximity to her and was reveling with a friend while discussing the situation which had just transpired between her and me. She apparently found the situation as some sort humorous victory at my expense. I brought it to her attention that I was behind her and shocked at her continual lack of professionalism. Quite startled at my unexpected presence she rudely told me to “mind my own business because she was not talking to me.” I find it difficult to understand how she identified the situation as none of my business. She later refused to provide me with her name when I demanded to know it.
I later went to the chair of the Math department and explained the situation and promised that after obtaining her name, I would provide a written record of my grievances.
On September the 7th, I went to the lab and requested her name. I ask the girls at the desk who Miss XXXX’s supervisor was. Miss XXXX was standing next to me, clearly recognized me and made no attempt to answer my question. I learned much to my surprise that she was the supervisor. After requesting her name about five times she finally reluctantly came over and without addressing me wrote her name on a piece of paper and abruptly walked away.
I am pretty resilient to such matters; however I can not imagine how others feel or react towards her behavior. Her antics are not conducive of a welcoming and professional environment established for individuals seeking guidance. I do not think that someone of her nature should hold such a position and act as such, nor set such an ill level of exemplary work ethic. I feel that a reprimand should take place and that Miss XXXX should be reminded of the professional expectations and responsibilities of her title to the student body and that such behavior is unacceptable and deplorable.
-Yusef
What I really wanted to do was tell her what a cunt she was and maybe kick her in the back of the neck from atop the stairs when I caught her talking crap about me.
Hopefully, this letter will be just the kick that puts her in her place…..Bitch
kudos on the piercing text.
good luck with this.
ps- don't know whether she's white, but i've had hilarious experiences like this with individuals of the caucasian persuasion (e.g., while walking down the stairs of my dept. building on break during my first doctoral seminar, a clearly brilliant, blond-headed administrative assitant emerged from her office to ask if a mexican friend and i were "I.T.," as she was looking to have her computer fixed. we took it as a compliment; at least she didn't think we were burglars. lol.).
pps- did you get the right practice sheets?
We all have our bad days....but yeah, she could have been a little nicer the following day and maybe helped you out then.
As for Jonathan's comment; what does it matter what skin color she is? Don't make this out to be a racial issue. Regardless if she's black, white or from the planet Uranus...c'mon now...
There was no excuse for her behavior bad day or not; this behavior is obviously a proclivity of hers and something she has become very comfortable with doing, that is proven by her lack of shame while carrying on the conversation later. Its so unfortunate that she was the supervisior, but trust me...take your grievance to the right people she will be delt with no matter how high her position is. This is a time where tenacity,and resilience will certainly pay off. She begrudgingly gave you her name,and Im sure with the same snoty attitude that she has become accustomed, but let her know, you're not the person that will accept this from her,and will follow through, I bet next time she will have a different approach. Now to you im glad you kept your cool, because im sure that B word was wanting to roll of your tongue. I look forward to hearing the outcome of your grievance.
I came back and edited the letter. Getting that bitch real good required some editing but I am now satisfied the letter has the umph needed to make that bitch gag on her forked tongue.
I always wondered about people who speak of writing letters of complaint. I always figured them to be people with a great amount of nothing to do. Yet here I find myself taking time out of my crazy schedule to give the entire situation thought and energy. I never thought I would become one of them, a letter-writer-person, but lo and behold the letter was drafted, edited, fine tuned and at last, ready for combat. I would have preferred kicking her on the back of the neck while on the escalator but I took the easy, no jail time, route. lol
All I have to say is Cabrona!!!!! People like this are the ones that make me want to work harder. There’s a day when she's going to need that guidance. GOD forbids is in a foreign country. hehehe
excellent choice of words! that behavior is definitely not accepted, and shouldn't be tolerated.