by Andrew Piskai
Dear collegiate students,
I don’t know if you’re like me, but, if you are, you often get frustrated when you have a big project due and you hit a little snag. It isn’t even a big deal that the project took longer than expected or anything like that. Rather it’s because of something much more. It means that you’re going to have to get help. While there is nothing wrong with receiving help (besides looking like a total nar-dog), the process of getting help is often riddled with frustration and confusion. The source of this frustration and confusion is 9 times out of 10 because of a faulty teaching assistant, or the layman’s term “T.A.” To illustrate my point, here is a recent email exchange I had with one of my T.A.’s.
Andrew,
The question you have raise with chapter the 2 materials. Professor Schwardzowitz covered Last Monday the with technique. A simple can does the trick… be careful the equation’s.
Rwanje
Rwanje,
Umm…I didn’t really understand your last e-mail. Do you have office hours this week?
-Andrew
Andrew,
Mon and Tues DJHE room 37.
-Rwanje
Rwanje,
First off, it’s Wednesday and the project is due Friday. Therefore Monday and Tuesday won’t work. Also I don’t think there is a building with the abbreviation DJHE? Maybe I’m just being stupid or something, but I dunno….
-Andrew
Andrew,
No! It’s ok. Hears what will do. Please schedule an appt. tomorrow for Friday so we meet in Floor 3 Van Pelt. Do you know the place?
-Rwanje
Rwanje,
I think I’m misreading your e-mail. Did you say make an appointment for Friday tomorrow? I can’t do that because the project is due that day and I need to have it done before then. Friday morning will not be able to work because I have class all morning.
-Andrew
Andrew,
OK meet me in 15 minutes. Van Pelt.
-Rwanje
Rwanje,
I went to the third floor of Van Pelt and was looking for you for about an hour and 45 minutes. I even checked some of the other floors. Did I get the place wrong?
-Andrew
Andrew,
Don’t call a liar. I was at the DJHE for a good hours. White devil.
-Rwanje
Rwanje,
What?! I had said I didn’t know what DJHE meant, and you had said 3rd floor Van Pelt in your email to me. And that other part was a little excessive, don’t you think? Also, I never called you a liar.
-Andrew
Andrew,
Have a problem? That you should talk to the TA.
-Rwanje
Rwanje,
What the hell is your deal man? YOU’RE THE TA! YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO HELP ME! WHATEVER I DON’T EVEN CARE ANYMORE.…last time I ask you for help.
-Andrew
Andrew,
Hope that helpeds.
-Rwanje
Are you fuming too? I was soooo angry when I received those responses I wrote to the dean of the school immediately. I can’t wait until he unleashes his wrath on that guy. Justice will be served SOOO hard. Say bye to your cushy job, Rwanje, your days are numbered. Ahhh, that makes me feel much better. That’s it I guess for now. Tune in next time for more real-world experiences.
Hope that helpeds,
A. T. Piskai