The other day was my second day of college. There was a big mess up in classrooms and therefore a group of students including me missed a class and sat in on another math class. Eventually later in the day we found our prof. and got our sylibus. I must have accidently picked up the professor's book while I was at her desk (they look identical). I came home and saw that I had a teachers edition book in my bag. I emailed her right away and asked if she was missing her book. Turns out she emailed my yahoo account (weird!) earlier..and before I checked that email I emailed her with my school account. I explained the situation and apologized and went in today to drop off her book to her assistant. When I went the assistant was like oh so you were the one who stole the book. I feel horrible..I didn't steal the book..I already have one! What should I say to the prof? I have class tomorrow
2007-09-06 13:06:52 · 16 answers · asked by Joy 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I'm going to bet the assistant was just joking. You talked with the teacher via email, so she knows it was an honest mistake. Just ask her if she got her copy back okay and apologize again. If you're good with words, make a cute joke about it. After that, don't worry about it. Stranger things have happened.
2007-09-06 13:19:00 · answer #1 · answered by spunk113 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a terrible thing to say. Even if she was joking.
Just go up to the professor before class and say "did you get your book back?" "Yes". "Great - just checking. God forbid anyone but your assistant think I stole it!! What would I do with 2!? Haha"..
make a joke out of it, but since the "stole" comment bothered you, make sure you make it clear you weren't comfortable with it.
You're an adult (almost). Expect to be treated like one. Especially in a place where you're paying through the nose to attend.
2007-09-06 20:11:48 · answer #2 · answered by allusian_fields 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just tell her the truth. If you gave the book back its obvious you didnt steal it. Laughing at yourself also really helps; make a joke about yourself and apologize. The professor will be able to tell you didn't mean any harm and it was an honest mistake.
2007-09-06 20:11:11 · answer #3 · answered by Megs 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have to agree with what pretty much everyone else is saying. I mean, its really kind of funny, and its a honest mistake and you did take the time to apologize and fix the problem. the assistant was just being rude, perhaps she was just joking, but then she probably should have said so or smiled at you when she said it or somthing like that.
2007-09-06 20:34:14 · answer #4 · answered by Trinity 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think you should right away go up to the teacher (maybe go in five minutes early) and explain that you are extremely sorry and didnt mean to pick hers up. Ask her if she got your email apologizing for the whole misunderstanding. If she is any kind of reasonable professor she will understand and believe you.
Good Luck in class tomorrow!
2007-09-06 20:19:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a your sure the assistant wasn't being sarcastic in a light-hearted way?
if not, then they (the professor and assistant) are way off base to make that kind of assumption.
you should tell your professor how rude you felt the assistant was in saying that. if you don't, maybe the professor will think that they were right in their assumptions. be assertive.
2007-09-06 20:13:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would assume the statement made by the assistant was a joke (albeit maybe a not-so-great one)...it's easy to misunderstand someone until you know them...i have a very dry, sarcastic sense of 'humor' and am often misunderstood. as someone already said, just confirm that the book was returned, apologize again (dont' overdo it) and leave it at that.
2007-09-07 17:44:26 · answer #7 · answered by SweetPandemonium 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep. Just tell the truth. And that assistant should be spoken to about his/her supposed humour.
I am sure it was embarrassing for you. Just apologise and tell the truth. Things like that can happen; and they do.
2007-09-06 20:24:43 · answer #8 · answered by hopflower 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
say something like im genuinely sorry this happened and the books look so identical i cant believe it happened. you know it wont happen again and so forth. it is a lil odd that she emailed you though...
2007-09-06 20:11:46 · answer #9 · answered by BooYa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can just smile and shrug your shoulders, don't say anything unless asked, but if you must, Just tell the truth, what else can you say? Stranger things have happened.
2007-09-06 20:12:57 · answer #10 · answered by Destiny Palmist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋