The original post: /r/amitheasshole by /u/TemporaryBitter7091 on 2024-10-13 05:08:12.

To give some background: a week ago, I discovered I had an obligation that would cut into my class time. Not wanting to create an issue with my professor, I decided to address it with her before class. However, she showed up exactly at the start time right when class was supposed to begin.

I quickly tried to bring up my situation, but she cut me off, wanting to start the lecture. I don’t recall her exact words, but her tone suggested she wasn’t interested in having a conversation. I wasn’t upset that she wanted to begin class, but the way she dismissed me left a bad taste in my mouth. (Mind you she never indicated that I shouldn’t approach her before class).

Wanting to respect my classmates’ time, I decided to wait and ask her after class instead. I explained my situation and asked if it was okay for me to leave early for my obligation. She told me to do what I needed to do and assured me she wouldn’t take it personally. I’m thinking great.

So, the next week I need to leave early for my obligation, and I just wanted to let her know and ask about the discussion we would have during class which is for a grade ,and when she would be starting it (since sometimes she starts them late and as a result we don’t get to finish them, so I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get my participation grade. Which the class is heavy on)

Mind you, she arrived about two minutes before class officially started, so I thought it wouldn’t be an issue to talk briefly before class. However, when I tried to start the conversation, she cut me off again, saying I didn’t need to inform her about leaving early (literally before I could even get my question out  -_-). Which left a horrible taste in my mouth

Later, I checked Blackboard and saw this crazy message from her:

"Hi OP,

I hope this email finds you well. Please be advised that it is out of order and inappropriate to approach a professor before lecture in a college class! This is 100% a problem. Please don’t do it again. It is appropriate to see a professor after class or during office hours. It is considered rude and adversarial to interrupt a professor right before lecture. I appreciate that you are a high school student and may not be aware of this norm. I attempted to communicate this to you twice, but it appears we are not yet on the same page, so I am sending you this explicit note to clarify the standard protocol observed in college courses. Please feel free to meet with me during office hours if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for observing the normal standards for conduct in our college classroom."

Now I’m trying to figure out if I’m in the wrong here. I’ve never had a professor express issues with communication before class (in a way that, if someone read this without context, they’d think I’m some crazy villain), especially in brief conversations. Both times she cut me off, the issue seemed more about timing and subject than speaking to her before class.

So AITA? Please read my other comments for more clarification.