Taking Chances
In August 2018, during my time as an office manager between teaching and software, I reached out to a few local libraries, probably five or so, asking if they had lists of tutors they suggest to students and parents who ask. I was consistently told, by those that answered, that they didn’t do that as a policy since it’s a paid service, which made sense. They were all polite about it, understanding that I was just trying to get my name out there.
I thought about it and realized I still had something to offer them, so I followed up with a few of the librarians who had replied to me and asked if they would be willing to host a free college essay seminar for students and parents. The librarians replied saying they didn’t think attendance would be high enough, that they doubted there was a need, or with general skepticism. I don’t blame them! Here I was, trying to sell a service to their patrons and trying to get them to host an event, and they had no idea who I was or why they should trust me to bring something to the table.
Tara, the Children’s Librarian at Taft Library (Mendon) said she’d consider it. We exchanged endless emails and planned an event for October 2018. I just looked back at the flyer we used; my old, very ugly logo makes me want to cry, but more importantly I think back to the class: a packed room of students and parents and me just living a dream.
After the event, I sent Tara an email thanking her for taking the chance and helping run such a successful event. This was Tara’s response. It still makes me emotional.
The best part is that, immediately after this, the email thread went from “thank you” messages to “what’s next” messages. We knew we had something real going for us. Tara also went ahead and sent this email to a local librarian group, which started what has become a huge part of TriTutoring’s business and, more importantly, a favorite part of my work.
I have run seminars and workshops at about five libraries, but Taft will always be different. Taft Library, and specifically Tara, will always be the one that took a chance on me, that could see through my email’s “sales pitch” and realize my passion for education was real.
Now, Tara and I text about what’s for dinner, what our dogs are up to, what we are getting for family for the holidays, the weather, and anything else that comes up. Tara knows when I’m stressed because Tara is one of “my people”. Sometimes, amidst a friendship I truly value, we still plan an event for Taft.
Taking a chance on someone is scary. Your reputation is at stake if they don’t live up to the story they’re telling. Tara, I guess, said “she seems legit” and went for it, and continues to do so as I bring her new (untested) ideas. We’ve done college essay seminars, SAT workshops, discussions for parents, and more.
I’ve talked on this blog a lot about the chance I took in officially starting TriTutoring and in growing the company. I’ve talked a lot about how I grew through the process and how wonderful the opportunity has been. I’ve thanked the students, parents, and tutors for contributing and my family and friends for empowering me to take on this exciting journey as TriTutoring became something I had never imagined.
I missed an important person, a person whose impact on TriTutoring goes back to August 2018. A person who took a chance on me when others, with good reason, didn’t take that risk.
Thank you, Tara.