QUESTION:

I have asked some of my professors at GSPM if they would serve as references for me and/or write letters of recommendation. The good thing is they all have said "yes". The bad thing is whenever I try to follow-up with them, they say they will write a letter and/or make a call, but they never seem to deliver. I don't want to cause any trouble because I do get a little help to go to school here, and I don't want to appear ungrateful. What should I do? One of my friends said he thought you might be able to help.

ANSWER:

Mmmm! It's one thing if the people hadn't agreed to help you, but since they said they would - you are certainly in a delicate situation. I am sure you've asked a question that is on other people's minds as well. Whenever someone agrees to write a letter of recommendation for you - you should offer to write a draft for their review. That way they are more apt to deliver. So, ask them if that would be helpful for you to write a draft. My guess is it would help them a lot since I'm sure they're probably writing letters for others and are busy with a lot of other things. When they agree to make a phone call  to a particular person - make sure to provide the person's full name and other contact information. In sum, the less work the reference has to do in your behalf - the more likely they are able to do it. I always have the students/alums make a few attempts before I will intervene. I know one professor here is notorious for promising to help people and then never delivers. It drives me nuts!

As you know, part of growing up and learning is figuring out how to ask people for help and then showing your gratitude once they do. Please know that sometimes you might ask someone for help and they either may not be in a position to help or may not feel someone is worthy of the help. You never know if someone will help you unless you ask - nothing ventured - nothing gained. Good luck and keep me posted.