The cash grab

I work as a freelance educator with an online platform. With this online platform I had student called Pooja (pseudonym). She had signed up for classes with me for approximately 4 months. Now her classes are coming to the end. Pooja died had expressed that he wishes to continue however he hadn't mention to me for how long they wished to continue. As they haven't yet renewed their course there was a ceremony held for Pooja.

When I received the instructions towards the ceremony to be held for Pooja, I understood that it is not for celebration but an attempt to make Pooja's parents renew the course. It actually did not fit into my principal's have ever I am bound by the rules and policies of the platform. I made the arrangement for the virtual ceremony. A lot of things happened at the ceremony which I want to vent out.

First, Pooja's dad was informed of the course that could be offered to Pooja if the decide to continue. The benefits of the course were informed to Pooja's dad. What could be demerits of discontinuation of the course were informed to Pooja's dad. Along with me I had a person from marketing team who was doing the talking. Rather than the demerits I felt that it was fear mongering. Telling a child father that there child would have difficulties in communication if they discontinue the course is nothing but fear mongering. Pooja dad was willing to proceed further with the course extension. The sales person who was with me had given me a green and a thumbs up suggesting that we have successfully grabbed the customers money.

Then Pooja was asked to join the ceremony. When Pooja was asked what does she feel about her learning her response was surprising. She said that she light the learning and three definitely did enjoy last 4 months learning from me. It was an epident bad on my back and it made me happy. When she was asked if she wishes to continue she said she does not want to continue. Mentioned that she has learnt a lot but she does not wish to continue further. Hearing this I was surprised so was her dad. Her dad was confident that she also wishes to continue. He muted the mic during the meeting and spoke with her for a minute or so. From there expressions it was epident that he was trying to pursuade her to continue but she was reluctant. During this the marketing person look at me and promoted me to say something.

When they were unmuted I also unmuted myself to speak. I said to Pooja that I respect her decision. I for the said that I would ask her to reaching her decision because this is a life skill and it will be helpful for the entire life. I also emphasized that communication skill would always help her and I had given her my own example. I told her that how difficult it was for me to participate in debates and group discussions when I was applying for jobs. I was able to crack them only when I had been through a lot of debates and group discussions. I told her that she has an advantage here to learn from the best platform and from the best teachers. Here the marketing person into wind and said tha she would recreate if she does not continue with us. To me it founded more like a threat.

During the meeting I could see that Pooja face had dropped and she appeared visibly uncomfortable. Pooja dad appeared confused. The marketing person appeared angry as they may probably lose a customer. I was neutral. I did want her to continue however I could not force her. Towards the end I told Pooja and her dad to think about the decision and let us know by the next day.

I am today wondering what is going to happen. Whatever is there a decision I would accept that. But what I completely disliked is how the marketing person was speaking yesterday. To retain the customers I believe we should make them comfortable rather than making them discouraged. So that is it that is what I was feeling.