Rude student?
I’m a newer instructor at a gym and something happened tonight that really knocked my confidence, so I wanted outside perspective on whether I’m being too sensitive.
Last week, in the studio before one of my classes (taught by another instructor), a woman sadly collapsed and passed away from a brain aneurysm during Body Pump. It really shook everyone up, especially because I’m still very new there and had only taught around four classes before that happened.
This week was my first week back teaching since the incident, and honestly I already felt a bit flustered going in. I’m still learning the studio systems, sound, lighting, etc. The lights tonight were slightly brighter than ideal for an evening class, but nothing extreme or unusual. I genuinely tried to fix them before class and told everyone, “I’m so sorry, I’m still new to the system and I’ve already tried.”
Then a guy arrived about 5 minutes late, making a lot of noise setting up while I was trying to begin meditation. About 5–7 minutes into the flow, he suddenly interrupted and said, “Can’t you fix the lights?”
I apologized again and explained I was new and had already tried. He then said, “Well I’m just going to have to leave then, aren’t I?” packed up all his stuff, and walked out.
I felt SO embarrassed and had to just carry on teaching like nothing happened.
Was he actually rude/inconsiderate, or am I taking this too personally because I’m new and already anxious after everything that happened at the gym?