u/winter_sundays

I (F26) was asked to participate in a competition for high schoolers this August by a family friend who is one of the judges for said event. I agreed for her sake, also because she promised it would be a good networking event.

In March, an employee from the organisation reached out to me. After our conversation, she emailed to ask if I’d be willing to take a ‘coordinator’ position over a ‘volunteer’ position. She didn’t specify the differences between the two, but the ‘coordinator’ role required more commitment and time, and they’d provide accommodation and food for the duration of the event (2 days of rehearsal + 3 days of competition). I was hesitant as I’m in grad school and wanted to use this summer to work on my research. I asked for a clearer, more definitive explanation of the coordinator role, to which I was told they could not provide one at the moment, but they’d keep me consistently updated via emails, documents, and Zoom meetings. I accepted, heavily emphasising that I would like to be updated whenever possible.

Fast-forward 3 months of silence, and in June, another employee reaches out. She asks for a Zoom meeting, during which she goes over the event schedule and tells me of my role during the competition. She then tells me I will not be provided with accommodation. While this isn’t a huge deal to me since I usually have a longer commute, I will have to show up and be ready by 9AM, and the only compensation will be the transportation fee. She doesn’t share any of the documents with me after the meeting, and aside from my notes and memory, I don’t have anything to go on.

Today, Wednesday, I reached out to ask for the event itinerary since I’m not even sure which days I’m expected to attend. She then shares the slideshow she showed during our last call and tells me to refer to that. She also sent me a script, since I will now be hosting a part of the competition? She tells me to record myself reading the script and send the video to her by Friday. The script also says something about the rehearsal days and a dress code (business formal). At this point, I’m shocked, since none of this was communicated to me. Aside from being told over Zoom about my role (which I was led to believe was a behind-the-scenes role), I’m given nothing in writing to refer to. It’s less than two weeks to the event, and I’m at a loss for what to do.

Honestly, I want to back out. I agreed to take on the coordinator role on the condition that I would be informed of details and updates accordingly. I already have a lot on my plate, and I feel disrespected. I understand I should’ve reached out from time to time, and since it is such short notice, I feel bad for backing out, but it’s really bothering me. Will I be overreacting if I decide to back out?

Hi tabi lovers!

I bought my first pair of tabi’s from Margiela three years ago and have been wearing them to death since. I’ve been thinking about replacing them, but their prices have only been rising, and I can’t justify buying a new pair, nor have I been able to find a good & legitimate secondhand pair 💔

I have been looking for alternatives/dupes, and have tried multiple pairs from local brands as well as overseas, and I just can’t seem to find the ‘one’. I know Rabosey is highly rated, but the sizing was a little off for me, and there seemed to be no give. Right now, I’m eyeing the pair from Steve Madden or Woodchuck Sato, and I would like to know which has a longer toe box.

The Rabosey’s, which, in hindsight, I should’ve ordered a size above, had a very short toe box and were very difficult to get my feet into. With the Margiela’s, I have never experienced this. I also have a bunion, which definitely affects my comfort and sizing.

Thank you in advance, and please let me know if any of you have any other recommendations!