I worked very hard the past two semesters and earned an impressive grade in both sections of the course I took. I also developed a strong professional relationship with my professor. At the end of the course, my professor was willing to write a positive letter of recommendation and we had several great discussions about it. However, after providing him/her with the AMCAS forms required to submit the letter, my professor then asked me out.
I said I had plans and (s)he suggested the following week. I felt on the spot and said maybe. It was for a group event so it is possible that my professor did not have the worst of intentions but it is still a grey area and I feel that line should not be crossed while there is still a power differential such as a LOR involved. I really need the letter from this professor and I do not want to cause trouble as this type of situation can easily cause termination or probation for an instructor.
How do I handle this? I do not intend to go as this will imply consent and if s(he) is interested in me and finds I only intend to maintain this on a professional level, "Hurt people, hurt people." It is best I stop anything before it starts. So what exactly do I say? My second question is what do I do about my letter? I really need it! I worked so hard and earned it but now it is a big mess.
I said I had plans and (s)he suggested the following week. I felt on the spot and said maybe. It was for a group event so it is possible that my professor did not have the worst of intentions but it is still a grey area and I feel that line should not be crossed while there is still a power differential such as a LOR involved. I really need the letter from this professor and I do not want to cause trouble as this type of situation can easily cause termination or probation for an instructor.
How do I handle this? I do not intend to go as this will imply consent and if s(he) is interested in me and finds I only intend to maintain this on a professional level, "Hurt people, hurt people." It is best I stop anything before it starts. So what exactly do I say? My second question is what do I do about my letter? I really need it! I worked so hard and earned it but now it is a big mess.