How do I ask a high school teacher to fill out a reference form?

[Green_Goose]

I'm going to try to be a volunteer at my local hospital this summer, and one of their requirements is that I get someone that I have known for at least 8 months to fill out a "reference form." There isn't any real writing involved, since the person has to just answer a few questions. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone on campus for the requisite amount of time, (sad, I know) so I have to go back to teachers from high school. I feel that this teacher knows me pretty well, but I haven't communicated with him in quite a while. I feel like it would be pretty rude to all of a sudden say, "Hi Mr. X, I know I haven't talked to you in forever, but can you fill this form out for me?" Is there a more polite way to go about this? What exactly would be considered good etiquette?

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[OldstockJr]

nope that is not rude but if you do not get a response, ask family/older friends. i seriously doubt these volunteer coordinators will ask around. i did the same thing for a scribe job in New orleans and i was not asked about it once. (i was in the same position as you, freshman in college with no resources at the time) they interview you sometimes , which will land u the position.

but do not do this for med school applications lol

 

[moisne]

Not a problem. I have students who ask me for a letter (yes a letter) of rec - despite I haven't seen them in over a year and I have zero idea what they want to do with life now.

 

[Green_Goose]

Not a problem. I have students who ask me for a letter (yes a letter) of rec - despite I haven't seen them in over a year and I have zero idea what they want to do with life now.

If I were sending my email to you, what would you like to see? In what way would you want to filled in about life details, so that you would have an idea of what's happening in my life?

 

[Skydive Fox]

Dear Mr. John Doe,

I hope this email reaches you in the best of regards.

It feels like it's been a lifetime since I was walking through the halls of Hometown High and stopping by your classroom after school to chat about blablabla.

I'm currently a pre-medical student at University of Lala Land and was hoping to volunteer at Memorial Hospital of Hometown this summer. In order to be a volunteer, the director is requesting a reference from someone who has known me for over eight months and can attest to my qualifications and character. I was wondering if you would be willing to serve as my reference for this position? It would entail filling out a brief contact form and potentially answering a few questions if someone reached out.

This opportunity would go a long way in helping advance my career goals and it would mean the world to me if you could help me reach it.

Thank you,

Skydive Fox

(Y'know, change it up to tailor to your relationship with this person, but something along those lines should be good. The first blurb might jog their memory of you if it's been a while.)