i think my main point may have been unclear. This kid was VOLUNTEERING. Now if you were pursuing a job, or something paid then yes, a bit of humility and patience is required, you cant burn bridges in a field where reputation and money are involved. However, you were volunteering YOUR time to help a cause. And while yes your age may be a factor in that, i see several older people advising the same course even when your an adult. I think because its magic people feel you should act differently then if it was any other thing. Let me ask you this. If you came to a pastor and asked him if he wanted help at a soup kitchen, and did the same thing, would you still keep trying to help? If a doctor went to a free clinic and asked if they wanted a volunteer and they responded in that way would he continue to try? Or would they simply move on to another place that would respect the offer. My point is this, while your age may account for this particular incident, dont let it develop into a pattern, especially the older you get because that will simply allow people to walk all over you. When you are offering your time with no expectation of reward, then you are truly offering valuable goods and deserve respect, because if one place wont offer it, another will. For example, a local organization had approached me not too long ago for their fall fundraiser. It was to be charity work so no pay involved. It seemed like a worthy cause so i began talks with them. My only conditions were that i could use them as on my client list and Any video rights involved i would have access to. They manager in charge responded that he and the group were "uncomfortable" with their signing any contracts simply to hire a magician. I inquired what they meant "simply to hire a magician". In short i withdrew my offer to work the venue, largely because they couldn't meet my meager terms. Later that month i did a separate event at a library fundraiser, where i was again working for free but accepting tips. The fundraiser was written up in the paper and a highlight in the social scene in my small town and i came away with a decent wad. Needless to say the original group contacted me less than a week later, however THIS time i responded that if they required my services it would be a payed event. Still got the job but they learned a valuable lesson, treat a professional (in my case semi-pro) with the respect he deserves, and dont dismiss someone who's trying to offer something or it will cost you in the long run. That approach served me well and has led to other gigs where i haven't been treated in the same way yet.
Now that it's over, look towards the bright future you have ahead in magic.
