An Unsent Letter of Frustration

Dear Mrs. Principal,

As a recent interviewee with your school, I am writing to express my displeasure at the way in which the hiring process was conducted. Several weeks ago, I flew to Burlington for a weekend, at my own expense, to interview with you for the position of middle school math/science/technology teacher. Just before the conclusion of the interview, you assured me, "We won't keep you waiting. We'll let you know within the next week."

When a week passed without word on the status of the job, I called St. Joseph school and left a message with the secretary. After two days, my message was unreturned, and I called again, this time leaving a message with the school's answering machine. Again, my call was not returned.

Today, nearly three weeks after the interview, I was "notified" that I was not hired only when I happened to see the change in status of my application on schoolspring.com. To date, I have not heard from a human being.

Because I spent valuable time and money from my very limited budget in order to travel and interview for the job, and because of your personal assurance that you would follow up, I am disappointed that no one from the school ever notified me of the decision that was made. While I am certainly aware that other candidates may have been more qualified for the position, I feel as if I was nonetheless treated quite unprofessionally.

Luckily, a betteremployment situation has come along.

Slightly un-sincerely,
Rebecca M. Walter

Inspirational Reading

It was Christmas Eve. Mom and Dad had gone to 6:00 Mass, and Sam and DJ and I were putting together dinner before family gift time. When Mom and Dad arrived home, we were setting the table and getting ready to eat when Sam piped up, "I would like us to read this inspirational reading as a family before dinner."

Mom was touched. Picking inspirational readings was not particularly Sam-esque. We sat down, and Sam distributed the copies he had made.

"I'll begin. Please join in.

Good-bye Norma Jean, though I never knew you at all, you had the strength to hold yourself while those around you crawled..."

Our collective Walter voice joined together on the cold winter night to the sweet words of Sir Elton John.