TNT

Yesterday, I went to the local college with my "college file" in hand to discuss which Math course I should take next.  There were two in question, which would lead me to the course I really needed in order to satisfy their Math requirement towards my degree plan.  I had scheduled a 9:00 a.m. appointment with an advisor and was prompt.  I was the "first" student visible in the entire building and walked into the advising room and was greeted by a very young girl about my daughter's age. 

"Good morning, can I help you?"  (I don't know, can you?)  Anyhow, I responded I had a scheduled appointment.  She starts asking me questions.  "Student ID number?"  "Name?"  "First born's name?"  (joking)  This takes a grueling five minutes.  I see two young women sitting in separate offices with their eyes plastered to their computer screens, oblivious to their surroundings.  They were totally focused.  After she finishes up the computer, she hands me a donut shaped device like you are provided in resteraunts.  You know the ones that light up and buzz, when its your turn.  I looked at it, and she felt a need to explain how it worked and told me to go sit in the waiting area.  I turned around and looked and again confirmed I was the only student waiting and walked towards a chair.  "Oh not there!", she corrected me.  She directed me to an empty room outside of their office and in another room.  I look down at the advice, slowly look around me again but did as I was told.  So, I sit down.  Look at the clock and said I bet I will be called in less than one minute.  Sure enough, BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.  The Advisor greets me as I'm coming back into the forbidden area. 

Now, I'm sorry.  I must be just a plain ole grumpy person.  BUT WHAT THE HECK!  I could understand if the room was crowded but I was the only person there!  Why could I not have been asked to sit in a chair in the room without the GIZMO?  Did I offend?  No, I know I was showered and did not have too much parfume ala whatever on my person.  I was pleasant.  I was dressed casually so was not intimidating.  LOL  I thought to myself after this brief meeting, I certainly would not hire you for some future business position.  Oh my gosh, she could not even think beyond what she was instructed to do to realize that it was not a one size fits all situation.

I remember when I was growing up, and my first job.  I did not wait to be told what to do.  I just picked up a broom when the area needed cleaning, and got it done.  I kept busy all the time.  What has happened to some of our youth today (notice I do not want to stereotype all of them into one category)?  They can't seem to get outside their heads to think for themselves, or they stay within their head dreaming their way to success.  By the time they're in their mid-20s, they're still dreaming and talking smack.  Like my nephew.  I look for the day when he wakes up and starts realizing you have to start at the bottom in order to look up and reach towards your goals.  Onto my day........

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• #2 Comment from martygord 
  12/20/07 7:40 PM | Permalink

  Hi Lynne,
  I wonder whether this kid was on some kind of power trip or something.  Anyhow, sounds like a frustrating experience.
  Best,
  Marty
• #1 Comment from gaboatman 
  12/19/07 6:26 AM | Permalink

  I had to chuckle at this.  The term institutionalized came to mind for a brief moment.  You are right about some of the youth of today not learning to think outside the box.  Heck some of them can't even figure out the box, LOL.  However, in all fairness, we had them around like that in my day, too.
  Sam