I don't really have a topic for this post. So I'm just going to write a little about whatever pops into my head.
I've been faced with a disputative situation here living in an on-campus apartment. And I have to say, the staff I am communicating with is handling this extremely poorly, which is only furthering my cause. Here's my story.
About 4 months ago, my apartment was given a noise complaint. First of all, the situation in giving the citation was handled terribly by the residence department representatives, thus leading to us formally appealing the complaint, which is allowed in the rules. After meeting with some staff and discussing my concerns, we appealed the infraction following their procedures. By the time the appeal was sent, exam time was around the corner and after a follow-up by yours truly, we were notified that all appeals would be dealt with after the holiday break. No problem.
Shortly after, the first red flag then popped up. Money for the infraction was taken from our accounts without our permission. Normal procedure said payment is required only after a failed appeal. After following up again on why this occurred, we were told that if the appeal was successful, our money would be reimbursed. Sure, we'll wait it out.
Fast forward another month to February, 3 months since the infraction & appeal. I'm beginning to lose patience. So I send another email saying that we have not heard anything from the appeal board after this much time, and had asked for a status update. Now you may be wondering, "Wow, how much was this fine that you're making such a big deal of it?" It was hardly anything, but that is completely beside the point. Now you must have heard of 'principle' and that is exactly why I am not folding to the flawed system I am dealing with.
After no word from the escalation email, I am keeping my cool, but send another email. This one not as, let's say, flowery as the previous. I asked for a meeting with the appeal board and its representative administration member, copying the more important people who may not know what is going on. They answered this one, quickly.
But, as I had anticipated, I had not heard back from them for a specific time and place for the meeting. We are now 4 months into this, and I have changed my goal from eradicating the citation from the record, to ensuring the department's realization of their wrong doing.
What makes a business think it can take advantage of students who do not know better, or simply don't stand up for themselves? Why is it that people are so set in their ways that they simply don't do the right thing, regardless of anything else?
The point of my telling this story is that I think this speaks to the way society has evolved. In previous decades, mainly previous history, the generation running, essentially, the world, are creatures of habit. Now I am not saying their actions were wrong, or ill intentioned, but they weren't exactly right by today's standards. Look at the perfect example of the Oscars last night, people were appalled that the Academy hadn't nominated any black actors or actresses. And some stars even boycotted the ceremony. Guess who runs The Academy? Likely old, predominately white baby boomers. It's just the way it is. They were brought up in a mainly fixed society, with a lot of the directions in life already spelled out for them. Maybe they didn't think what they did was wrong, or maybe they're completely racist. That's a very real possibility for that generation. Another example, born in a city with a Steel plant? You'll be a Steelworker for you whole career, get married young, and raise a family. That's just how it was.
But times are changing. People are standing up for themselves more than ever, but change is never fast. It takes time, and some people just need a push to realize they don't have to only ever accept the rules. Challenge them, ask questions, and be your own person. Please don't take this as a "Oh I read on the internet that I can challenge rules so I robbed a bank". No, that's just idiotic. Rules are meant to be enforced, and there will be consequences. Being smart and knowing what to challenge and when to know your place is also important. But don't go through life only ever accepting your fate, you have the power to change it.
I hope this helps someone in some situation. It's my ideology that if I see something wrong, I will say something about it. It's how change happens. And it's a good thing.
Until next time,
J
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