"While we are impressed with your qualifications, after careful
consideration we have decided not to advance your application in the
hiring process at this time."
Two nights ago I read these words and heaved a sigh. My shoulders slumped. I had put so much effort into my application for this teacher apprenticeship program - cover letters, resumes, even an interview. It had been my ideal program. I had been applying to many other programs as well, but with this one especially I had dared let my spirits rise. Now...
Nothing.
Back to square one.
I've been searching for the right place to teach and learn for a full year now. But my career progress has kept slamming into a brick wall. At this point, nothing is consoling me.
Today I went to a basketball tournament to watch a friend's 11-year-old son play. For the first game, each player seemed to make each shot as if by magic. They worked together seamlessly. We all cheered when they won.
The second game, both teams played with ferocity. But our team lagged; towards the second half, they were 24 points behind. Catching up seemed impossible.
The second half, our team exploded with momentum. 20 points behind. 14 points behind. 10. 7. The other team's score was at a standstill. I couldn't help but feel this crazy hope rise in my chest.
Would we make it?
59 seconds left.
36.
20.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1...
Our team lost.
Families cheered for our team, telling them they had done well. I overheard the coach tell some parents, "How they played in that second half was better than a win,"
I agreed. What a spectacular game. If you lost, so what, learn and move on, right? What matters is the effort.
I was leaving the gymnasium when I saw one of the young boys from our team - his mother was helping him put on his coat. The boy's face looked grim.
"Hey," I called out, "You played an amazing game out there, great job,"
The boy barely looked at me, his face turning even darker.
"That's what I told him," his mother said, "but he won't listen,"
I insisted, "How you played in that second half was just amazing,"
The boy turned away from me, shrugging on his coat.
I walked away, pensive. The expression on that boy's face resonated deeply with me. As the hours go on, I can't help but feel such a kinship with that boy. A relief that someone else in this world can feel the way I do, a human being who feels disheartened, discouraged, and plain old sad.
When I've done my best, and my best isn't enough, maybe for awhile it's okay to hang my head.
I'm sure the little boy would agree, too.
Two nights ago I read these words and heaved a sigh. My shoulders slumped. I had put so much effort into my application for this teacher apprenticeship program - cover letters, resumes, even an interview. It had been my ideal program. I had been applying to many other programs as well, but with this one especially I had dared let my spirits rise. Now...
Nothing.
Back to square one.
I've been searching for the right place to teach and learn for a full year now. But my career progress has kept slamming into a brick wall. At this point, nothing is consoling me.
Today I went to a basketball tournament to watch a friend's 11-year-old son play. For the first game, each player seemed to make each shot as if by magic. They worked together seamlessly. We all cheered when they won.
The second game, both teams played with ferocity. But our team lagged; towards the second half, they were 24 points behind. Catching up seemed impossible.
The second half, our team exploded with momentum. 20 points behind. 14 points behind. 10. 7. The other team's score was at a standstill. I couldn't help but feel this crazy hope rise in my chest.
Would we make it?
59 seconds left.
36.
20.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1...
Our team lost.
Families cheered for our team, telling them they had done well. I overheard the coach tell some parents, "How they played in that second half was better than a win,"
I agreed. What a spectacular game. If you lost, so what, learn and move on, right? What matters is the effort.
I was leaving the gymnasium when I saw one of the young boys from our team - his mother was helping him put on his coat. The boy's face looked grim.
"Hey," I called out, "You played an amazing game out there, great job,"
The boy barely looked at me, his face turning even darker.
"That's what I told him," his mother said, "but he won't listen,"
I insisted, "How you played in that second half was just amazing,"
The boy turned away from me, shrugging on his coat.
I walked away, pensive. The expression on that boy's face resonated deeply with me. As the hours go on, I can't help but feel such a kinship with that boy. A relief that someone else in this world can feel the way I do, a human being who feels disheartened, discouraged, and plain old sad.
When I've done my best, and my best isn't enough, maybe for awhile it's okay to hang my head.
I'm sure the little boy would agree, too.
(image courtesy of calaverasenterprise.com)
2 comments:
It's ok. For every setback lord krishna gives you a comeback. - raj.
Mataji- Pranam. When I was young, I had to toil with few jobs which I least liked. After multiple failures, I was able to get a job I wanted due to Krishna's mercy. 2Ps - Prayer and Persistence - will pay off mataji. I pray to the lotus feet of the Divine Couple that you get a job you wanted.
Post a Comment