|
You raise some interesting points.
First I would like to say that I am probably receiving a lot of support in this thread because I've been part of GC for so long. These people remember before I was an Alpha, celebrated my initiation into Alpha with me, remember my struggle to become published, celebrated my novel with me, and have met me when my work as an author brought me to their various towns and cities.
Simply put, I was an author before I was a Site Director. When I was hired, they knew that I was an author and had already traveled to various schools, pride celebrations, book clubs, etc. When asked in my interview how I would balance the two, I said that I would do so fairly and equitably and be flexible -- as I have been for the past six months.
For six months, I've been too tired to write and unable to promote my work or accept speaking engagements unless they were on the weekend. This is the first time I asked for time off during the week.
This is my reality -- there is no need for you to check it.
My job is important -- but my site is so well oiled that it will be fine without me because I have laid out a structure for my employees to follow. They are highly qualified, highly motivated college students who have had intensive training. My abscence does not harm them.
I had not admitted that the leave request wasn't submitted "on time" -- I have admitted that I could have submitted it earlier. My office does not have a policy about what is considered "on time."
You don't seem to understand the nature of the work I am doing. I think another reason for the support of my decision in this thread is because people on GC know how I live my life -- they have seen my own fraternity brothers turn their backs on me because of my sexual orientation. For them, seeing me take a stand such as this to go to a completely different environment and speak about my experiences means something.
It's not about "being in the spotlight" -- it's about making a difference, being an activist. The themes of my novel also directly relate to fraternity and sorority life in many ways. Just ask anyone on GC who has read it. I say "treating me like a celebrity" not because I am star struck or drunk with fame -- far from it. I say it because of the irony of being celebrated for being who you are in a completely different venue than the place that should be treating you that way.
The bottom line is that you really don't know me. You don't know my job. You don't know whether I've made a difference or not.
But I know me. I know my job. And I know that I've made a difference when my coworkers have told me that I empowered them to speak their minds when previously they were silent; when parents tell me that I've created a quality program for their children that didn't previously exist; when my employees thank me for going above and beyond for them; when teachers let me know that they appreciate the structure and discipline I provide.
If you're interested in the job, email me your resume and I'll be sure to put in a good word.
|