Hi guys, it has been a while and I am sorry...I guess that my only excuse is that I have been rather occupied.
That's a good thing.
I am a teacher (they call me a 'professor' here...Sounds fancier) and I have been self-employed for over 30yrs. It is a lot of running around because I work both in-company as a coach/trainer and in colleges/universities. I have never 'settled down' because no one has ever offered me a full-time position. I also like the freedom that it affords me for both health and holidays...I just book-off if I need to.
Well, one of my favorite bosses and friends offered me Tenure and I started the 'official' recruitment process in the spring.
It has eaten away at my nerves but the interviews went very well and everything was on-track until mid-August when the HR called to ask about my diplomas. None existent I answered. I studied at the Sorbonne (University of Paris) for 7 yrs, never passed my finals.
I couldn't tell her why. K pouch, cancer, constant dehydration, working double-time-and-a-half 7days/week for 7 yrs...barely surviving, sick and scared. The details blocked in my throat. 'The Rectorat requires diplomas'...it was a deal-breaker.
I was heart-broken. I had gotten my hopes up. (bad idea in my life)
She mentioned another teacher who was recruited at another campus having a TOESL certification and that it sufficed.
I looked it up. There were 3 kinds. 30, 60 and 120hr courses. I started the 120hr certification online. Finished it in a 2-week marathon of studying and tests. (92%)
I sent out the certificate last Sat night.
Friday I got the word. I have been hired.
I do not know what this means in the short or long run...I do know that I have never had tenure before. I have never had stability in my 30yr career. I have never had a 'social protection umbrella'.
My boss wants me to be protected, to have sick-leave, vacation pay, health insurance, paid lunch, paid transportation etc...I will have my own office for the 1st time in my life. A place to leave my shoes and stuff, a handicapped toilet (yay!!!!) and rights. I will also be named Director of Language Studies.
I am terrified.
But I start tomorrow.
Wish me luck guys...
This is the big one.
Sharon