RICHARD ALLEN SCOTT - Through the Years

RICHARD ALLEN SCOTT
THROUGH THE YEARS
1987
Bilingualism was rearing its ugly head, so I ventured to write a Letter
to the Editor in January, under Sharon’s name, of course, to express
my 2-cents worth. I had been recommended for French Language
Training, but it never happened, not that I was sorry, relieved
actually.
In February, I nervously appeared before the Officer Candidate
Board and was soundly rejected. What a crushing blow that was.
Perhaps my naivete was to blame, as I went into the interview
without any clue what to expect, and had not had the benefit (as
some had) of pre-interview ‘practices’ on potential questions that
could be posed. Anyhow, one’s future boiled down to this single
interview. 20 years of history was for naught, and there was no
appeal process. I did, however, write a lengthy memo to my Director
(Informatics) to which he was sympathetic and forwarded to Officer
Staffing. I nevertheless had to follow process and wait 2 full years
before I could apply to go through the whole process once again.
Wow.
After several miserable months of feeling sorry for myself (let alone
the embarrassment of rejection), I eventually put my head down and
buried myself in work, fully intending to try again when I could. A
couple of members with whom I had worked and were successful in
the process, barely acknowledged me. Not nice…I was not
impressed.
Life went on.
Hopewell Cape, NB - July 1987
39 th birthday – with
Muffin
June 2017
160