This week, I've decided that the world can be split into three groups: the who have (or would like to have) a nose ring, those who don't (but still "get it") and those who don't have a nose ring, don't want one and don't get it. One of my student teacher's tough lessons this week is that she is in the first group, I am in the second, but the people who hire for teaching jobs are in the third.
Before my ST started working with me, she asked if she needed to take out her nose ring. In the course of a day I see so many other elements of appearance that bother me (among them: super saggy pants, bedroom slippers, cleavage, low slung pants, bizarre hair color, chains...you get the picture) that a nose ring is pretty mild in my world. I told her it was fine that she left it in.
Preliminary interviews for jobs start this week and my ST has an appointment. She asked about the nose ring again and I wasn't sure what to say, so I checked with my people in HR. The answer was quick and short: No nose ring in the interview. I was sorry to have to deliver that news to my ST and she was sorry to hear it. She's worried about being able to relate to people who would judge her (and not pick her for a job) based solely on a nose ring. Since I am in the second group (no nose ring, but I get it) I understand why she wants to keep it, but I also understand why she probably can't. We are what we wear. But here's the question I would pose: Does a nose ring mark one's age or orientation to the world any more than a cardigan sweater with embroidered apples and school bus shaped buttons does?
2 comments:
It's the same for any professional - that being the key word.
I went to school with a guy who wore nose rings, had his lip pierced and had spiked, purple hair - and all that was fine while he was just an intern / college student. But once he graduated and walked into the office, ita ll had to go - it just wasn't professional.
Now - the dorky sweater with school bus buttons would also have to go in my profession - you would never get before a client looking like that either.
Oh, my god...I can't believe we've been around long enough to have student teachers who ask that kind of question! Although I know what you mean about being exposed to greater fashion atrocity in the classroom.
I'm in the 2nd group...but the ring and the sweater gotta go.
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