Who is responsible?
“Hello, South Alabama Technical Institute, Guidance Office, Dr. Sullivan speaking.”
“Hello Dr. Sullivan, this is Robin Anderson from Congresswoman Sheilah Rogers’ office in Washington, how are you today?”
“I’m quite good,” replied Beatrix, lying, “and yourself?”
“Excellent, excellent. Working as Director of Constituent Services for the Congresswoman keeps me on my toes, but I love what we can get done for our constituents.”
“That does sound very rewarding,” said Beatrix. Usually, she was outgoing, but her depression over Trixie left her impatient with this cheerful bureaucrat. “What can I do for you?”
“Just a minute of your time please, Dr. Sullivan. I am calling to ask about the progress of a certain student that our staff went to great lengths to help get into SATI, Ms. Beatrix Thomson. I understand that she is due to receive her degree shortly. I just want to confirm that she has kept up her good work and will graduate satisfactorily. She will do so, won’t she?”
Sullivan felt her breath catch in her throat. For a moment she couldn’t breathe and she felt light-headed.
“Dr. Sullivan? Are you still there?”
“Yes,” she croaked, “yes...I’m here, Forgive me, I just had a momentary distraction in the office.”
“Perfectly OK. I apologize for interrupting your work. Now, about Ms. Thomson?”
“Yes...yes. She has done excellent work here, the top of every class and she should receive her Associate’s Certificate with highest honors in just four weeks.”
“That is wonderful news, though I surprised you don't sound happier at it. The Congresswoman shall be most pleased. It has been difficult to convince many like Beatrix to take this kind of opportunity. All they see is a lot of time and effort and they don’t believe that young people coming from these rural towns can ever land a good job. You should be commended for helping her come this far. Have you gotten a lot of good job offers for her yet?”
Beatrix’s voice almost cracked as she stammered into the phone, “Well, actually...no offers...yet. There...there are complications.”
“Complications,” the voice on the line turned distinctly colder. “I thought you told me that she has done very well. Has she a problem that we were not aware of? I was assured that she has a completely clean background, no record of any infraction. If she has gotten this opportunity and received government funds on false grounds, it could be a felony under Federal Law, with very serious consequences”
“Oh no, no, no! You misunderstand. There is nothing lacking on Trixie’s part. She is a fine student and an excellent young lady, despite a rather deprived upbringing.”
“I am most relieved to hear that. But then I don't understand what you mean by complications. What is the problem, Dr. Sullivan?”
Beatrix took a deep breath and began explaining the environment of the legal profession in Alabama. Anderson listened silently on the other end. When the Counselor finished, he said simply, “Thank you for the information, Dr. Sullivan. I can tell you find this situation as distressing as we do. I must say that this development in the job market should have been foreseen."
"I know, It just seemed to elude my attention until recently."
"Be that as it may, please keep up your efforts. Perhaps something will turn up. However, I must mention that Ms. Thomson’s education grant required her to be employed in her field of study within ninety days of graduation, or she becomes immediately liable for all of the total grant.”
“Yes, I know,” said Beatrix, swallowing hard. How could Trixie be burdened with a non-dischargeable loan of $9,000? The girl would be destitute for the next decade at least! “I’m praying that doesn’t come to pass.”
“We need to do more than pray Dr. It’s the law. I need to ring off now. I must inform the Congresswoman at once. She insists on hearing the bad news immediately. I can promise you that she will not like this. Please do all you can in this matter. It is not the poor girl's fault. But she will bear the consequences.”
“Thank you. I shall continue to give the case my full efforts. ”
“Goodbye, Dr. Sullivan.”
“Goodbye, Mr. Anderson.” Beatrix hung up the phone and burst into tears.