White Raven Works

We expect that people at Credit Unions should tell customers and the general public the truth, right? I mean, really, we should expect that. Credit unions are supposed to be member-owned banks. So, why are they lying like the banks from the 1950's? By now, you're wondering what I'm belly-aching about. Well, I had a few run-ins with a certain credit union and a policy that is clearly a policy, but they insist is "The Law" ~ the Patriot Act, to be exact. Now, I know that the regulations that any particular bank or credit union comes up with is their choice. I know that there are provisions in the Patriot Act that pertain to banking operations. Absolutely! Do your best to stop crimes from happening through our banking systems. But, when asked, WHY you are asking for my ID and Social Security number, when I'm only depositing into someone's account, at their request, then tell me it new policy. Do Not Lie and tell me it's the law! Is it against the law fo...

Trying to get a teaching job has involved a steep learning curve. I have the distinct impression that schools do not take kindly to applicants who have gone through an Alternative Certification Programme. But what is worse, are those who are willing to hire outside their city and state, but cannot offer a place to live. You see, were I one-half of a married couple, we might be able to pool our money and get a place to live while I wait to start work and get my first paycheck. But, because I am single and poor, moving to a different location that offers benefits, even at half the pay of a fully-certified teacher, is financially dangerous. I was pushed into moving to Denver a week before I was supposed to start training. The programme directors said it was necessary to get my fingerprints done early, to avoid any issues that could delay my first paycheck. In three days, I spent almost $700 ~ almost half the money I borrowed. The full amount should have lasted me enough to get me throug...

  TEACHER HIRING PRACTICES IN TEXAS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Just like a lot of people, I have been looking for a stable, full-time job for quite some time. Two months after earning an MFA in Creative writing (and seven months of applying to work at universities and colleges, knowing I would be graduating soon) and not being offered a job, I decided to go through an online Alternative Certification programme. I tested, and passed, state exams to teach all the core curriculum for Early Childhood through grade Six (EC-6) in the state of Texas. That was two years ago. Over the summer, I tested to teach Art EC through grade 12, and passed. I have been applying all over the state and in this rather large slip of land called the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas … still, nothing. I made it all the way to the interview portion for a few schools, but did not get hired. One principal was close to hiring me for an Art Teacher position in her elementary school. Turns o...