Being Fluent is More than Learning a Language
I feel that, in my efforts to comprehend and use the Spanish language, I learned to appreciate Spanish cultures much more in turn. It’s a great feeling to be able to talk with any one of our entirely Spanish-speaking custodial staff and relate to them.
But when I see how colleagues treat these people, even though they are technically co-workers, it frustrates me incredibly.
Take a moment and think about what it must feel like to come into a room that you are required to change out all of the garbage bins for. There are three people in this room that have just fallen silent upon your entry, uttering nearly nothing during the entire duration of your job duties of this room, only to resume eclectic conversation and laughter by the time the door shuts behind you as you leave.
Then imagine going to the next room and doing the same thing. For an entire shift, every day, every week. Your job involves handling and clearing of unwanted items generated by the very people who sit silently in front of you and evade eye contact, thus avoiding an uncomfortable and forced ‘hello,’ acknowledging you as the person who does their dirty, but never remembering your name.
And that’s your job. Every. Single. Day.
It’s astounding how you can hear the most entitled statements about feeling like you deserve more, whether it be a pay raise or a better job.
At least you aren’t treated as invisible.
