Written in response to Josh Berlowitz’s “Dear CCI: Cease and Desist”
In last week’s addition of the Campus, Josh Berlowitz (’16) wrote an op-ed that was framed as a cease and desist letter to the Center for Careers and Internships (CCI). I was slightly perplexed that days after Josh’s op-ed was published, we both found ourselves at a discussion regarding careers in law (an event which, I should note, was co-sponsored by the CCI). To be certain, I empathize with the stresses of job searches, particularly among current seniors. Yet I worry that Josh’s letter is em- blematic of a larger trend at Middlebury, where students criticize particular offices or “the administration” as monolithic entities. To be certain, I’ve been extremely guilty of this in the not-so-recent past. But if there’s anything that I’ve learned during my last year at Middlebury, it’s that such totalizing logics ignore the kind, compassionate and helpful staff members and administrators that are part of this community.
Josh is a friend of mine, and I’m truly sorry that he hasn’t had luck with the CCI of late. But drawing such a strong conclusion based on a few personal experiences is irresponsible. I’ll be the first person to stand up and acknowledge that the CCI has, in the past, spent quite a bit of its resources on the finance and consulting sectors. But during my four years at Middlebury, I’ve also seen a lot of progress. I found my summer internship with a non-profit on MOJO, and I had a wonderful experience. Like Josh, I guarantee that I will never “sell my soul” to Goldman or McKinsey. Yet unlike Josh, I also realize that for some students, financial security after graduation is an absolute necessity. Valuing education in and of itself sounds great, but that’s also quite the luxury. There’s nothing wrong with waiting tables or making great lattes. There’s also nothing wrong with wanting something different and leveraging the re- sources of this institution to do that.
With some time and effort, I’ve been able to find my own support at Middlebury. I’ll never be the stereotypical “MiddKid,” but I’ve made this journey my own with the help of so many members of this community, including my advisors in the CCI. I’ve received encouragement from Tim Mosehauer in the CCI when thinking about law school. I’ve had several meaningful conversations with Tracy Isham about careers in the common good. I’ve spent hours working with Lisa Gates in the fellowships office learning how to best ar- ticulate my interests. I’ve received sound life advice from my Dean when I’ve needed it most. I admire Sue Ritter in ways that I couldn’t possibly begin to describe.
To be certain, there are plenty of things that I’d like to change at this insti- tution. But rather than raging against is- sue areas that don’t seem particularly pertinent to my Middlebury journey, I find myself practicing gratitude. When I don’t like a particular institutional structure or office, I focus on the nodes where my voice is heard. When I have an issue with someone, I now take time to reflect upon whether I should call them in or call them out. But even on my worst day, I’m thank- ful that I have all of these resources at my disposal — good, bad or indifferent. And as my Middlebury journey is drawing to a close, I’m grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to open or delete so many emails.
