February 21, 2011

Stand in the Line Just to Hit a New Low

This morning I finally realized the true meaning behind the nickname CU Parking Services has earned. It's not just because they liberally and ruthlessly give out tickets to cars parked in those pesky pay-to-park meters(the ones that have coin slots next to the credit card reader, but don't register the coins you put in), but they are also high on power and demeaning to the lowly patrons who are forced to pay $50 a month to park within any semblance of walking distance to the building in which we work.

The last time I felt this humiliated and angry was when my academic advisor at Thunderbird told me that I should be happy that I hadn't been admitted to the exclusive Mexican Module Abroad - because it wouldn't be fair to my husband for me to be away that long. So much for supporting academic endeavors with equal opportunity...

If you're going to uphold a certain set of guidelines, that's fine. I will respect them, I am not angling to take advantage of the system. What has been frustrating me is that there have consistently been two different answers. Make up your mind! If my parking liaison tells me something she says came from your office, why should I have any reason not to believe her? It can't be anything but annoying to her when I come back with my rejection stories that mean she has to make another round of phone calls and emails.

To top it off, the passive-aggressive nonsense with your "Have a nice day" and your fake smile as I walk out the door with tears streaming down my face is absolutely not necessary. I think a brisk walk might be a healthy way to start and end my workdays, and have no intentions of handing over any more cash to the unfeeling and anti-customer service Parking Services.

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