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One’s permanent record does indeed exist, but it does not all exist in one place.
It is the sum total of all one’s interactions with the world. It is recorded on bits of paper, bits of silicon, and bits of other people’s brain matter.
The only place it exists in total is on God’s ledger.
My permanent record started with the first day in kindergarten. Don’t know when or how it was developed but I have an extraordinary sense of “fair play.” We were lined up for some reason, and as each child moved forward we were handed something, don’t remember what. A child before me had left a puddle on the floor and about the time I neared the head of the line, the teacher, Mrs. Cop, her actual name, noticed the puddle. Without further investigation or even asking, she accused me of the deed. I protested, and she grabbed my arm, whereupon I kicked her in the shin and ran out of the room. I went home and refused to return for nearly 2 weeks. My behavior has not improved much in the ensuing 70 years. No longer use my feet, but the mouth works before the brain at times.
When I “graduated” from middle school to attend high school, my district changed the rules to allow high schools to see the disciplinary records of middle schools. I’m fairly sure I had a hand in that.
Where’s the Like button for threads (as opposed to comments)? I thought that was going to be one of 2.0’s signature improvements.
Everyone can see My permanent record; just search Me in public records.
Hilarious! Brings back simpler times. I’d give anything for a copy of my Permanent Record, just to recollect the many highlights that I’ve probably forgotten.
Another amusing point: The Permanent Record threat didn’t seem to actually have a great deal of deterrent power, did it. Maybe, that’s why we don’t use that tactic on our own kids.
It’s funny you mention this. I’m applying for a fellowship and they asked to see my college transcripts. I haven’t even *thought* about my transcripts since the late 1990s and I’m not even sure I’ve ever seen them.
Suddenly I’m wondering what’s on them. Half of me doesn’t even want to know or be forced to remember.
At least mine doesn’t include any arrests. Not that it shouldn’t just that it doesn’t.
I suspect that the permanent record is now in the keeping of federal government and its various associated agencies. To be used by various political operatives when and as needed.
Not sure exactly why we don’t use it on our kids. It may be that “permanent record” may have been code for “reputation.” Remember once we were scolded for doing things that would “ruin our reputation” (promiscuity, drinking, getting arrested etc)–in other words stuff that would bring shame to the family name. The family name doesn’t seem to mean much any more. This may or may not be a good thing. We do know that Ajax was always introduced as “son of Telemon” (as were his contemporaries) and that Solon told Croesus that Tellus was happier than Croseus, because “….. (he) died upon the field most gallantly. The Athenians gave him a public funeral on the spot where he fell, and paid him the highest honors.” In other words, how you “go out”–what your reputation is amongst your peers, determines how happy you are. Ergo: if you have a bad reputation, a “poor” permanent record, you won’t die happy. Just a thought
The HR department for my current role insisted that I put my high school on my application. Small company HR department was so union-phobic that they even made executives go through these stupid hoops.
If the company hadn’t been paying for a relo back to New England to be closer to both of our families I would have ended the interview process and gotten back on a plane home.
The last company I was contracting with REQUIRED my high school and college transcripts as a condition of employment. I am in my 50s and could not see why 30+ year old documents were relevant but it was made clear no transcripts no job.
The end customer (not sure if you work through a third-party)? If so, they sound like a treat.
I used to work independent but those days are pretty much over. Anymore you can not get a gig without going through at least one of the major consulting firms. If I remember correctly there were 3 consulting firms I was working through before the final client, two of which I never met but still they were getting a piece of my rate. I always find it funny that I am considered valuable resource to companies that I have never one employee of or been to their office. In this case I do not know which company or if the client required the transcripts.