LETTER: CPPS Response

As a veteran counselor at Career Planning and Placement Service with a sincere interest in providing helpful service to students, I wish to respond to the comments of a junior whom I counseled about summer work experience in the field of architecture. In her letter to the editor (DP 3/27/92), the student refers to our conversation of January 24. As the spouse of an architect, I made reference to the difficulties associated with working in architecture -- a stimulating and satisfying profession, albeit a challenging one in which to earn a living. In encouraging the student to pursue her goals despite possible financial hardships, I made reference to the fact that, as a single person without dependents, she should find it less onerous to face the current recession in architecture. If I inadvertently expressed this observation in language that the student interpreted as sexist, I apologize, for that was certainly not my intent and does not reflect my values. We at CPPS seek to help all students prepare for future careers by learning about the realities of individual career choices. I regret that in providing information to the student, she interpreted my comments as patronizing or insensitive. In seeking to clear up this misunderstanding, I hope to reiterate what is, I hope, already clear to the community. CPPS -- and I, as a member of the CPPS staff -- have as a goal to help eliminate sexism, not to support it! DEBBIE MICHAEL Career Counselor Career Planning and Placement Service