I've always been staunchly opposed to it, even when I've been on the positive end of such nonsense. It does nothing for anyone, if you ask me. And personally, I'd rather come by a reward by my hard work, instead of merely because I knew the right person. I suppose my attitude is a nod to the Christian work ethic my wonderful parents instilled in me, but it's also only fair.
I suppose I've been naive, however, in thinking that others, especially those at a Catholic University, would hold that same ethic. Which makes some of the recent events at my University even more hurtful.
It's not right or fair to intentionally undercut someone's confidence and hard work. It is not right to only criticise one's students and never give an ounce of praise. It is equally unfair to only praise and never correct honest faults. As a teacher, I feel obligated to make available to my students every tool they need in order to fulfill their goals-- it is what they pay me for, after all, and they deserve my encouragement and support-- and happy will be the day when all teachers feel and acknowledge this same obligation.
However, principles set aside, one can learn from such hurtful and unfair circumstances. Confidence can be rebuilt, faith in oneself can grow, and those who truly care for your well-being can be discerned. All with grace, of course.
That being said, I shall hold my head up high, dust off my battered confidence, resolve to work harder and to become better than before, with the help of God. It is He, after all, who picks our crosses and He who knows what is best for us at any moment in time. I can only pray for the strength to carry my cross well and cheerfully, and in a spirit of humility.
To aid me in this difficult task, I rely on God's grace, especially those granted by reciting the following Litany:
Litany of Humility
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ...
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I ...
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease ...
That others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should…
Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930),
Secretary of State for Pope Saint Pius X
Secretary of State for Pope Saint Pius X
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