CONSIDER THIS: From one professional to another

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com

Michael Rodriguez

I try my best to keep the environment at the office fun and enjoyable. Sure, I’m as professional and serious as the next guy, but with the stress of meeting deadlines and the pressures of remaining the number one source for local news, I’ve often found it easier to focus by incorporating a lighthearted demeanor. My conduct’s not inappropriate, of this I can assure you. I’m just a little crazy. But only a little.

With that in mind, consider that, over the years, I’ve seen many reporters come and go – each of them I’ve shared laughs with, each of them victimized by my special brand of humor. Take, for instance, Jerry Rodriguez.

A senior at San Benito High School at the time, Jerry called me one day and spoke with a trembling voice. He was clearly nervous, or maybe the connection was bad, I don’t know. Anyway, the young man wanted a job as a reporter, so we settled on a day and time for the interview. Ever the punctual boy, Jerry arrived right on schedule. He didn’t need a nametag for me to recognize that this was my interviewee, especially since his hair was shaggy, his pants baggy, and his shirt faded. Yep, this was a teenager.

“I’m looking for Michael,” Jerry said as I approached the counter at the front of the office.

“Michael’s not here,” I replied. “Please take a seat at his desk and wait for him to show up.”

At this point, you’re probably wondering why I would not identify myself. Understand that it was my intention to pull a little prank. Why? Well, I just wanted to see how long he would wait at my desk before giving up and walking out. After all, patience is a virtue.

So, I go over to our secretary’s desk and strike up a conversation about literally nothing. This was just an excuse to gain better positioning so I could more carefully observe Jerry’s facial expressions. Except for a couple of glances around the office and the occasional look over his shoulder, undoubtedly anticipating my arrival, Jerry remained stone-faced the entire time. I was impressed.

“The force is strong with this one,” I thought to myself. “He’s waited 20 minutes and he has barely moved in his seat. Surely he has an itch, or something.”

Deciding to end the poor boy’s torture, I walked over and sat at my desk, but I didn’t acknowledge him just yet. I did, however, take phone calls for “Michael,” much to Jerry’s confusion.

“Are you Michael?” Jerry asked with a smile.

“Yeah! Hey!” I exclaimed. “Nice to meet you. Let’s get this interview rolling.”

Jerry appreciated my humor, so has Francisco Eduardo Jimenez, who has returned to us as our staff writer after a year’s departure.

Upon first meeting Frank, there was a series of telephone conversations and correspondence that took place prior to his first interview. The hiring process was taken quite seriously, and I was rather assertive in our initial conversations. I could tell that Frank was excited about the job but was also uncertain of his chances.

The day of the interview, I thought I’d look as intimidating as possible (it ain’t hard when you’re morbidly obese). It worked, Frank admitted years later. He informed me that he was actually really nervous right up until he sat at my desk.

My first question was, “So, who’s your favorite band?”

Perplexed, Frank raised his eyes and searched for the right answer.

“How you answer determines whether you get the job or not,” I said.

“Umm…” Frank hesitated. “Radiohead!”

He answered wisely.

Good times. Good people.

I mention this because I’ve recently witnessed several cases of mistreatment. One instance includes a recent visit to a San Benito business, where I was shocked to see a manager degrade her employee so harshly that he began to weep right in front of me. Ma’am, ask yourself whose behavior is really unprofessional: Mine or yours?

It’s sad to say, but there are some people in this city who have a warped idea of what constitutes professionalism. I’m happy to say that I’m not one of those people.

Read this story in the Jan. 6 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.