I am generally a very busy person, but my parents raised me right, which is why when I happen upon some form of injustice I take time to play at least some small part in correcting it. It has come to my attention that the Poly has made it a point to ridicule graduate students who have come from outside this country to study, and have, consequently, trouble speaking the vernacular. Let me say just this to the staff of the Poly: Shame on you!

I would pay seriously large amounts of money to see any one of you travel to a foreign land, away from your family and friends, to study and learn your craft at such a high level in an entirely different language. Now that takes courage—courage that I don’t have and I would imagine many of you don’t have either. Start showing some respect! Furthermore, the door swings both ways here. This is an academic institution—we are here to learn—so instead of complaining about the “Chinese TA” (see the “Top Ten” from the January 30 issue of The Polytechnic), help him or her out! Tell them what our phrases or slang mean. Draw some pictures or use sign language if you must, but do not place the entire blame and responsibility on the TA. Lastly, I would have you know that as budding engineers and entrepreneurs you will be required to perform on a global scale, so the sooner you get used to those “strange” accents, the better. Consider it part of your very expensive education.

William Schlichting