REFERENCE

Yesterday a dear friend wrote asking:

As you know, I am back in school and will be interviewing for a full-time teaching position for this fall. Could I use you as a personal/character reference?

Writing letters of reference and speaking on the phone with prospective employers has always been something I've enjoyed doing. While some people may view requests for references as nothing more than extra work or a big hassle, I choose to look at it as an honor. Someone taking the time to ask for your reference is actually a statement of support for you, the reference giver. The honor lies in the faith placed in your ability to provide accurate and authentic information which can ultimately make a world of difference in someone else's life. Next time someone asks you for a reference, or the next time you ask someone else for one, consider what it means.