|
For most people an excuse to not go to work is extremely welcomed. However, for FHS fitness trainer Deb Whaley, her excuse was highly undesired and kept her away from her job and the United States for a month and a half.
As a Canadian citizen, Whaley did all of her post-secondary schooling in the U.S. Up to and including last year, Whaley had been operating in the country under a student visa. In preparation for the expiration of her visa in August, Whaley started the tedious immigration paperwork last May. However, some of the paperwork given to her was wrong and the drawn-out process was slowed even more, resulting in her delayed return to FHS.
“It was extremely frustrating for me,” said Whaley. “The only thing that was getting me through it was helping my parents.”
Due to the sickness of her mother, Whaley spent her probationary time with her parents.
“When it was all said and done,” said Whaley, “I was where I needed to be the most in September.”
Not only did the school district facilitate Whaley’s arrival —so did the Montana legislature.
“Sen. Baucus’s office was just unbelievable in helping me,” said Whaley. “They actually had contact people working in the American immigration to speed up the process.”
Whaley’s teaching job at Flathead was scheduled to begin Aug. 17, but the immigration paperwork kept her in Canada until Oct. 8, when the final paperwork finally came through. By Oct. 10, Whaley was back in the U.S. and ready to work.
“I really appreciate the school district being so patient,” said Whaley. “I’m really glad I’m here doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”
|
