<p>Hi parents, I wanted your advice on my situation since I’m sure many of you have dealt with a variety of things happening with your own students.</p>
<p>I was offered an internship this semester for the summer (training is supposed to be in the middle of June & it begins at the end of June). The only thing holding back getting the offer finalized was a background check. I mailed in the forms the week of May 7th for the May 11th deadline and followed up by phone on May 9th to be told they hadn’t been received, but I would be contacted if there were any problems. I didn’t hear anything on May 11th or for most of the week after.</p>
<p>On Friday, May 18th, I returned home for a family emergency. My uncle (my mom’s older brother) was in his final days in his battle against cancer. To spare the sad details, he passed away at home around midnight on Sunday. The two days I was home, I spent all my time at my uncle’s house for prayers and to just be there for support. </p>
<p>During the time I was at my uncle’s home, I received a phone call from the internship, but did not have my phone on me so I obviously did not answer it. I didn’t return home until yesterday evening where I caught up on my phone calls and a few emails. Since it was so late, I sent an email after seeing I had a missed call from my internship explaining why I missed their call and did not return it immediately.</p>
<p>I received a response email this morning basically stating that she understood my situation and needed to speak with me to finalize summer plans. I called her later today and we talked and I said I could get the papers to her by tomorrow, by driving up to her office (about 2 hours from me) and she said to call her back later. She also mentioned she called twice (which was true) and sent an email (but I did not receive it), so we needed to act quickly. About 20 mins later, she sent me an email saying she’s decided to pursue another person for the position.</p>
<p>I really don’t know what to do, and personally don’t think it’s fair (but nothing is ever really fair). I understand that I did not respond in a timely matter, but I feel like the circumstances were understandable. Also, the last time we touched base before this incident, everything was in order. Since this also happened over the weekend, I thought that responding on Monday would be understandable, since they are closed Saturday & Sunday. </p>
<p>Sorry if my thought process is kind of rambling & unorganized. It’s been a rough few days for me already, since I was very close to my uncle and couldn’t get home while he was still healthy. Getting my internship taken away from me just kind of kicks me while I’m already down and I don’t know how to handle it. I want to ask to be reconsidered for the position, but don’t know how to respond to the organization. Any help?</p>
<p>TL;DR - Got an internship, missed their phone call to say that they didn’t receive my papers because my Uncle passed away. Didn’t return their phone call until 3 days later due to his death, but then they decided to find someone else to replace me.</p>