FROM READERS: 'Discrimination Made Simple,' a poem from Margaret Prezioso-Frye

Margaret Prezioso-Frye is a single mother of two children who moved to Columbia in 1987. She wrote this poem about the discrimination she faces, writing, "I never expected all doors to be closed."

Discrimination Made Simple
What I did years ago I am now found overqualified for

There are too many students useful for programming to be pushed around and paid less
I am not hired for positions needing no prior experience

I am an educated woman, two BAs, two MAs
Have taught in foreign countries
Am certified to teach
And although my peers hold MAs only and are hired as teachers
I am required to seek more education
My certification is wrong because it is overseas
I am a qualified professional not qualified enough
I am undependable because I am traveled
I am accomplished but it's not good enough

Those who demand more education, more expertise and then of course...
Don't have in the small print that they will buy

The burden always my

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