Second Chances

"We are human and because of that, we are prone to error."  How many times and how many different ways have you heard that? While we are told to be understanding and empathic to others' mishaps because of this notion, does this idea transfer to the professional scene?

There was a recent situation at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee where the Speaker of the Student Senate made racist remarks on his blog a few years ago.  This local story, which has just recently come public, has garnered national media attention and as a result, university officials spoke with the student, prompting him to issue a public apology.  I'm not sure who received this letter, but I just got done reading the lengthy apology, and it explains that he is not the same person that he was at the time that he wrote the blog, and he hopes to continue growing, become a better person and blah, blah, blah ...

I'm not sure what impact, if any, this letter will have.  But it does make me wonder, how often do we get to start a clean slate in life?  Especially in the professional scene.  While this may not be the best example to reference (as it's loaded with several issues that deserve a separate debate and conversation), it's of top of mind.  I am speaking of the "uh-ohs" at work or public screw-ups that may affect your professional image and life.

Whether rightfully so, or not, this student must carry this baggage with him for the rest of his life.  His public image is forever tarnished.  With a quick Google search of the student's name, any interviewer may soon question his ability to fit in with a diverse workplace and wonder if there will be any potential problems in hiring him.
I'd of course assume that the level of forgiveness and opportunity to "start fresh" depends on the magnitude of the error.  However, with those long-lasting stains, do you think there's ever a time when the past will get erased?  Or, are you spending a lifetime making amends and proving that your past is not your present or future?