One last lesson for seniors, soon graduating to larger world
Are we sending our high school seniors into the world without some of the most basic and necessary skills? Skills that if not needed now, will certainly be needed later in life?
Such as table manners, where a refresher might be in order, but though all know some, few know all. Wouldn’t that be a great service to our students, their colleges, their future spouses and bosses—a reminder of what the larger world expects beyond Forestport, Webb or Inlet?
I’ve enjoyed restaurant meals with many of our local youths. And all could use tips and reminders. As an example, some forget to remove their hats while at the table—or indoors for that matter.
The school hierarchy may exclude table manners from their formal teaching tasks, but if not the school, then who? Maybe View would make a good instructional venue, or someplace else. But who should take the lead? Since the endeavor involves students learning from teachers, maybe school involvement would be appropriate—in association with View.
Now that would be a great community partnership that would benefit many. And for years to come.
Any other volunteers out there? Instructors? Helpers? I’d be happy to assist.
My little story. A couple of years ago, after a local basketball game, our son Calvin and some friends wanted to hit Tony Harpers for pizza. Since they wanted a ride, and Val and I needed dinner, we made the decision to join them.
Knowing I was going to be purchasing dinner, I didn’t hesitate to look over to the boys’ table and remind them to make sure they had napkins on their laps. Cal reached for the paper towels and handed them out to each person. I turned my attention back to my own pizza without much more thought.
I understand that sometime after dinner, one of the other boys said, “Hey Calvin, ya know how your dad made us put a napkin on our lap?” Cal answered, “Yeah?”
“Is that some kind of family tradition or something?” the boy asked.
Which isn’t to say I couldn’t benefit from some instruction myself.
If you see me eating at a restaurant, you may laugh—or you may cringe! I admit that I forget more table manners than I remember sometimes. Fortunately lapses are easier to hide in small towns where we enjoy pizza more often than filet mignon.
Still, a few more skills could only help a person who seeks to one-day impress potential bosses or future in-laws. Even if they only learn to recognize proper etiquette in others and mimic it…
They may eventually become the person being mimicked!
Just a thought.
