Students of the Academy at the Lakes spent part of their school day on April 15 reflecting and sharing their thoughts on the value of gratitude.
The session was part of a daylong presentation known as “Day of Manners,” presented by Tia Young, president and CEO of her company, Tia Young Image and Etiquette LLC.
Young has been the presenter for the etiquette series hosted at the academy.
She asked a classroom of seventh-graders: “What are we really grateful for?
“Just learning and understanding the thing that you’re grateful for helps you to thank those people that have helped you be successful,” Young said.
She used the analogy of a bucket to represent the emotional heart.
Compliments and positive comments add not only to the receiver’s bucket, but the giver’s bucket as well, she said.
On the other hand, negative words take away from both buckets — because no one benefits from this, she added.
As a former flight attendant, Young is well-versed in the do’s and don’ts of decorum.
Traveling to various countries and meeting people from different walks of life, she said that not everyone holds themselves to the same standards of mannerisms.
As the mother of a newborn, and having witnessed the events of September 11, Young was prompted to take a new career path.
She wanted to educate people on standards that everyone could live by, regardless of class or culture.
After receiving an etiquette certification, she began teaching her own courses on proper manners in 2002.
Her students’ age range varies from kids to those more seasoned in life, but said that even adults in her courses see the need for character growth.
“They know the importance of it, but they just want to get better,” Young explained.
This day’s class helped the middle-schoolers think about what they really appreciate in their lives.
Young handed out papers and asked the students to write down a list of words beginning with each letter of the alphabet on what they’re grateful for.
From A to Z, students revealed in a single word what was of importance to them.
Olivia Wells mentioned her appreciation for her entire family.
“They do so much for us and they sacrifice so much,” the 13-year-old said.
Friends were said to be admired as entertainment, while pets were seen as a source of comfort when sad.
“I’m thankful for my neighbors,” chimed in Kevin Crowley, varsity golf coach at the academy. “We’re all great friends and we help each other out.”
One student expressed gratitude for a good quality of life, and another voiced appreciation for having rights as a citizen.
In another exercise, Young used a stack of counterfeit money.
Students began naming various needs they may take for granted that their parents have to pay for.
For each need called out, whether pet food, a home or clothing, the instructor placed the bills inside a container – with her stack of bills slowly dwindling in size.
Young explained that this lesson aims to help students understand what parents must contribute to provide a comfortable life for them.
While the kids contemplated their privileges, Young encouraged them to write ‘thank you’ letters to their parents.
“Don’t take them for granted,” she said, handing out cards and envelopes. “Every day is not promised, so make sure you thank them for every opportunity you get.”
Before the students began writing, Young shared something quite sentimental to her. She held up a card with a drawing of herself that her daughter had made as a special commemorative.
As part of the lesson, Young instructed the students where to place their greeting and signature. She also offered ideas as to what to write, and how to properly address the envelope.
Ian Curry, 13, said that he left the presentation feeling well-informed on what it means to show gratitude.
“It’s a great review on being a good person, overall,” the seventh-grader added .
That’s the kind of response Young hopes students will take away from the session.
She noted how well-behaved the students were, and added that the training begins at home with the parents.
“Most times people think I’m helping bad kids, but it’s quite the opposite,” Young said.
“There are people who already have it (good etiquette). They just want to brush up on it.”
She hopes that the lessons on respect and compassion that she teaches will spread from one person to another, well beyond the classroom’s walls.
For upcoming courses or additional information, contact Tia Young at (813) 629-2785, visit www.TampaEtiquette.com, on Facebook at Tia Young Image and Etiquette or email .
Published May 01, 2019
