Page 61 - Robeson Living Spring 2022

As a child I learned basic etiquette. “Please,” “thank you,” NC State University and N.C. A&T State University are col-
“you’re welcome,” “excuse me,” and “I apologize” are phrases lectively committed to positive action to secure equal opportu-
I learned early in life and that cover a variety of scenarios and nity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of
situations. It is part of my basic etiquette tool box I use every age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity,
day. It is a tool box I must remember not everyone has. Shortly genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, re-
after starting my position as a 4-H agent, I took a group of teens ligion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and vet-
to Raleigh for a program and stopped at a family restaurant eran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, U.S. Department of Agricul-
to buy them lunch. I had maybe six teens with me, who or- ture, and local governments cooperating.
dered and we had polite conversation, excited to be out on their
own (without parents) and enjoying the experience. When the ABOUT N.C. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
food came one child was shocked at what was put before her. N.C. Cooperative Extension is a strategic partnership of NC
She ordered hamburger steak and it was obvious from the tone State Extension, The Cooperative Extension Program at N.C.
in her voice when she said “What’s that?”, she had thought A&T State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
it would be a hamburger. Quickly realizing the issue, I qui- National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA), and
etly offered to get her a hamburger instead but she declined. local governments statewide. Extension professionals in all
What came after that was a tirade of utensils being misused, 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
mishandled, and ultimately flung across the table in frustra- connect millions of North Carolinians with research-based in-
tion because this child had never had to use utensils to eat. Her formation and technology from NC State and N.C. A&T. Edu-
food had always been something she could eat with her hands cational programs specialize in agriculture, food and nutrition,
(fried chicken, sandwiches, hamburgers, etc.). The other youth 4-H youth development, community development, and the en-
did their best to help her with her utensils, because she did not vironment.
want adult help. I searched my brain on how this happened,
and realized as a child my parents gave me these tools to help
me through any social situation. Not wanting another child to
deal with this type of frustration, I realized there was a need for
etiquette training, and we could set our youth up for success by
offering it.

So, every other summer, 4-H has offered a one-day etiquette
course. We cover everything from greetings to dressing for
success, electronic (and now virtual) manners, and yes table, Upgrade Your Home with a
manners. We do it in a very fun and realistic manner. We
partner with a nearby resort for a multi-course lunch. We have NEW METAL ROOF
the youth throw a mixer with adults at the end of the day, and
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appetizers while shaking hands and carrying on a conversation.
It is a fun day where the youth write a thank you note, gain LIMITED TIME OFFER
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some confidence, and walk away with a book we created to 60 off
give them something to refer to as they get older. I love when
parents tell me their child is now insisting the family sits at the YOUR INSTALLATION
table for dinner and is setting the table (getting out their book +
to make sure it is right), or starting to use words like “please” TAKE AN ADDITIONAL STRONG AS STEEL WITH THE
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As we continue to work with youth on manners, I think it is Workers and First Responders From Dimensional Shingles to classic styles
time to put a little more emphasis on appropriately saying Warranty- Limited Lifetime. reminiscent of Cedar Shake and Spanish Tile, an
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Hail up to 2.5”, Appearance
thing is for sure - being polite and kind to others never goes out Limited time offer. of the surface coating beyond protecting your family and property for a lifetime.
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of style. So, if you are sitting there reading this and thinking,
thank you, please know you are welcome. Call today to schedule your
FREE ESTIMATE 1-844-980-3889
For more information, contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, Extension
4-H Youth Development Agent with North Carolina Coopera- Made in New orders only. Does not include material costs. Cannot be combined with any other
offer. Minimum purchase required. Other restrictions may apply. This is an advertisement
tive Extension, Robeson County Center, at 671-3276, or by E- the USA placed on behalf of Erie Construction Mid-West, Inc (“Erie”). Offer terms and conditions
may apply and the offer may not be available in your area. Offer expires December 31st
mail at [email protected]. 2021. If you call the number provided, you consent to being contacted by telephone, SMS
text message, email, pre-recorded messages by Erie or its affiliates and service provid-
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