A Lesson From An 8th Grader (The Friday Ficks S6 E20)

A Lesson From An 8th Grader (The Friday Ficks S6 E20)

Would I agree to an interview for her 8th grade school project, he asked?

It was an easy “yes” agreeing to chat with a good friend’s granddaughter interested in a career in law.

She (and her mother) later called and in our ensuing 30 minutes together, left quite an impression. Prepared. Thoughtful. Curious. Respectful. Gracious. She initiated, and then navigated, a real conversation, asking insightful questions and listening carefully, without distraction, to the answers.

Did I help her? I’d like to think so.

But a few days later, she helped me more when I received her handwritten thank you note. Not a text with a furtive “TY” or the ubiquitous emoji chain.

Handwritten.

A note that simply said: “Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me. I learned so much and it was a big help.”

The world is dominated by speed, shortcuts, clipped conversations, screens and instant everything. Reacting instead of conversing. Swiping instead of connecting.

The note reminded me that old school never goes out of style. There is still tremendous power in taking the time to actually talk to someone - and even greater power in showing gratitude

afterward.

For those of us who are a bit further down life’s road, the note also served as a timely reminder that investing time in future generations is never wasted. It might just take one conversation to encourage a future, build confidence, or shape a dream.

Many adults could learn a lesson from this 8th grader. Preparedness matters. Manners matter. Presence matters. Gratitude matters.

Old school? Maybe. But some things are timeless for a reason.

Own the day. Own the weekend.

Carl