Last night we had a party for all of the members of Company 1. I am not one to attend student parties – but in that this was hosted by one of the parents, I thought I would swing by. I am not sure what to expect from high school parties these days – – one hears LOTS of scary things around the hallway but this was simple, sweet and thoughtful.
The only thing that unneverd me a bit at the party was the interest of the soon-to-be-graduates working up the nerve to call me Michel rather then Mr. Higgins. It does seem like a right of passage for high school folk. BUT, it just creeps me out. It is not as if I am demanding some final flourish of respect – but by now ‘Mr. Higgins” seems like my birth name Perhaps “Michael” will fit SOME day but not today.
For today, let’s just keep it simple and ask “Mr. Higgins” if he would like another slice of pie.
One comment on “A Company Party”
I’m glad to hear that the party was sweet and thoughtful. As for using your first name I think this is a rather annoying generational trend that exists across the board. In the olden days before emails, children learnt how to write formal letters which meant that you automatically addressed someone in a particular way; but now with emails and text messaging, you don’t learn these skills. I think this is why professors at university and elsewhere are addressed in an informal way.