Continuing the Tradition by Reese

Continuing the Tradition by Reese - January 2023 Scholarship Essay

Our world is much different than it used to be. Some things are better than before, and some are worse. We now have indoor plumbing, we have cars to get around, and we have heated houses. All of which we should be very grateful for, but has everything changed for good? Is the evolution and introduction of new technology changing the way young generations are brought up? Can teenagers be taught to look up from their phones and carry on a conversation with those around them? Maybe the new technology we see as so essential is actually an obstacle to young, and future generations.

Over the past few years, I have seen firsthand how much values and communication skills have changed. In the 7th grade, when I was 14 years old, I began taking Social. I am from the south and these classes have been a tradition passed on by many generations. In these classes, we learn traditional dances such as the Waltz, Foxtrot, and Shag, along with many others. As well in these classes, we learn social skills and proper etiquette. Although this may sound silly to some, I greatly enjoyed the experience. Following three years of these classes, I applied to be a part of the Cotillion Club. I was asked to come back to help with these classes, teaching those younger than me. It was then that I realized how much had changed. As I saw these classes from a different perspective, now teaching and setting an example to those just beginning, I began to notice how disconnected our generation is. These 7th and 8th grade students walked in, heads down, smartphones in hand. When asked to switch dance partners, many would look at the floor, avoiding conversation and not saying a word. The man overseeing and running this program walked in one day exclaiming, “You don’t know how to talk to each other!”. When switching dance partners, it was required to carry on a 30-second conversation before dancing. These conversations consisted of each child asking questions like “Where do you go to school?” and “Do you play any sports?”. These questions led to conversations and new friends. By the conclusion of the class, 10 months later, each student could carry on a face to face conversation with anyone in the room.

Continuing the tradition, this phrase used by many in the program. Social continues the tradition and establishes important characteristics and skills traditionally sought after, lost by our generation. When running into those who have taken Social in public, I see a great difference from those who didn’t take a class. Those who did are friendlier and can carry on a conversation. Social is not just about learning traditional dances, but instead becoming a well rounded individual who functions well in the real world. I believe this extracurricular activity, or one similar should be required as our world is becoming increasingly disconnected from those around us. Our communication should happen face to face, not through a screen.