Every once in a while, an experience just blows your mind and you spend days…even weeks…thinking about it. Sometimes these are major world events, but other times they are just minor moments that come and go before you realize it.
I had one of those moments last week, while I was speaking to a group of young USF students in an “Intro to PR” Class.
After a week of dwelling on this event, I decided to talk with the professor who asked me to speak. After hearing what I said, and talking it over with the Dean, she suggested I write an email to the student who was at the center of this event.
I wanted to share that email with you.
To the student in the back of the room:
I just wanted to let you know that I saw you. I saw you falling asleep while I was talking. I also saw you giving me two middle fingers while I took the selfie.
Wow. Just wow. I have tried very hard not to generalize your generation as so many others have done in social media and in the media as lazy, disrespectful and entitled. But your actions last week make it very hard. Thankfully, there were several other people in the class that made up for your unbelievable behavior, so I still have hope.
Honestly, I’m am pissed off that you would be so disrespectful to a professional that took the time out of her very busy day to come and share her stories and insights with you. Maybe you don’t plan on going into Public Relations, so you think that justifies your behavior. Trust me, it doesn’t.
In the end, I know that I will quickly be forgotten by you (if I already wasn’t). But trust me when I say that I will remember you for a very long time. I will talk about you. I will use your behavior as an example to future classes on how NOT to treat others. And who knows, maybe one day our paths will cross again. You just better hope it isn’t in a job interview or other work situation.
So, in closing, even though I could go on and on, please let me give you one final piece of advice – and I hope you are awake to hear this. Don’t do this to anyone else…ever. Be respectful of your professors, classmates and guests. Hell, be respectful to everyone. In the long run, it will make you a better man.
Good luck and if you would like to chat about anything, I am a big enough person to give you a second chance.
Sincerely,
Diane W. Jones, MPA, APR
