As a young, black girl raised in the South, I always knew that good manners and respect for others could take you places money and education could not.
My mother taught me this. She and my father divorced when I was around six years old. In those days, it was not easy for a woman divorcing. So, my mom received nothing but her clothing and the children. I was the oldest. Through my child's eye, it seemed that I went from being a princess to a pauper overnight.
Everything changed -- I was pulled from my private school and placed in an inner city public school, and we moved from a large, comfortable home to a rental in a low income area. It was all so foreign, strange and scary to me.
I couldn’t understand my new surroundings at all. “Why,” I wondered “are people sitting outside during the day when most people are at work?” Loud music rang out at all times of night, and men stood on corners. There were no flower gardens, and no grass. Just dirt, weeds and litter. I was even afraid of the children my age, because they fought. I decided I would just stay inside my small new home, and never venture into what I thought was a dark world.
As a child, you tend to think everything is either your fault or that bad situations happen because YOU have done something wrong. One day as I sat at the window watching the people on that street, I began to feel overwhelmed by sadness that "I" had changed, that I was no longer worthy of love or respect.
I cannot tell you where the inner response came from, but immediately, I heard my soul say to me, "You haven't changed; only your situation has. You will always be you, no matter where you are."
That was it. No big compliments or encouragement, just the truth. And, what a big truth it was! I can’t imagine where my life would have gone had I not received that message. But, I did! And, with that, I went outside to play.
Long story short, I soon found myself making great and lifelong friends with the very children who fought. We had the craziest conversations. I’d ask them why they fought, and they’d ask me why I wore “white girl” clothes! We’d listen and learn from each other. That’s how children are.
At my new school, I stood out. Teachers said it was because of my politeness, respect for authority and carriage. So, I was given a lot of positive attention and selected for special assignments.
My mother says that I received all of this on my own merit. However, I know to this day that it was the training I received at home from Mother.
Even though our situation had changed, she still insisted that we set the table and eat meals as a family. We had to be polite, well-groomed and respectful of other people’s time. Although funds were limited, she made us feel that we had not lost a thing. Instead of taking us to the Symphony, she would bring a popular new record home on a Friday night. And, we’d listen and dance all evening. First, we’d enjoy the song, itself. Then, she would ask us to guess the number and names of instruments playing. From there, we’d talk about genre, tone, melody, lyrics and other topics associated with music appreciation.
With new friends, great teachers and my mother’s teachings, I soon found myself at peace, happy even.
Instead of continuing to question my new friends about their behavior, I began to hold what I called “lady school.” Everything my mother taught me, I tried to share. I was amazed by the response. They really wanted and appreciated it! We could not have been more than 10 years old when I began holding my “lady school,” but there was a real and noticeable change in behavior! “Lady School” started with just the three of us meeting under a tree during the summer. That group grew to seven.
My mom was so encouraged, that she helped out by buying cute little notebooks and pens from the dollar store, and even did a session on properly setting a table.
The change in behavior was wonderful to watch, as it spilled over into my friends’ performance at school. Attitudes and behavior did change. So, before I was even 11 years old, I knew the positive power of what I now understand as etiquette.
I believe that everything we encounter in life prepares us for something larger. What may be seen as a setback may actually be a setup for something wonderful. From that experience, I learned two major life lessons: Yes, we CAN bloom wherever we are planted, and that an understanding of etiquette is one of life’s best equalizers with interactng with others.
Spending time in poverty also helped me better understand and connect with the children I work with, today. Through church and my service sorority, I work with underserved boys and girls, teaching about personal responsibility, etiquette and social intelligence. Most are from broken homes, with limited parental involvement. They consider me credible, not just because of my background, but bec
Enter to win a complimentary tuition to Protocol Officer Training (a $6,800 value)!
*Subject to sponsor’s final approval
*Contest value of $6,800.00 is equivalent to course tuition. The tuition includes the cost of the training, materials, full breakfast each morning; refreshment breaks each day, and one dining tutorial lunch. All other meals, transportation, travel and hotel accommodations are not included.
*Contest prize must be redeemed for a regularly scheduled Protocol Officer Training course no later than October 31, 2015.
*Contest prize is non-transferable to any other person or alternative PSOW course offering without the express written consent of The Protocol School of Washington.
Here’s how it works:
Share your story: Tell us how protocol training could propel you in your career and why you should receive our grand prize of complimentary tuition.
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Submit your story at any time throughout National Protocol Officer Week (March 23 - March 29) and the winner will be announced on our Facebook page and notified via email! (April 2nd)
With the evolution of globalization, protocol has become a highly sophisticated and strategic asset in today's business, military, and diplomatic world. Become a trusted advisor, an expert, and a recognized leader in planning and orchestrating V.I.P. visits, meetings, ceremonies, and special events. Leaders will count on you to advise and guide them in U.S. and foreign order of precedence, customs, and cultural differencs.
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Unfortunately, programs like yours are not eligible for Federal Aid so the only way someone like me can improve their career outlook and therefore earning power, is with this kind of scholarship.
International Protocol to my Image Consulting business offerings. PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!
From my educational background and work experience, I have never seen such a great course like the one delivered by the PSOW “The Protocol Manager Course”.
Although I worked as an interpreter during the course, which was held in Bahrain, I still remember each single word delivered by its highly qualified and experienced trainers.
I consider the prize, if I win, an investment from the PSOW in me to deliver the international protocol standards in the Middle East region, to bridge the communication gaps between the West and the Middle East.
“Protocol is the art of creating a distraction free environment that permits the free and open exchange of information to resolve issues and build relationships in international business and global diplomacy.”
My mother taught me this. She and my father divorced when I was around six years old. In those days, it was not easy for a woman divorcing. So, my mom received nothing but her clothing and the children. I was the oldest. Through my child's eye, it seemed that I went from being a princess to a pauper overnight.
Everything changed -- I was pulled from my private school and placed in an inner city public school, and we moved from a large, comfortable home to a rental in a low income area. It was all so foreign, strange and scary to me.
I couldn’t understand my new surroundings at all. “Why,” I wondered “are people sitting outside during the day when most people are at work?” Loud music rang out at all times of night, and men stood on corners. There were no flower gardens, and no grass. Just dirt, weeds and litter. I was even afraid of the children my age, because they fought. I decided I would just stay inside my small new home, and never venture into what I thought was a dark world.
As a child, you tend to think everything is either your fault or that bad situations happen because YOU have done something wrong. One day as I sat at the window watching the people on that street, I began to feel overwhelmed by sadness that "I" had changed, that I was no longer worthy of love or respect.
I cannot tell you where the inner response came from, but immediately, I heard my soul say to me, "You haven't changed; only your situation has. You will always be you, no matter where you are."
That was it. No big compliments or encouragement, just the truth. And, what a big truth it was! I can’t imagine where my life would have gone had I not received that message. But, I did! And, with that, I went outside to play.
Long story short, I soon found myself making great and lifelong friends with the very children who fought. We had the craziest conversations. I’d ask them why they fought, and they’d ask me why I wore “white girl” clothes! We’d listen and learn from each other. That’s how children are.
At my new school, I stood out. Teachers said it was because of my politeness, respect for authority and carriage. So, I was given a lot of positive attention and selected for special assignments.
My mother says that I received all of this on my own merit. However, I know to this day that it was the training I received at home from Mother.
Even though our situation had changed, she still insisted that we set the table and eat meals as a family. We had to be polite, well-groomed and respectful of other people’s time. Although funds were limited, she made us feel that we had not lost a thing. Instead of taking us to the Symphony, she would bring a popular new record home on a Friday night. And, we’d listen and dance all evening. First, we’d enjoy the song, itself. Then, she would ask us to guess the number and names of instruments playing. From there, we’d talk about genre, tone, melody, lyrics and other topics associated with music appreciation.
With new friends, great teachers and my mother’s teachings, I soon found myself at peace, happy even.
Instead of continuing to question my new friends about their behavior, I began to hold what I called “lady school.” Everything my mother taught me, I tried to share. I was amazed by the response. They really wanted and appreciated it! We could not have been more than 10 years old when I began holding my “lady school,” but there was a real and noticeable change in behavior! “Lady School” started with just the three of us meeting under a tree during the summer. That group grew to seven.
My mom was so encouraged, that she helped out by buying cute little notebooks and pens from the dollar store, and even did a session on properly setting a table.
The change in behavior was wonderful to watch, as it spilled over into my friends’ performance at school. Attitudes and behavior did change. So, before I was even 11 years old, I knew the positive power of what I now understand as etiquette.
I believe that everything we encounter in life prepares us for something larger. What may be seen as a setback may actually be a setup for something wonderful. From that experience, I learned two major life lessons: Yes, we CAN bloom wherever we are planted, and that an understanding of etiquette is one of life’s best equalizers with interactng with others.
Spending time in poverty also helped me better understand and connect with the children I work with, today. Through church and my service sorority, I work with underserved boys and girls, teaching about personal responsibility, etiquette and social intelligence. Most are from broken homes, with limited parental involvement. They consider me credible, not just because of my background, but bec
My career has married my two passions: sports and events, which led me to experience all sides of the event industry. I have worked as a venue manager, as a client producing events and as a vendor servicing events. My work has allowed me to travel the world and some of my career event highlights include: Hosting former French President Nicolas Sarkozy during his visits to Washington, DC; working in the public relations department for Nike, Inc. at the world headquarters in Beaverton, OR; planning numerous programs and social events for several embassies (Malaysia, England, Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, China) while working at the National Geographic Society; working on the advance team at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center for Presidential and Congressional visits with the U.S. Secret Service and the White House; working at the NFL Super and Pro Bowls, NBA and MLB All-Star Games and LPGA/PGA golf tournaments; and presenting Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with a birthday cake during the advance screening of the Nat Geo television show “Inside the State Department” which happen to be on her birthday. This experience has provided me a unique advantage in developing a 360-degree view of event and logistical planning and knowledge of protocol for guests, presenters, athletes, and foreign and national dignitaries.
I have earned a B.A. in public relations, M.S. in sports marketing and am working to finish my doctorate in sports management. One of my goals to work for the International Olympic Committee and work at the Olympic Games as an event and protocol expert with the U.S. delegation. Receiving the protocol training from PSOW along with my event industry certifications, as an event professional and technical producer, would make me a more attractive and well-rounded candidate for that opportunity. Sports and events connect people from around the world and often helps to reduce or stop conflict and unite people for one common cause.
On a personal level, I plan to use the PSOW training to develop a community service program that works with inner city youth to teach them etiquette and life skills that help them to understand individual differences (race, religion, sexuality, etc.) and what makes each of us unique. Through this program, they will learn how to bridge the gap of intolerance and learn how to become successful working in a global economy.
My unique background in both the sports and event industries is very different from those who normally go through the PSOW Protocol Officer training. It is my hope that you will see how the Protocol Officer training can help me to reach my goals and become an ambassador for the PSOW.
As an active duty military officer proudly serving the U.S. Coast Guard, I find myself poised to embrace my most challenging assignment to date. Upon completion of an ultra competitive interview and screening process, I was recently selected to the distinguished position of Protocol Officer to the Commandant. Within this capacity my duties will include planning and coordinating complex and traditionally rich ceremonies to include, formal dining-in events, receptions, award ceremonies and the coordination of distinguished VIP visits. Moreover, in addition to serving the most senior officials within my organization, I will be charged with providing critical advisement to deployed Coast Guard units engaged in official engagements spanning across Asia, Europe and the Continental U.S.
My vision is to complete the upcoming Protocol Officer Training Course scheduled for 8-13 May 2014, immediately thereafter I will report to Coast Guard Headquarters and assume the official title of Protocol Officer the very next day. Uniquely positioned to immediately apply the skills and instruction acquired from The Protocol School of Washington, I will make a significant impact onto the official planning committee charged with facilitating Change of Command Ceremonies for the Commandant and Vice Commandant respectively this summer. In so far as international affairs, I will stand ready to serve as primary liaison and military advisor to foreign maritime authorities being hosted by the United States, as well as traveling abroad with senior Coast Guard officials being received by allied nations seeking guidance from the world's premier maritime authority.
In light of the austere financial climate, organizational funds are currently unavailable in support of this highly recommended training course. Nevertheless, I remain steadfast and have supplemented my exposure to matters pertinent to protocol through available publications sponsored by the Office of the Chief of Protocol and instructional manuals compiled by various Armed Forces Branches. Despite obtaining valuable insight and knowledge from aforementioned sources, I remain wanting for formal instruction and simulated real world experience. Accordingly, the opportunity to attend The Protocol School of Washington provides a tailored solution to my acknowledged gap in technical expertise.
Guided by my service motto Semper Paratus, “Always Ready,” I aim to do my best to ensure the well-deserved reputation enjoyed by the U.S. Armed Forces is not only sustained but also further enhanced by the appropriate and consistent application of unrivaled decorum.
Lastly, I thank you for your consideration and compliment you on coordinating this novel initiative towards recognizing National Protocol Officer Week.
With Kind Regards,
Ronney Wright
ronney.c.wright@gmail.com
I have been working as a Senior Personal Assistant for years with in the Hospitality sector in Amman, Jordan. My role required interacting with people from all around the globe, from the first day of my career back in the year 2000 I realized that this career requires an articulate attitude, a patient professional, a thorough listener, sophistication and great attention to details. By attending in-house training and daily guest interaction I managed to understand and apply Protocol and Etiquette successfully.
During that time I had a growing passion to start a career as a Protocol and Etiquette Trainer, therefore, I registered for a course at the Jordan Institute of Diplomacy in Etiquette and Protocol, however the course does not offer a certification to train but a certification of attendance. Through web researches with the goal to obtain a professional certificate I got to find about Protocol School Of Washington professional courses, unfortunately, the course fees were too high and the priority is always for the education of my two little girls.
Moving forward in life, me and my spouse moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates seeking a better opportunity. It was amazing to see the different nationalities and cultures that reside here.
The practice of protocol is different in this beautiful city all companies and organizations have employees, clients and guests from all around the world. Hence, Protocol is a daily practice with my goal to obtain the Protocol Certification my first focus will be to train staff on cultural differences and various protocol practices in the world creating a cohesive working environment.
I believe starting any new career should be in line with the market needs, and today I see that the UAE market requires many Protocol and Etiquette professionals especially that many International events take place here not forgetting that we have recently won the bid for Expo 2020. Such, requires professionals with in-depth knowledge of Protocol and Etiquette allowing them to handle the logistics of events, managing guests that could be of Royalty, High Rank Government Officials, Key Business Personnel or Entrepreneurs.
Therefore, I plan to pass my knowledge to other professionals that wish to be experienced in Protocol and Etiquette and whom also share the same dream as mine.
Protocol and Etiquette is not just a career goal and path but a passion and by winning my first certification from the Protocol School Of Washington it will be the first ‘new’ stepping stone in my career, which I will certainly build on.
A message to all other mothers and their daughters around the world.
“out•li•er (noun)
1: something that is situated away from or classed differently from a main or related body
2: a statistical observation that is markedly different in value from the others of the sample”
Excerpt From: Malcolm Gladwell. “Outliers: The Story of Success.”
“It's about the power of your example to nurture a new generation. It's about creating positive change and enabling opportunity. And it's about building foundations under the dreams of young girls, so that they will pay it forward for tomorrow's dreamers. Because girls with dreams become women with vision. Confident women who participate in their communities and countries. Strong women who contribute to their nations' growth and prosperity. Compassionate women who, as mothers or guardians or leaders, nurture and guide the next generation -- boys as well as girls -- towards greater equality, justice and prosperity.”
Excerpt From: Girls Who Dream Become Women With Vision http://huff.to/1h3lqBc
In this ever changing world cultural intelligence, public diplomacy and high-speed globalization are on the way to gain its peak in years to come. Let us prepare ourselves to be a greatest role model to our kids as there here is no more important role to influence the future than being a mother. The Protocol School of Washington, being leading educational institution which provides etiquette and protocol intelligence, cross-cultural awareness, business etiquette and image training prepares you to impress, express and compete in years to come. And extend your knowledge of these critical behaviors in building lasting business relationship to your kids.
“Let's seek out the little girls with big dreams and help them to believe that they can be anything they want to be. It starts with a great role model. You.”
May you faithfully pursue your role as an Outlier, with integrity and in good spirit.
Best,
An Outlier in a making
Being awarded the grand prize of complimentary Protocol Officer Training tuition would be an amazing opportunity for me to enhance and enrich my performance in the role of Manager of International Delegations and Events at The University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia. This very valuable prize would help me by adding to my knowledge which in turn would provide me with the confidence and professionalism to excel as a protocol professional.
Another great advantage if I were to win would be that I would be able to share what I learn; the experience of undertaking such worthwhile and relevant professional development; with my professional colleagues throughout Australia. Sadly, there is no formal protocol training of any kind available in the Southern Hemisphere so anything I learn and share is of benefit to us all.
International Visits/Protocol Officers from the Group of Eight Universities (Go8) meet on an annual basis. The Go8 is a coalition of leading Australian universities, intensive in research and comprehensive in general and professional education and The University of Queensland is part of this group. Our annual meeting is often the only opportunity for professional development some of our members have, particularly in the present financial climate. It is a great forum for us to meet and compare notes, discuss recent trends and specialist areas like seating plans, gift-giving etc. As well as our annual meeting we keep in touch throughout the year by email and by our newly developed Facebook page.
Earlier this year, when I was organising the meeting held at the University of Queensland, I was able to contact Pamela Eyrling, President of the PSoW to discuss our annual meeting with her. As a consequence of this, Nicole Krakora, a member of PSoW faculty, was able to join us at our meeting by teleconference. This was a fantastic opportunity for us all. The delegates really gained insight and value by listening to Nikki’s advice and sharing her experiences. In her career it is evident she has overseen some amazing events yet it seems that she has faced and solved the same problems we all have – perhaps on a smaller scale but no less important. This is quite reassuring.
My role of Manager, International Delegations and Events at UQ brings me into almost daily contact with delegations from all parts of the globe and all walks of life. I oversee the management of programs for visiting delegations to UQ that may last from one hour to a number of days. They may be high level diplomats, academics, university officers and the like or not so prominent, but no less important, visitors. With some of these events I work closely with the Office of Protocol within the University who primarily provides professional event management support and advice to the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and UQ staff to plan and manage key University events and official visits.
I also coordinate and facilitate the annual cycle of high-level offshore engagement events undertaken by the University’s senior executive. These delegations, led by the President of the University or his representative, visit various regions throughout the world to meet with our partner institutions, government departments, industry partners and diplomatic missions. The delegations also interact with our alumni and friends. These are intensive usually week-long programs that entail a number of daily meetings as well as evening receptions, seminars and dinners.
I am often asked to provide advice on the correct procedures for hosting international visitors and wining this prize would give me much more confidence and assurance that the advice I provide is correct.
UQ is ranked in the top 100 universities worldwide and the University leadership does recognise the strategic importance of our international guests. This training would provide me with the necessary tools to reassure the Senior Executive that the programs and protocol around the events are correct and appropriate. Much of what I have learned is by trial and error and “Google” is a great resource. However there is no substitute for formal training by dedicated professionals and hands on, practical learning. My Director is a great believer in professional development and I have his full support in these activities.
I would love to improve my skills through the protocol school to help in my development so I can continue to be an asset to the youth I mentor everyday. I know that this program will help me in my quest to help educate the youth about the importance of education and having the right etiquette. This scholarship would help in making the dream of reaching out to more youth a reality by providing them with the best training needed by my own example. Please select me for this scholarship to help to continue to make a difference in the lives of the youth.
Excellence in education was prized in my academically inclined family, and I strove to meet the high expectations that were set. As a result, I qualified as a National Merit Scholar and received a scholarship to attend the George Washington University in Washington, DC - quite a change from the small Oregon town in which I had been raised. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in International Affairs, supplemented by concentrations in European History and Economics. I wanted to understand how the world worked, and it was clear to me that both the ramifications of the past and the power that wealth bestows upon a nation were to key to this understanding. After working for cultural institutions and then for the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, I felt privileged to find employment with the Department of Defense.
In my current position in Military Health Diplomacy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, I have been fortunate to have as my mentor a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington’s Protocol Officer Training. The knowledge, wisdom, and insight I have gained from her expertise in protocol is priceless. In my position, I have the opportunity to help our allied nations struggling with how to best support their own people, just as the United States government helped my family when our native country was in turmoil. This is a great honor for me, as is having the opportunity to interact with our own wounded military service members, who selflessly gave of themselves to uphold American ideals throughout the world.
If selected to receive The Protocol School of Washington’s complimentary Protocol Officer Training course, my hope is that the expertise and skills I gain would enhance my ability to facilitate knowledge exchanges, encourage relationship building, and ultimately increase awareness and appreciation of the incredible work that is done in American military healthcare. I have the extraordinary opportunity to work with our nation’s heroes and those who care for them, and realize that the more understanding I have of the intricacies and nuances of protocol, the better I can serve those who have served in the past and will serve in the future.
I thank the Protocol School of Washington for the hard work and ideals that molded the generation of today into better persons.
I am the director of our Political Riding and gets meetings with people of elite backgrounds but also the not so worldly. I strongly believe and unquestionably would profit from the winnings of a complimentary tuition to Protocol Officer Training and use my money for additional training with the school.
Between meetings, I own a "Home Base Business" called "Close to My Heart", a scrapbooking and card making business. It brings people together and in the past years scrapbooking has grown into a fast pace industry. It is easy to take pictures but why not share the story in a scrapbook with your friends as well as with your family, a cup of tea in hand and a little etiquette from me to you.
From my educational background and work experience, I have never seen such a great course like the one delivered by the PSOW “The Protocol Manager Course”.
Although I worked as an interpreter during the course, which was held in Bahrain, I still remember each single word delivered by its highly qualified and experienced trainers.
I consider the prize, if I win, an investment from the PSOW in me to deliver the international protocol standards in the Middle East region, to bridge the communication gaps between the West and the Middle East.
At that point in my life I believed I was at my lowest point so I began to pray fervently and asked God why did my life matter and what was I here for. I finally gathered myself together and I decided to start doing the things that I fear. I also began self improvement courses to improve my worth and value.
I started my journey in Windsor Canada. I spent one week training with the lovely Joan Bachmeier. It was a 5 Day Image Consultant Training & Certification Program. I learned so much from this course. Joan taught me how to bring out the beauty in others and show them how to become the best version of themselves. More importantly the course started me on the journey back to loving me and feeling good about myself again.
My next adventure took me to Charleston South Carolina training with the beautiful Penelope Jean. I spent several day learning about Transformational Life Coaching, Etiquette, and Media. From Penelope’s mentorship and this course I have learned to dream again and get a vision for my life. Penelope showed me how to write my own story and to live my life on purpose.
From Charleston I went to Washington DC. There I met and trained with the amazing Janine Driver at the Body Language Institute. Janine has incredible heart, passion, and enthusiasm for what she does. Her impact and what I have learned from her is priceless. I will never be an extrovert but I learned how to work with what I have, so that my voice and the message I have for others will be heard. Through Janine, I met Michelle Pollard Patrick a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington. Ms. Patrick was polished and professional and exuded confidence and grace in her presentation. Her passion and love for her business was intriguing through her I became aware of The Protocol School of Washington.
I traveled to Jacksonville Florida to become a Certified Life Coach and Master Coach Practitioner through Derrick Sweet and the Certified Coaches Federation. He is so refreshingly humble and knowledgeable. He helped me to expand my vision and think even bigger and to no matter what always be authentic.
My final leg on my journey was to Charlotte, North Carolina. There I met with and trained with Lady Gloria Starr on image, etiquette, communications, and leadership. She taught me through my experiences that I earned the right to teach and lead other women. She showed by example about living a life of excellence, following your passion without excuses, and never giving up.
Through these experiences and the training I received thus far has helped me realize how much I want to help others. The impact that education can make in a person’s life is in incredible. It’s not just for what you learn but the person you become in the process. The wonderful mentors and friends you meet that sharpen encourage and continually inspire you to be your best.
The Protocol School of Washington is a dream come to true and I would be honored to have this opportunity. The Protocol School of Washington will enable me to build upon the knowledge and wisdom I have gained from mentors mentioned and others who have mentored me near and from afar. To me the opportunity to take this course it’s not just about enhancing my career its’ its about equipping, empowering, and changing lives.
Coming from a rural community I realize not everyone can have such an opportunity. However I want to bring the knowledge, training, and skills that I will learn back to my community and beyond, to better equip, develop and empower those around me. I know manners is what we must do, etiquette is the how to, and protocol is when to. Confidence comes when we as individuals know what we must do, how to, and when to. I believe our world, businesses, and communities in general will have more peace and prosperity when we follow and promote the must, the how, and when to in dealing with others. Manners, etiquette, and protocol are really the golden and platinum rule (I learned from Tony Alessandra) put into action.
My career has taken planned turns and unexpected risks with each one more engaging. Professionally, I am a corporate management trainer with over 25 years with world-recognized corproations. Fourteen years ago I shifted gears from the corporate world to academics where I have taught Communication in the Dept of Management in our local University: another satisfying experience.
In April 2013, I left the University and focused on communication consulting. After first hand observation, both in corporate and education classrooms, I knew my companion product was etiquette. In my home city of Memhis, TN there is tremendous need for improved respect and relaxed comfort in business and social settings--improved communication and greater awareness of the basics of good manners.
In July 2013, a major halt to my plans: I suffered a heart attack and stroke. I am expremely fortunate to have come through this with only a rare case of alexia--the inability to read--and a major degree of frustration. I am indeed blessed. Business plans have been replaced with vision therapy and relearning ABCs. Through excellent treatment and the encouragement of family, friends, and colleagues, I am very near full recovery. Not easily discouraged, I have not given up plans for the ultimate step in my career--establishing a non-profit speakers' bureau to conduct "messages about manners" workshops for both schools and business organizations. I am convinced there is a divine plan to go along wih my business plan to fulfill this passion.
Here is how your award would fit to a "t" the final piece of my career plans. Your class would give me the added credential and credibility to seek the necessary support for the speakers' bureau to become reality and offer the opportunity to help others put their best foot forward in reaching their own career goals.
If chosen for this opportunity, the school can be confident that I will be 100% committed and will likely bring additional interested talent to the program in the future. Thank you for the consideration. Very respectfully, Lt Col Sue Magaletta