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A personal note from Blake Taylor
After having published my memoir ADHD & Me, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry invited me to Washington D.C. to present to lawmakers in conjunction with Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. I was there with many distinguished doctors to advocate for early diagnosis and more child psychiatrists. After my presentation, people in the audience complimented me on my speech saying it was poignant, and they told my mother they were delighted to meet such a courteous young man. Common etiquette, as it turns out, isn’t so common: I’ve often seen people start to eat before everyone at the table has been served, give a “wet-noodle” hand shake, or, not respond to invitations. Not only does Cotillion serve to teach courtesy via a charming, but demanding, Mrs. Millet, but also to instill sensitivity to the feelings of others in social settings. For instance, I gained insight into how the give-and-take balance of a friendship functions, how birthday parties are an opportunity to show respect for the birthday boy/girl, and how one’s demonstration of cordial behavior has a positive effect on the people around you. Intelligence and substance matter, along with good social skills and etiquette. In effect, Cotillion teaches a way of thinking—a way of thinking that a surprisingly few people have. - By Blake Taylor 8/6/09 “Blake, thank you for taking your time to send this information to me and also for making a difference in the lives of others.” Mrs. Millet
The following is a picture that Blake’s mother has shared with me and with permission I may share it with you.
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In 7th Grade, when I attended Junior Manners Cotillion’s dinner party class, I learned how to properly greet my host, shake hands and make good eye contact. We practiced how to properly use our fork and knife cutting a banana that was substituting for a filet mignon. I would never have imagined then that the etiquette lessons I learned would serve me well seven years later as I entered Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s office this past May, to meet with her top Health Policy Fellow about children’s health care.