<p>I read on another thread that a student ruled out W&L because of the speaking tradition.
I started thinking about what that experience might be like for a shy person. I would love to hear thoughts from current students or parents about what it was like getting used to saying hello to everyone.</p>
<p>I find it hard to believe that the speaking tradition would be a reason NOT to go to W&L. It’s not like you have to stop and have a conversation or even small talk with everyone you meet. It’s just waving/saying hi/nodding to people you see. It’s just acknowledging them. I listened to music 95% of the time I walked through campus and just nodded/waved to people. VMI cadets will tip their hats to you, or stand aside. It’s really not a big deal if you’re shy.</p>
<p>Honestly, we’re from the south and it’s pretty standard to say hi or wave at people and it’s really not more than that. In fact, I thought it was a little funny that it is a “tradition” since I think I’ve found that at many southern schools (and towns), especially some of the small ones that we’ve visited so it’s not unique to W&L (just doesn’t have a name).</p>
<p>I agree with scmom.</p>
<p>In my small southern high school eons ago, the standard description of arrogance was, “She won’t even say ‘hey’ to you walking down the hall.”</p>
<p>It was on the thread “colleges you/your child crossed off the list after visiting” at post #2044 where the mom reported that her son decided against W&L because he “did not like that you had to say hello to everyone”. I’m just wondering what this is like for shy people, or people who have not lived in a place where that was customary. I know that my daughter would also feel very uncomfortable saying hello to someone she had not met before.</p>
<p>Well, you don’t HAVE to say hello to everyone. It’s a tradition, not a requirement. But there are lots of kids from NYC and other parts who certainly never grew up with it who have no problem. Try visiting, and see if it makes your daughter uncomfortable in practice rather than theory.</p>
<p>This is a wonderful tradition that most students and parents love. Come visit and I believe you will be very impressed with the friendly atmosphere at this great school.</p>
<p>Really a smile or quick wave is all that’s needed and at such a small school your daughter will soon know at least every other person she sees. If she attends encourage her to do a pre-orientation trip. That allows you to do good service work while getting a head start by knowing a small group of people. Made my child much more comfortable. Don’t take the “why my kid crossed a school off” thread too seriously. I think it’s mostly funny how some kids crossed schools off for reasons others picked the same school. Mostly it’s just funny what some kids respond to.</p>
<p>If someone is so shy that they find it difficult to acknowledge others in passing, W&L probably isn’t the school for them</p>
<p>Well, and how will that person handle classed with only 15 people where discussion is expected and there’s nowhere to hide. Hopefully siliconvalleymom will take her child to visit different size schools to find what’s the right fit.</p>
<p>I’m sorry, I should have been clearer. This question is not for my daughter’s benefit, but something I started thinking about when I read a general thread on another forum. I used my daughter’s reluctance to talk to strangers just as an example. She is happily participating in class at another school.</p>