Life After Hillsdale Explained: A Lecture Series with Practical Knowledge
Written by Hannah Strickland
About a dozen students sat at round tables and all mechanically took the yellow fluffed napkins out of the elegant stemmed glasses in front of them. Joanna Wiseley and her student workers at Career services led each table in the next set of proper formal dining conduct.
This was the first time that Career Services had put on the seminar series called “Life After Hillsdale Explained.” About a dozen or so seniors attended a series of lectures which explained in simple, practical terms different areas of professional and independent life. The first lecture, given by supporter of Hillsdale and Financial Management consultant Joe Banach, outlined some basic tricks for correctly managing one’s finances. The second, given by Hillsdale’s own Chief Rogers, supplied some tips for leadership in the workplace. The third, which included a phenomenal four-course lunch made by the staff at SAGA, Hillsdale’s catering company, instructed us all in the proper techniques of eating. The final two gave advice on dressing correctly in the workplace and supplied instructions for elementary car care.
Simple stuff, right? Wrong. Based on etiquette books written hundreds of years ago, proper American dining customs are highly detailed and rather difficult to master. Thanks to my grandmother, I was already aware of some of them, including which fork (of the three in front of you) you use for each course. Each table hostess led us through Joanna’s instructions. Occasionally, Joanna hovered over a specific table and instantly everyone cared more—who wouldn’t in the presence of a certified etiquette instructor?
After talking with a few students afterward, we all agreed that it was incredibly helpful information. Some had been invited to formal dinners before and felt completely lost. Overall the seniors who attended the lecture series were incredibly grateful for the series as a whole, as it provided some very useful, applicable knowledge that isn’t taught in the classroom. They all hope that Career Services continue this workshop in the future so other students can also be better prepared for life after graduation.
A senior English major, Hannah Strickland is heavily involved in the music, art, and classics departments. She has sung with the Hillsdale College Chamber choir since her freshman year.