Tying a necktie might seem a little outdated as a masculine coming of age skill, but it does make for a nice metaphor.
Life has its twists and turns and with some practice and patience and a little assistance, you stand a much better chance of straightening it out.
On Friday at Willow Springs Elementary School, the Communities in Schools program welcomed a roomful of male mentors to interact with third-, fourth- and fifth-grade boys.
“Two Ties One Goal - Building Up to Manhood” is what CIS Site Director Cinnamon Clay-Wilburn calls the annual interaction between the male students and the volunteer adults.
After some get-to-know-you conversation, the mentors and their two or three young charges got down to the business of talking about goals and life and how to make positive, healthy choices.
There were also sandwiches and chips and at one point, the traditional tie-tying lesson.
Jimmie Gee, a local entrepreneur has been part of Wilburn’s mentor group for many years. He’s one of several volunteers who looks forward to the activity.
“I enjoy the interaction and teaching them something they will need in life. No matter how many loops you go through, you’re going to have to figure out the next step,” he said.
“No matter what you come across, when you bind that all together, you will be able to withstand whatever is thrown at you. These are the lessons they will remember.”
Coming to the school year after year, Gee said he sees the smiles of students familiar with the volunteers.
“They start asking questions and want to know what I do and how I got to where I am,” he said. “If there is anything you want to do in life, you can do it if you are willing to take the necessary steps.”
“Our community partners come in to pour into our youth. They talk about behavior and how to navigate through school without giving up and they share their own life experiences,” said Wilburn.
“The boys really enjoy it. They hate when it has to end. They definitely enjoy it Our boys and girls need to know their value and worth.”
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720331507248/