Being Proper
Growing up, I was educated in 2 all-girls' school: SIGS & TIGS both located in Johor.
Being in SIGS, especially during (the late) Ms Dawn Parry's stint as Headmistress, we were taught the essentials of being a lady. She will remind us in her speeches during assembly and all teachers somehow will guide us on rules of behaviour (how to sit, speak, carry yourself).
Incidentally, one tribute by a former student can be found here: http://ppunlimited.blogspot.com/2011/03/dawn-parry-remembered-as-woman-of.html
I had thought this was probably a small representation of how things are taught in a finishing school.
But I had never been in one, so this was a child's imagination (then).
Being young and not knowing any better.
Unfortunately these things are no longer taught as much as before.
My children most likely did not go through it.
So they had learnt from me.
The student of Ms Parry.
Who have learnt but a fraction of her decorum.
I am the least proper actually.
There are moments when I cringe for myself.
But I do try to correct myself somewhat.
Because etiquette is a rather beautiful thing.
In TIGS the process continued, but not as holistic.
We were reminded more on "filial piety", and being responsible.
As I was much older then.
We were taught what we need perhaps?
At home Mum has some strict rules.
Mainly focused on being polite and respectful.
As she had been raised by her grandmother.
Who ran the household in a matriarchal way.
So she had learnt the proper way of managing the household.
Mum (hands down) is likely the most efficient homemaker ever.
She had time for EVERYTHING
and do it properly she did
and raised us well.
Me, being the student of great teachers (in personal & professional life)
may not be the most proper but I do try.
Being in SIGS, especially during (the late) Ms Dawn Parry's stint as Headmistress, we were taught the essentials of being a lady. She will remind us in her speeches during assembly and all teachers somehow will guide us on rules of behaviour (how to sit, speak, carry yourself).
Incidentally, one tribute by a former student can be found here: http://ppunlimited.blogspot.com/2011/03/dawn-parry-remembered-as-woman-of.html
I had thought this was probably a small representation of how things are taught in a finishing school.
But I had never been in one, so this was a child's imagination (then).
Being young and not knowing any better.
Unfortunately these things are no longer taught as much as before.
My children most likely did not go through it.
So they had learnt from me.
The student of Ms Parry.
Who have learnt but a fraction of her decorum.
I am the least proper actually.
There are moments when I cringe for myself.
But I do try to correct myself somewhat.
Because etiquette is a rather beautiful thing.
In TIGS the process continued, but not as holistic.
We were reminded more on "filial piety", and being responsible.
As I was much older then.
We were taught what we need perhaps?
At home Mum has some strict rules.
Mainly focused on being polite and respectful.
As she had been raised by her grandmother.
Who ran the household in a matriarchal way.
So she had learnt the proper way of managing the household.
Mum (hands down) is likely the most efficient homemaker ever.
She had time for EVERYTHING
and do it properly she did
and raised us well.
Me, being the student of great teachers (in personal & professional life)
may not be the most proper but I do try.
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