First impressions matter; make them memorable

In life, first impressions do matter a lot, as they tend to last for ages. We always remember the first time we met our spouses and friends too. The first time someone looks at you determines a great part of their perception about you. That is why when one is preparing for a first date or interview they can never feel they are ready enough as the thought of the first impression getting screwed up keeps popping up. We keep checking whether our hair is in the right place and rehearsing some of the lines that we think should nail a lasting positive impression. This week, schools around Rwanda started admitting new students who completed national exams last year. I found myself thinking of how much schools invest in welcoming new students. And, I am not talking about money here, but to what extent they go to become hospitable so that new students feel at home. What are the first impressions sold to new students once they step into a school for the first time? In some schools, there is hardly anyone at the school gate to receive the new students save for the security guard. Many of them have to find their way around in a new and confusing environment.Schools that cannot invest in welcoming new students should at least have clear signposts on all major buildings so that a new student does not end up in the staffroom while looking for his new classroom. You surely do not want the first impression of a student to be that of entering the girls’ dormitory instead of the boys’ dormitory. It is also wise to remind the older students to be courteous to the new ones. In some schools, an older student would be assigned to a new one so that he/she can always seek guidance about anything unfamiliar. I am not sure if that still happens in schools these days but it also helps new students to settle in fast. Bullying in schools is a result of the absence of hospitality values. This starts with the first day that new students report. The unfamiliar environment and the bullies intimidate them all at once. Bullies use such opportunities to instil an impression of fear in the lives of the new students. Responsible teachers must make an effort to offer good first impressions towards their students in class. It would for instance be wise for the teacher to introduce him/herself to the new students and let the students also introduce themselves. Allow them to say a little more than just their name and which school they came from. Make it a light moment so they can feel comfortable around you.In some schools, new students are even treated to a welcome party as another way of making them feel comfortable in the new environment. I am not saying it is time to stock up on crates of soda for a party but that it serves as a good start if new students are immediately impressed by their first day at school.Whoever attends to them should keep this in mind and be courteous enough. I still remember the first day I joined secondary school. After getting cleared by the authorities, one kind student helped me to carry my luggage to the dormitory. When we reached the dormitory, another student in Senior 3, helped me make my bed and my mum was totally impressed by the kindness of the students. Although I later discovered cases of bullying in the school, I can still remember how wonderful my first day at school was because of the kind students who made my life easier for me. We are always complaining about customer care in restaurants and public offices. I wonder whether school authorities also take the time to find out whether visitors to the school are treated with dignity even if they are only students. Treat them the way you would want to be treated. Welcome them.

Education

First impressions matter; make them memorable