We are all Tied Together

I recently experienced an opportunity to participate in a wonderful event with a local charity known as Tied Together. My son Cole is a board member of this organization, and he invited me to participate in their first 2022 / 2023 school visit. This is significant, as they have not been able to interact with students for two years due to the restrictions, AND this first school was his alma mater, Eau Gallie High School. Moreover, he was the MC for each class that joined us in the gym. He welcomed Seniors… Juniors…Sophomores with passion…. (Yes, I am proud).

Tied Together’ s mission is to interact with the male students in middle schools and high schools, wherein three life skills are taught and shared: The traditional handshake, looking someone in the eye, and how to tie a necktie. The founder, Glen Outlaw, started this organization many years ago after believing that these basic skills are foundational for young men. To be effective with the number of young men at each of these schools, he felt it important to bring together men from his own community. They represent occupations such as teachers, firefighters, law enforcement, military members, finance professionals, pastors, entrepreneurs and various other occupations and professions, to serve as mentors for these students, as the interaction for this training unfolds.

It was amazing to witness first-hand how these young men transitioned from a shy/awkward posture and dialogue, into a more self-assured individual as they admired themselves in the mirror posing with their newly tied ties on! For many it was the first time they had tied a tie. The transition was evident as they saw their reflection. There was a different face looking back at them. They had just learned how to tie a tie (of their own school colors no less), and experienced how that piece of tamed cloth helped them feel, (along with that sturdy handshake and eye – to – eye contact). Several students began asking questions about what each of us as mentors do in our daily lives, and how we got started or became interested in the careers we had chosen. This is where the rubber hits the road… the curiosity sinks in, the thoughts and dreams are born…. You could literally feel the curiosity build in the large gymnasium, as numerous groups of young men gathered around each mentor, straining to see, learn and question. The ties are theirs to keep – and to confirm the work we did, you would see those ties throughout the school as you walked the hallways later.

Can you imagine if just ten percent of these students had a mental bulb light up to make the connection from academic endeavors to career opportunities? I hope that they gained a greater understanding of the layers of support and mentorship available to them. It is not only their parents, teachers and guidance counselors, but also many members of our collective communities to reach out to. This is so easy for us. This is the HUMAN element that will not be replaced by AI. I would encourage all to consider mentoring our young people in some capacity, as we are all Tied Together.

Steven T. Wilmarth, CEP^®, WMS
Senior Vice President, Investments
Managing Director
Wealth Management Specialist