ULA Student Government Field Experience: City of Westland • Mayor’s Office • Westland Library • Etiquette Dinner

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Dear Student Leaders,

Today is a unique and exciting opportunity for you to step beyond the classroom and experience civic engagement in action. As members of Student Government, you are representing your school community — and your future — through this hands-on learning experience.

🏛️ Mayor’s Office & City of Westland Tour

You’ll begin your journey at the Westland City Hall, where you’ll meet with city leaders and explore the Mayor’s Office. Here, you’ll learn how local government operates and how decisions are made that impact the daily lives of citizens. This is your chance to ask questions, observe leadership in action, and reflect on how your own voice can shape your community.

📝 What to focus on:

  • How do local leaders identify and solve community issues?
  • What roles exist within city government?
  • How can young people get involved in local politics or public service?

📚 Westland Public Library

Next, we’ll visit the Westland Library, a vital resource in every community. You’ll explore how to access research tools, digital archives, and community programs. Understanding how to use a library empowers you to become lifelong learners and informed citizens.

📝 What to look for:

  • What resources does the library offer for research and education?
  • How can a library support civic education and youth engagement?
  • Are there programs you can bring back or model in your own school?

🍽️ Dinner & Etiquette Training

To close the day, we’ll enjoy a special dinner where you will participate in an etiquette session. You’ll learn how to navigate professional dining situations — an important skill for future interviews, public events, and leadership opportunities.

📝 Key takeaways:

  • How to engage respectfully and confidently in formal settings
  • Proper table manners and conversation tips
  • How etiquette reflects professionalism and personal leadership

We hope today will inspire you not only to learn more about how your local government and public institutions operate but also to see yourself as an active participant in shaping the future. Ask questions, take notes, and most importantly — enjoy the journey!

Let’s lead by learning. Let’s lead by example.

Sincerely,
Mr. Wissam Charafeddine
Student Government Advisor / Program Coordinator

Introduction by Jamila Musayeva (International Social Etiquette Consultant)

  • My name is Jamila Musayeva, and I’m here to help you navigate the basics of formal dining etiquette.
  • This video is designed to prepare you for a formal dinner, covering everything from seating arrangements to clearing your plate.

Basic Table Manners: What & Why

  • Table manners are essentially your behavior at the table, encompassing how you hold cutlery, eat, and even converse.
  • Good table manners make you feel more comfortable and put others at ease, regardless of the occasion.

Seating & Posture

  • Guests wait for the host to indicate their seat with a wave or motion.
  • Guests are typically seated at the best seats, facing the main area or entrance.
  • Guests of honor receive the prime seat.
  • Posture:
    • Sit straight with your shoulders rolled back and back straight.
    • Don’t press your back against the chair to leave space for a “kitten” behind you.
    • Keep your elbows off the table while eating (except during breaks).
    • American style: Rest your hands on your lap when not holding cutlery.
    • French style: Rest your wrists on the table to keep your hands visible.

Bags & Phones

  • Items not related to the meal should be kept away from the table.
    • Silence your phone and put it in your pocket or bag.
    • Large bags can be placed on a separate chair or bag holder.
    • Small bags or clutches can be placed on your lap, covered with a napkin.
    • Never place your bag on the floor.

Dining Table Settings

  • [3:56-4:51] Go through the typical place settings, explaining each item and its use.
    • Napkin
    • Plate
    • Soup spoons
    • Salad fork & knife
    • Main course fork & knife
    • Dessert fork & spoon
    • Bread plate & butter knife
    • Water goblet
    • Champagne glass
    • White wine glass
    • Red wine glass

General Dining Tips

  • Start eating when the host begins or when everyone is served.
  • Use your bread plate to break bread and spread butter.
  • [8:18-8:34] How to eat soup with a spoon.
    • Dip the spoon in the center, bring it to your mouth, then gently slide it out.
  • [8:36-9:20] Two ways to eat salad:
    • American: Cut one bite at a time, then switch hands to eat.
    • European: Use the fork and knife to cut, then eat with the fork, keeping the knife in your hand.
  • [9:23-10:03] How to eat the main course:
    • Cut one piece at a time.
    • Place your fork and knife in the 12-6 or 10-4 position when finished.
  • Excuse yourself from the table to use the bathroom if needed.
  • [10:05-10:40] How to eat dessert:
    • Use the fork as a holder and the spoon as a knife.
    • Push food onto the spoon with the fork, then eat with the spoon.
  • Signal for the bill by making eye contact with the waiter or raising your hand.
  • Leave the table when the host does, folding your napkin neatly and placing it on the left side of your plate.
  • Send a thank-you message to the host the next day, especially if you enjoyed the dinner.

Music & Outros

  • [0:00, 11:42] Background music throughout the video.
  • Jamila encourages viewers to watch the video again and share it with others.

I hope this script helps you! Let me know if you have any other questions.

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