Winnipeg school doesn't want student's career path comment in yearbook
Bartender. That is what one Grade 4 student in Winnipeg said for the yearbook when asked what he wanted to be when he grows up, an answer the school is asking him to change.
Zachary Anderson goes to Whyte Ridge School and was asked the question last week.
“It’s one way to be creative,” said Anderson, who has an uncle who bartends, “You get to socialize and you meet new people.”
Anderson’s teacher—and later, the school administration—asked him to change his answer, something he didn’t want to do.
As a compromise, the school offered to make a separate yearbook for Anderson and his twin brother who is in the same class, with their two copies saying “bartender,” while all others would read, “hospitality.”
Anderson declined.
“Instead of making a big deal about this they should just support it like the rest of the class," Anderson said, “They have to support everyone, no matter what.”
Anderson’s mother, Jennifer, a doctor and former bartender herself, supports her son’s choice and advocated on his behalf to the school’s administration.
She received an email from the school, saying that, despite her approval of her son’s chosen occupation, the term “bartender” could “lend itself to questions and interpretations within our community,” said Jennifer, while reading the email from her phone.
“They’re speaking for the community and I’m sure there are lots of people in the community that either were bartenders in the past or currently do,” she said in response to the email.
Ted Fransen, superintendent for Pembina Trails School Division, said in a statement to CTV News that “We will not be engaging the media in any discussions about the school work of an early years child.”
Some bartenders receive accredited post-secondary training, like at the Manitoba Tourism Education Council’s bartending program.
“Dealing with difficult situations, knowing when to cut someone off, working in fast-pace environment, you have to multi-task,” said Shannon Fontaine, CEO of the Manitoba Tourism Council, when asked what skills one might learn while working as a bartender.
She said educators shouldn’t discourage students from any occupation in the service industry, adding that, some people may just be misinformed how far one can go in the sector.
“Many people have no idea what a lucrative career you can have while working hospitality,” said Fontaine, “I went from a front desk clerk to a manager, which led me to where I am today.”
Bartenders can be business owners, too.
Mark Turner went to university for psychology. Now, he owns and operates the Amsterdam Tea Room and Bar in the Exchange District.
“While studying I worked pretty much full-time in a bar and a restaurant, and I learned more about human psychology from my bartender job than I did at school,” said Turner.
Turner applauds Anderson’s hopes of being a bartender and for sticking to his decision, traits he likes to see in employees.
“I think if he wants a job, as soon as he’s 16, I would put him in the dish pit,” said Turner.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.