Politeness likely to open doors for West Jordan High teen

In the world today, many people stereotype teenagers as being lazy or impolite. But there are plenty of teens who are just the opposite. And one teen, at West Jordan High School, gives a daily demonstration of the other kind of teen.

Jean Baigue, who is a junior, holds two doors open for a half- hour every day after school for the passing students. He has been doing this since the beginning of his sophomore year.

"It's my way of showing my school spirit and my appreciation of this school and the people," Baigue says.

When asked how many "thank you's" he receives, he replied, "Probably about 70 percent. Last year, when I was doing this, some people gave me change."

Then he adds, laughing, "Once I even got a note saying, like, 'Thanks for always holding the door open. I really appreciate it.' It was like a 'secret admirer'-type note."

Beyond doing service, Baigue also enjoys dancing at parties, exercising and being in the Drama Club. "I enjoy acting and singing, and I hope to be an actor someday," he says. "I'm planning to run for Drama Club presidency."

When asked his feelings toward his school, Baigue says, "I'm honored to be a student at West Jordan High School and I love my fellow students.

"I'm proud to be a Jaguar! We are Jaguars, hear us roar!"

Ryan Lee Rieger is a junior at West Jordan High School. If you will be a junior in high school next year, anywhere in the state of Utah, and would like to write for the Deseret News Pulse team, send an e-mail to Susan Whitney at susan@desnews.com.

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