Good morning from yet another English major. (Taught for a few years and then stayed home to raise kidlets.) I have friends who majored in English who have some very interesting and well paying jobs. The major is very time consuming compared to other majors with all the reading and writing involved. I wish I would have majored in accounting or business.
Yes, we miss you, kassie. Hope all is well.
Understand the predicament with young employee, kay. Wish there was a way to shake her up. You and hubby have provided such a great opportunity for her.
One time I had success explaining to my daughter (then in higih school) how themes and essays should read (and sound).
I told her they should sound like the news announcers on TV. For some reason, that did the trick. She was unable to understand the difference between formal and informal English, due to our esteemed and expensive suburban school system. Once she caught on, she did quite well and made excellent grades on her college papers.
Maybe that would help with your high-schooler. Tell her she doesn't sound "mature" in her phone manners, and point out to her how Diane Sawyer (yeah, I know) or someone on the local news sounds.
It's worth a try, anyway.