By Bernadine J. McIntosh
"Whatever it takes!" Gina thought to herself. It was the first day of school and Gina had come with a new attitude. "I'm not going to be a geek this year," she thought.
Gina had a plan. Her first step was to try to get into the popular group by befriending one of the popular girls. "This year is going to be different she thought. I'm going to be popular!!"
What's wrong with this picture? Is it wrong to want to be popular?
Believe it or not, there's nothing wrong with wanting to be popular. However, what is important is how you achieve your popularity. Popularity can become a negative thing when:
You become popular by negative means. Achieving your popularity by stepping on others or using others so you can get what you want causes needless pain. It can also cause you to lose the friends you do have.
You forget who you are. If you try to achieve popularity by changing to fit in with a certain group you are not being true to yourself. Real friends will accept you for who you are.
You do whatever it takes to fit in. Think about it. Is being popular so important to you that you will do anything to achieve popularity? How far will you go to fit in? Will you spread gossip, make fun of others, drink, or do drugs? If you have to do all of this to be popular do you really want to be popular?
So how do you achieve popularity? Well first of all ditch Gina's plan. In fact don't even try to be popular. Just try to:
Accept and respect others. Don't feel that everyone has to be just like you or vice versa.
Do the right thing! Doing what you know is right even in the face of pressure, takes strength, confidence and integrity.
Don't focus on being popular. Instead of focusing on your need to be accepted, practice accepting others. Find others who like the things you like, join a club, start playing a sport, start a club… Before you know it, you'll be so busy hanging around with your new friends you won't have time to worry about popularity.
Sept/Nov 2001
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Stop the Violence
By. Bernadine McIntosh
On August 20, 2001, I opened my daily paper and the picture of a handsome young man stared back at me. He seemed to be someone full of life with a bright future ahead of him. Unfortunately, there is no bright future for this young man. The caption next to his picture read, "Murder at Ringwood Drive Lucaya." The handsome twenty- year old was the victim.
This is something that is all too familiar in our Bahamian Community. Youth against youth violence seems to be on the increase. There seems to be a sense of anger in many young people and sadly, the tendency is to lash out at whoever gets in the way.
"Who is safe from this violence? "Who will be the next victim?"
"Can it be you?"
The truth is no one would like to think that they can be a victim of any act of violence. However it is not impossible. Not only can you be a victim of violence you can commit acts of violence.
Sad to say many teenage young ladies also commit acts of violence. We would never want to believe that we can get violent with someone however, when tempers fly, sometimes stuff happens.
Here's a few points to consider to avoid falling into the category of victim or villain.
TALK IT OUT - If you're angry with someone try to resolve it in a peaceful manner.
I'M SORRY - These words are at times very hard to say but if you're wrong admit it and apologize.
DO NOT CARRY A WEAPON- If you carry a weapon chances are, you'll use it.
THINK BEFORE YOU ACT OR REACT: You have a bright future ahead of you. Don't allow yourself to fall prey to a bad temper, yours or someone else's. Let's STOP THE VIOLENCE!
Sept/Nov 2001
On August 20, 2001, I opened my daily paper and the picture of a handsome young man stared back at me. He seemed to be someone full of life with a bright future ahead of him. Unfortunately, there is no bright future for this young man. The caption next to his picture read, "Murder at Ringwood Drive Lucaya." The handsome twenty- year old was the victim.
This is something that is all too familiar in our Bahamian Community. Youth against youth violence seems to be on the increase. There seems to be a sense of anger in many young people and sadly, the tendency is to lash out at whoever gets in the way.
"Who is safe from this violence? "Who will be the next victim?"
"Can it be you?"
The truth is no one would like to think that they can be a victim of any act of violence. However it is not impossible. Not only can you be a victim of violence you can commit acts of violence.
Sad to say many teenage young ladies also commit acts of violence. We would never want to believe that we can get violent with someone however, when tempers fly, sometimes stuff happens.
Here's a few points to consider to avoid falling into the category of victim or villain.
TALK IT OUT - If you're angry with someone try to resolve it in a peaceful manner.
I'M SORRY - These words are at times very hard to say but if you're wrong admit it and apologize.
DO NOT CARRY A WEAPON- If you carry a weapon chances are, you'll use it.
THINK BEFORE YOU ACT OR REACT: You have a bright future ahead of you. Don't allow yourself to fall prey to a bad temper, yours or someone else's. Let's STOP THE VIOLENCE!
Sept/Nov 2001
Dreams Do Come True
By Keora Brown
The man of God was staring me directly in the eyes. "God has promised to take care of you. He loves you. Everything you need, he will supply! Just continue to trust him." He prophesied.
Eleventh grade came and I knew that I wanted to go to college and I knew that I would need financial assistance. I heard about the Prime Time scholarship and I wanted it so much I began calling it "my scholarship."
In order to get this scholarship I had to pass five BGCSE's with a 'C' or better and score1000 or above on my SAT's. However although I knew what I had to do to get "my scholarship" it still wasn't easy to keep the faith that I would get it. Very soon, I became depressed and struggled just to keep my grade point average in the safety zone, a 3.5.
The tempest was raging within my heart. Satan seemed to be winning but just when I thought it was all over for me, Jesus stepped in. He put two very special persons in my life to help anchor me back into his hands, my parents. "Keora, have forgotten that you have the victory in Jesus?" my daddy questioned. I began to weep and repent before the Lord. I fell on my face and poured my heart unto Jesus.
I completed the Prime Time application. Ms. Yanover, President of the Prime Time Scholarship Foundation, took me to lunch and interviewed me. After the interview she handed me all the documents to sign. I could hardly believe it, I had the scholarship!
I give God all the glory! What he has promised, he is able also to perform.
God had answered my prayer. The Prime Time scholarship, a full scholarship, was the door he had opened for my college education, the very thing I had been praying for.
Sept/Nov 2001
The man of God was staring me directly in the eyes. "God has promised to take care of you. He loves you. Everything you need, he will supply! Just continue to trust him." He prophesied.
Eleventh grade came and I knew that I wanted to go to college and I knew that I would need financial assistance. I heard about the Prime Time scholarship and I wanted it so much I began calling it "my scholarship."
In order to get this scholarship I had to pass five BGCSE's with a 'C' or better and score1000 or above on my SAT's. However although I knew what I had to do to get "my scholarship" it still wasn't easy to keep the faith that I would get it. Very soon, I became depressed and struggled just to keep my grade point average in the safety zone, a 3.5.
The tempest was raging within my heart. Satan seemed to be winning but just when I thought it was all over for me, Jesus stepped in. He put two very special persons in my life to help anchor me back into his hands, my parents. "Keora, have forgotten that you have the victory in Jesus?" my daddy questioned. I began to weep and repent before the Lord. I fell on my face and poured my heart unto Jesus.
I completed the Prime Time application. Ms. Yanover, President of the Prime Time Scholarship Foundation, took me to lunch and interviewed me. After the interview she handed me all the documents to sign. I could hardly believe it, I had the scholarship!
I give God all the glory! What he has promised, he is able also to perform.
God had answered my prayer. The Prime Time scholarship, a full scholarship, was the door he had opened for my college education, the very thing I had been praying for.
Sept/Nov 2001
Be Wise
by Shantel Hield
Going to college is a dream come true for many young ladies. For some going to college is appealing because it is an opportunity to be on their own, away from the protective reach of their parents. For others its an opportunity to spread their wings, become their own woman and make something of their lives.
Unfortunately, some young ladies don't only walk away from college with a degree but with a baby, a sexually transmitted disease or even a victim of date rape. It is a sad thing when it happens but in many cases it can be avoided. You have to be careful about the decisions you make. Making snap judgments about a person or a situation can lead to danger.
You hear about it all the time on talk shows, news reports and newspapers. A college junior reported she was gang raped while at a party. She said she had one drink, which apparently rendered her unconscious. She later awakened to find someone on top of her. It seems that someone had slipped something into her drink. This is something that happens all to frequently on many college campuses. Many young ladies are raped, often by someone they know. This is called date rape.
Remember just because you are on your own does not mean that you forget your
common sense. If you date, plan your dates, carefully and;
1. Don't allow yourself to be in a situation where you have a lot of time alone with a person.
2. Limit the amount of physical contact. Don't allow anyone freedom with your body.
3. Make sure that the person you are with knows that your NO always means NO.
Be wise! Your ultimate goal in going to college should be to get a degree and make a good life for yourself. Make sure you get it! Set limits for yourself. If you don't drink and smoke don't start in college. If you are a virgin or practicing abstinence stay that way. Hold yourself responsible to a higher standard! Don't compromise yourself. Work toward a college degree and not a college disaster.
Jun/Aug 2001
Going to college is a dream come true for many young ladies. For some going to college is appealing because it is an opportunity to be on their own, away from the protective reach of their parents. For others its an opportunity to spread their wings, become their own woman and make something of their lives.
Unfortunately, some young ladies don't only walk away from college with a degree but with a baby, a sexually transmitted disease or even a victim of date rape. It is a sad thing when it happens but in many cases it can be avoided. You have to be careful about the decisions you make. Making snap judgments about a person or a situation can lead to danger.
You hear about it all the time on talk shows, news reports and newspapers. A college junior reported she was gang raped while at a party. She said she had one drink, which apparently rendered her unconscious. She later awakened to find someone on top of her. It seems that someone had slipped something into her drink. This is something that happens all to frequently on many college campuses. Many young ladies are raped, often by someone they know. This is called date rape.
Remember just because you are on your own does not mean that you forget your
common sense. If you date, plan your dates, carefully and;
1. Don't allow yourself to be in a situation where you have a lot of time alone with a person.
2. Limit the amount of physical contact. Don't allow anyone freedom with your body.
3. Make sure that the person you are with knows that your NO always means NO.
Be wise! Your ultimate goal in going to college should be to get a degree and make a good life for yourself. Make sure you get it! Set limits for yourself. If you don't drink and smoke don't start in college. If you are a virgin or practicing abstinence stay that way. Hold yourself responsible to a higher standard! Don't compromise yourself. Work toward a college degree and not a college disaster.
Jun/Aug 2001
Mirror Mirror
By Bernadine J. McIntosh
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest one of all? We've all wondered what other people see when they look at us. I know I did. When I was a teenager I struggled with my self-image. I though everyone's opinion of me was more important than my own. Thankfully I don't anymore. Now, if someone compliments me I say thank you. If there's something about me they don't like, well it's their opinion. I refuse to look at myself through the negative eyes of my critics and neither should you.
Yes, it is nice when people tell us how smart we are, how beautiful we look. But it's even better when we see it in ourselves. Hence, what I want to know is what do you think about you? What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see a beautiful face looking back at you? How do you feel about your accomplishments? What do you think your good qualities are?
Having a good self- concept is very important. Here are a few things you can do to help see yourself in a more positive light.
· Focus on your successes. Congratulate yourself when you do something right.
· Don't compare yourself to others. You are a unique individual unlike any other, be proud of that.
· Hang with friends who are positive. If you surround yourself with negative people you won't see the good in yourself or others.
· Don't label yourself negatively e.g. I'm so stupid, etc
If you truly believe that you are a beautiful person with good qualities it will show. When other people have something negative to say it will roll off like water off a duck's back.
Here's something to try saying every day.
I look in the mirror and what do I see? a beautiful princess staring back at me. Oh wow! I thought, who could that be, (then smile and say), oh! It's only me.
Also, say it until you believe it and then say it anyway!!!
Do you know what it means to be the apple of someone's eyes? Well you're the apple of God's eyes and he thinks you're simply the greatest! So hold your head up high girlfriend. The person who matters most in life thinks you're special!
Write in and share your thoughts on what makes you beautiful. Remember it's not only physical.
GT June/Aug 2001
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest one of all? We've all wondered what other people see when they look at us. I know I did. When I was a teenager I struggled with my self-image. I though everyone's opinion of me was more important than my own. Thankfully I don't anymore. Now, if someone compliments me I say thank you. If there's something about me they don't like, well it's their opinion. I refuse to look at myself through the negative eyes of my critics and neither should you.
Yes, it is nice when people tell us how smart we are, how beautiful we look. But it's even better when we see it in ourselves. Hence, what I want to know is what do you think about you? What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see a beautiful face looking back at you? How do you feel about your accomplishments? What do you think your good qualities are?
Having a good self- concept is very important. Here are a few things you can do to help see yourself in a more positive light.
· Focus on your successes. Congratulate yourself when you do something right.
· Don't compare yourself to others. You are a unique individual unlike any other, be proud of that.
· Hang with friends who are positive. If you surround yourself with negative people you won't see the good in yourself or others.
· Don't label yourself negatively e.g. I'm so stupid, etc
If you truly believe that you are a beautiful person with good qualities it will show. When other people have something negative to say it will roll off like water off a duck's back.
Here's something to try saying every day.
I look in the mirror and what do I see? a beautiful princess staring back at me. Oh wow! I thought, who could that be, (then smile and say), oh! It's only me.
Also, say it until you believe it and then say it anyway!!!
Do you know what it means to be the apple of someone's eyes? Well you're the apple of God's eyes and he thinks you're simply the greatest! So hold your head up high girlfriend. The person who matters most in life thinks you're special!
Write in and share your thoughts on what makes you beautiful. Remember it's not only physical.
GT June/Aug 2001
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Let's Talk About It
by B. McIntosh
"Fifteen years old Aleisha ran tearfully to her room and slammed the door. "Mommy just doesn't understand!" she thought to herself. I'll be the only one at the party dressed like a dweeb. Aleisha had dressed excitedly for her party. However her mother had not been impressed with her choice of clothes. She gave Aleisha the ultimatum, change or stay home.
The teen years are emotional years for young ladies. You are going through a lot of changes. You no longer see yourself as a "child" and yet you're not quite an adult. At this time you want your parents to stop treating you as if you were a little girl and consider your point of view.
Many like Aliesha, experience some form of conflict with their parents. Sometimes in the heat of anger words are said and feelings are hurt.
When you are able to communicate openly with your parents, (without anger) it's easier to tell them how you feel. At some point your parents may surprise you and rethink their position or, surprise, surprise, maybe you'll rethink yours. Stranger things have happen.
Conflicts, parental or otherwise are a part of life. There will always be people with whom you disagree and who disagrees with you. There are times when you may be able to reason with the person and arrive at some form of compromise. Unfortunately, sometimes you may find yourself in a no win situation. At times like that it may be easier to just walk away. There is no point in fighting a losing battle.
Do remember however, that anger is usually greeted with anger and a soft answer turns away wrath.
March/May 2001
"Fifteen years old Aleisha ran tearfully to her room and slammed the door. "Mommy just doesn't understand!" she thought to herself. I'll be the only one at the party dressed like a dweeb. Aleisha had dressed excitedly for her party. However her mother had not been impressed with her choice of clothes. She gave Aleisha the ultimatum, change or stay home.
The teen years are emotional years for young ladies. You are going through a lot of changes. You no longer see yourself as a "child" and yet you're not quite an adult. At this time you want your parents to stop treating you as if you were a little girl and consider your point of view.
Many like Aliesha, experience some form of conflict with their parents. Sometimes in the heat of anger words are said and feelings are hurt.
When you are able to communicate openly with your parents, (without anger) it's easier to tell them how you feel. At some point your parents may surprise you and rethink their position or, surprise, surprise, maybe you'll rethink yours. Stranger things have happen.
Conflicts, parental or otherwise are a part of life. There will always be people with whom you disagree and who disagrees with you. There are times when you may be able to reason with the person and arrive at some form of compromise. Unfortunately, sometimes you may find yourself in a no win situation. At times like that it may be easier to just walk away. There is no point in fighting a losing battle.
Do remember however, that anger is usually greeted with anger and a soft answer turns away wrath.
March/May 2001
Wake Up
by Shantel Hield
Someone once said, "If you want to be somebody, if you want to go somewhere you've got to wake up and pay attention."
The world today is infested with problems. And sad to say no one is exempted, not even teenagers. Teenage girls especially are faced with many problems on the road to adulthood.
The true dilemma for young ladies in spite of all of this is, "How can one become someone who's respected in society? How can one stand strong? This can be answered by three words, which I call "The D's of Success" determination, devotion and diligence.
Let's face it ladies, the decisions you make affect you! The teenage girl is the one who ends up pregnant and is left holding the proverbial bag. The teenage girl is the one society looks down on because of pregnancy, not the male. Yes they play but they won't pay the high price you do. First you have to determine who you want to be, next become devoted toward your mission and finally, work diligently to get there.
Your mission young lady, should you choose to accept it, is to become the woman of your dreams. Maybe you want to become our first woman Prime Minister, it is possible you know. Or maybe you want to be a Businesswoman, a teacher, whatever! It depends on you. Then you'll be able to say like the group Destiny's Child "The watch I'm wearing, I bought it. The house I live in, I bought it. The clothes I'm wearing, I bought it. I depend on me cause I want it."
Wake up, pay attention and dream big! You can have the future that you've dreamed about.
Maximize today, make plans for tomorrow. First dream about it, then make it real. Don't become a statistic. Say no to drugs, alcohol and pre-marital sex. Wake up and pay attention. The future is yours. Make something of it!
GT March/May 2001
Someone once said, "If you want to be somebody, if you want to go somewhere you've got to wake up and pay attention."
The world today is infested with problems. And sad to say no one is exempted, not even teenagers. Teenage girls especially are faced with many problems on the road to adulthood.
The true dilemma for young ladies in spite of all of this is, "How can one become someone who's respected in society? How can one stand strong? This can be answered by three words, which I call "The D's of Success" determination, devotion and diligence.
Let's face it ladies, the decisions you make affect you! The teenage girl is the one who ends up pregnant and is left holding the proverbial bag. The teenage girl is the one society looks down on because of pregnancy, not the male. Yes they play but they won't pay the high price you do. First you have to determine who you want to be, next become devoted toward your mission and finally, work diligently to get there.
Your mission young lady, should you choose to accept it, is to become the woman of your dreams. Maybe you want to become our first woman Prime Minister, it is possible you know. Or maybe you want to be a Businesswoman, a teacher, whatever! It depends on you. Then you'll be able to say like the group Destiny's Child "The watch I'm wearing, I bought it. The house I live in, I bought it. The clothes I'm wearing, I bought it. I depend on me cause I want it."
Wake up, pay attention and dream big! You can have the future that you've dreamed about.
Maximize today, make plans for tomorrow. First dream about it, then make it real. Don't become a statistic. Say no to drugs, alcohol and pre-marital sex. Wake up and pay attention. The future is yours. Make something of it!
GT March/May 2001
Lose the 'Tude
By Bernadine McIntosh
"Did you see Serena? She sure is stuck up! She acts as if she is smarter than everyone in our class. She doesn't even talk to anyone." Sounds familiar? Sometimes it's so easy to see how others portray negative attitude and how their attitudes hurt us. It's easy to develop a victim mentality where we are the wronged party and everyone is deliberately trying to hurt our feelings. However when we start to see things this way it's time for an attitude check!
An attitude check simply means to look at yourself. Evaluate your attitude. Identify the attitude you've been putting out that evokes the response you've been getting from others. What you perceive to be their negative attitude may simply be their response to your attitudes. So before you judge give yourself an attitude check!
Our attitudes play a major part in how people respond to us. Others judge us by our attitudes. This also determines, to a certain extent, their interactions with us. For example ladies, if the guys perceive you to be a respectable young lady, they will probably be respectful in their actions towards you. However if by your attitude, you show them that you like their "dirty" jokes and giggle when they touch you inappropriately, they will not be respectful in the way they treat you.
Develop a "Look, but don't touch attitude." Even if you have guy friends, you are not just one of the guys so don't act as if you were.
Ladies, it's important that we conduct ourselves like ladies. As the old proverb goes, "your attitude determines your altitude."
If you want to soar with the eagles, young ladies, give yourself an attitude check. Lose the 'tude that stops you from being what God intends you to be.
Dec 2000/Feb 2001
"Did you see Serena? She sure is stuck up! She acts as if she is smarter than everyone in our class. She doesn't even talk to anyone." Sounds familiar? Sometimes it's so easy to see how others portray negative attitude and how their attitudes hurt us. It's easy to develop a victim mentality where we are the wronged party and everyone is deliberately trying to hurt our feelings. However when we start to see things this way it's time for an attitude check!
An attitude check simply means to look at yourself. Evaluate your attitude. Identify the attitude you've been putting out that evokes the response you've been getting from others. What you perceive to be their negative attitude may simply be their response to your attitudes. So before you judge give yourself an attitude check!
Our attitudes play a major part in how people respond to us. Others judge us by our attitudes. This also determines, to a certain extent, their interactions with us. For example ladies, if the guys perceive you to be a respectable young lady, they will probably be respectful in their actions towards you. However if by your attitude, you show them that you like their "dirty" jokes and giggle when they touch you inappropriately, they will not be respectful in the way they treat you.
Develop a "Look, but don't touch attitude." Even if you have guy friends, you are not just one of the guys so don't act as if you were.
Ladies, it's important that we conduct ourselves like ladies. As the old proverb goes, "your attitude determines your altitude."
If you want to soar with the eagles, young ladies, give yourself an attitude check. Lose the 'tude that stops you from being what God intends you to be.
Dec 2000/Feb 2001
Wake Up
By Shantel Hield
The life you choose may cause you to lose. Picture this scenario, you've probably seen similar ones countless times on the nightly news. The lifeless body of a young lady, seemingly much to young to die. After one of many late nights of partying she crashed her car into a tree. Now she lay there with no more breath to breathe.
She always knew she wanted to be "somebody special." However, she never made the choices that would set her on the road to success.
If you want your dreams to come true, don't oversleep. This young lady had dreams of her own, maybe of becoming a doctor, lawyer etc. Unfortunately, she forgot to wake up and begin to work. Instead of studying she preferred to hang out at parties in tight, revealing clothes, taking a drink here and there and chatting with the guys. She never stopped to realize where the road she was travelling was leading to---death.
Her friends were heartbroken when they heard the news. But should they be surprise that she was dead, when they encouraged her to do the things that brought her to her death? "Be cool and do what feels good", they told her. "Be your own woman."
Later, standing over her grave, her family cried. "She was a good girl" they said, "full of potential" But did that good girl make the right choices? Who told her that tomorrow was promised to her? You have to make the best of today.
If you want a good life create it yourself. Begin to set your goals, make up your mind and determine your future. Too many of us leave life to chance and our lives turn out badly. We make bad decisions and silly mistakes that shatter our hopes and dreams. Fortunately, we can wake up now! today! and make decisions that will determine our future.
Don't just dream! Wake up! Start working! The silent alarm is ringing, make a start today. The life you choose can lead you down the road of failure or up the ladder of success, it's up to you!
GT Dec 2000/Feb 2001
The life you choose may cause you to lose. Picture this scenario, you've probably seen similar ones countless times on the nightly news. The lifeless body of a young lady, seemingly much to young to die. After one of many late nights of partying she crashed her car into a tree. Now she lay there with no more breath to breathe.
She always knew she wanted to be "somebody special." However, she never made the choices that would set her on the road to success.
If you want your dreams to come true, don't oversleep. This young lady had dreams of her own, maybe of becoming a doctor, lawyer etc. Unfortunately, she forgot to wake up and begin to work. Instead of studying she preferred to hang out at parties in tight, revealing clothes, taking a drink here and there and chatting with the guys. She never stopped to realize where the road she was travelling was leading to---death.
Her friends were heartbroken when they heard the news. But should they be surprise that she was dead, when they encouraged her to do the things that brought her to her death? "Be cool and do what feels good", they told her. "Be your own woman."
Later, standing over her grave, her family cried. "She was a good girl" they said, "full of potential" But did that good girl make the right choices? Who told her that tomorrow was promised to her? You have to make the best of today.
If you want a good life create it yourself. Begin to set your goals, make up your mind and determine your future. Too many of us leave life to chance and our lives turn out badly. We make bad decisions and silly mistakes that shatter our hopes and dreams. Fortunately, we can wake up now! today! and make decisions that will determine our future.
Don't just dream! Wake up! Start working! The silent alarm is ringing, make a start today. The life you choose can lead you down the road of failure or up the ladder of success, it's up to you!
GT Dec 2000/Feb 2001
Dream Big
By Bernadine McIntosh
"Aim for the heavens and you'll fall among the stars!' A good friend recently gave me this advice.
This simply means to dream big. Don't allow your thinking to be limited by what you can see. You have many dreams for the future, I'm sure. One of your dreams may be to become a lawyer, doctor, businesswomen, teacher, nurse, etc.
Make your dreams your goals, set them high and strive to reach them.
Having set goals is very important, it keeps you focused and give you a sense of purpose.
Whatever your goals in life may be a good education is important. Hence, you have to keep your grades up and be disciplined in your study habits. Remember that the dictionary is the only place where success comes before work. You have to work at your goals in order to accomplish them
Also, when you set your goals don't allow yourself to be sidetracked by friends, male or female. There is nothing wrong with having a boyfriend. However, there is nothing wrong with not having one either, it's your choice. Nevertheless, assess your plans for your life and see if at this point a boyfriend is really a positive thing. Remember wrong decisions can hinder you from accomplishing your goals
As Shantel said in her article in the previous issue, "True love waits." I reiterate, there will always be time for relationships. Don't be in too much of a hurry. Take time to try and realise some of your dreams.
Philippians 4:13 says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Young lady, you can accomplish your dreams if you work at them.
GT Sept/Nov 2000
"Aim for the heavens and you'll fall among the stars!' A good friend recently gave me this advice.
This simply means to dream big. Don't allow your thinking to be limited by what you can see. You have many dreams for the future, I'm sure. One of your dreams may be to become a lawyer, doctor, businesswomen, teacher, nurse, etc.
Make your dreams your goals, set them high and strive to reach them.
Having set goals is very important, it keeps you focused and give you a sense of purpose.
Whatever your goals in life may be a good education is important. Hence, you have to keep your grades up and be disciplined in your study habits. Remember that the dictionary is the only place where success comes before work. You have to work at your goals in order to accomplish them
Also, when you set your goals don't allow yourself to be sidetracked by friends, male or female. There is nothing wrong with having a boyfriend. However, there is nothing wrong with not having one either, it's your choice. Nevertheless, assess your plans for your life and see if at this point a boyfriend is really a positive thing. Remember wrong decisions can hinder you from accomplishing your goals
As Shantel said in her article in the previous issue, "True love waits." I reiterate, there will always be time for relationships. Don't be in too much of a hurry. Take time to try and realise some of your dreams.
Philippians 4:13 says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Young lady, you can accomplish your dreams if you work at them.
GT Sept/Nov 2000
Look Before You Leap
By Shantel Hield
Imagine your best friend calls to tell you her parents are taking her away for the weekend. Imagine they gave her permission to invite a friend, all expense paid. Imagine she chooses you. Your heart starts to beat faster. You have always wanted to go to Disney World. You begin thinking about all the fun you're going to have with your friend. However, just as the word yes was about to come out of your mouth, you hear a demanding cry. Suddenly reality strikes. You remember, your time isn't your own anymore. Just one time you didn't say no and found yourself pregnant at the age of thirteen and a mother at fourteen. This means your life has change totally. You forgot to look before you leap.
Many teenage girls often become victims of this tragedy, that is a child having a child. Teenage girls must remember to take one step at a time when they begin dating. Your body may blossom suddenly however, your mind takes more time to mature.
Young ladies, take a look at your future before jumping into your present. Do you really want to be a mother before you actually become an adult? Moreover, do you want to be a mother before you become a wife? Just think about what you will miss out on. While your friends are out enjoying their teenage years you will be home taking care of baby. Yes we all have desires, we are only human but we also have a brain so, girlfriend my advice to you is to, use it. Just say no and mean it.
GT Sept/Nov 2000
Imagine your best friend calls to tell you her parents are taking her away for the weekend. Imagine they gave her permission to invite a friend, all expense paid. Imagine she chooses you. Your heart starts to beat faster. You have always wanted to go to Disney World. You begin thinking about all the fun you're going to have with your friend. However, just as the word yes was about to come out of your mouth, you hear a demanding cry. Suddenly reality strikes. You remember, your time isn't your own anymore. Just one time you didn't say no and found yourself pregnant at the age of thirteen and a mother at fourteen. This means your life has change totally. You forgot to look before you leap.
Many teenage girls often become victims of this tragedy, that is a child having a child. Teenage girls must remember to take one step at a time when they begin dating. Your body may blossom suddenly however, your mind takes more time to mature.
Young ladies, take a look at your future before jumping into your present. Do you really want to be a mother before you actually become an adult? Moreover, do you want to be a mother before you become a wife? Just think about what you will miss out on. While your friends are out enjoying their teenage years you will be home taking care of baby. Yes we all have desires, we are only human but we also have a brain so, girlfriend my advice to you is to, use it. Just say no and mean it.
GT Sept/Nov 2000
Love is Blind
By Shantel Hield
Read this carefully!
"Love is blind and it can take over your mind. What you think is love, it's truly not. You've got to elevate and fly." Eve, a new and popular rap artist sang in one of her songs.
These words are the painful truth. Many times young ladies are blinded by their emotions. They allow their feelings to be their guide. Too often they may think they are in love when in actuality they are simply infatuated.
Many young ladies can benefit from following the lyrics of this song. "We don't have to take our clothes off to have a good time." Young ladies sometimes rely on their bodies to please or keep a guy. Why can't we let our minds and characters do the convincing? If we want a guy lets show him who we are.
Some young ladies choose to have sex with a guy, thinking it is the normal thing to do. They believe that in order to be a "real" couple you have to have sex. Too many times girls give in to sex because they feel they are in love and when you are in love you have sex. This is wrong! Don't let your emotions put a sheet over your head. Don't let your heart do the thinking. God designed your mind to think.
Young ladies, if a guy claim to love you but can't wait for you, he's not
worth having. Tell him in the words of Toni Braxton "You're not man enough for me!" True love waits!
Let the word sex mean this to you.
S - Setting my mind on better things.
E - Eliminating the wrong things.
X - Exercising the right thing.
Take my advice, elevate and fly.
GT June/Aug 2000
Read this carefully!
"Love is blind and it can take over your mind. What you think is love, it's truly not. You've got to elevate and fly." Eve, a new and popular rap artist sang in one of her songs.
These words are the painful truth. Many times young ladies are blinded by their emotions. They allow their feelings to be their guide. Too often they may think they are in love when in actuality they are simply infatuated.
Many young ladies can benefit from following the lyrics of this song. "We don't have to take our clothes off to have a good time." Young ladies sometimes rely on their bodies to please or keep a guy. Why can't we let our minds and characters do the convincing? If we want a guy lets show him who we are.
Some young ladies choose to have sex with a guy, thinking it is the normal thing to do. They believe that in order to be a "real" couple you have to have sex. Too many times girls give in to sex because they feel they are in love and when you are in love you have sex. This is wrong! Don't let your emotions put a sheet over your head. Don't let your heart do the thinking. God designed your mind to think.
Young ladies, if a guy claim to love you but can't wait for you, he's not
worth having. Tell him in the words of Toni Braxton "You're not man enough for me!" True love waits!
Let the word sex mean this to you.
S - Setting my mind on better things.
E - Eliminating the wrong things.
X - Exercising the right thing.
Take my advice, elevate and fly.
GT June/Aug 2000
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