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
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