by Lakatia Braynen age 21
Many people have dreams and aspirations that they never have an opportunity to fulfill. However, because of God's goodness, I was given the opportunity to fulfill my dream.
September 7th 1997, was the day I began to fulfill my ultimate dream. Since I was a little girl, I've wanted to be a teacher. However I didn't realize what all it entailed. I soon came to realize that what I faced, only determination, persistence and stickability could prepare me for and take me through.
One year after I began my college journey at College of the Bahamas in Freeport I had to move to the Nassau campus in order to complete my degree. This was a challenge for me, because it meant moving away from my family and friends for the first time ever. However, I had a dream that I wanted to fulfill so I had to make the sacrifice.
As with anything in life, during my college experience, there were good times and bad. I learned that whenever there are bad times, the reward is that much greater. Also many of my weak points were strengthened and I discovered many gifts and talents, I didn't know I possessed.
How did I make it? One may ask. Philippians 4:13 states, " I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me." Without God, I would not have made it.
I would encourage all you young ladies who have dreams that you want to fulfill to "GO FOR IT!" If I can so can you. No it is not going to be easy, but at the end of it all a reward awaits you. When I look back and see what I have accomplished I have no regrets and I'm thankful that I didn't give up. Today, after four years of study, I can happily say that I have fulfilled my ultimate dream- I am a primary school teacher.
June/August 2002
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Bumpy Face Blues
By Bernadine McIntosh
"Oh my goodness!" I gasped as I looked into the mirror. Imagine my surprise at waking up one morning at age twenty something to a face covered with pimples. This was definitely not a good start to my day. " I thought I'd left all of that behind. How in the world did I get all of these pimples overnight", I thought to myself.
I immediately got out my Clinique cleanser and a cotton ball and began frantically scrubbing. But of course we know they don't disappear immediately. "How am I going to go out in public looking like this," I thought, vanity immediately kicking in. "Everyone's going to notice." Make up of course was a no-no because I didn't want to make it even worse. Ever been there? Well I'd been there all through my teen years. I'd paid my dues or so I thought.
Acne is a skin problem that is common to most teenagers. It is a problem that can cause uncertainty and self-consciousness. It feels as if everyone is staring at you, which usually isn't the case. However, if you wake up one morning to a face covered with pimples, or as we Bahamians say a "bumpy" face don't fear. It won't last forever. However, here are a few things you can do to minimize the effect of acne on you.
· Cleanse your face properly morning and evening, especially if you wear makeup.
· Dry your face gently with a clean towel.
· Use a mild acne fighting cream.
· Don't use makeup, if you have pimples. (I'm still crying over this one)
· Don't pick or squeeze the pimples (it's tempting I know, but try to resist)
· Try to eat foods that are not so high in fat.
Remember, if you have a skin problem now don't despair. You'll have beautiful, smooth, unblemished skin one day. This too will pass. You're probably wondering if that's true what am I, a woman in her twenties, doing with pimples. Well, I wish I knew. However I'm definitely going to be more vigilant with my facial care routine from now on.
March/May '02
"Oh my goodness!" I gasped as I looked into the mirror. Imagine my surprise at waking up one morning at age twenty something to a face covered with pimples. This was definitely not a good start to my day. " I thought I'd left all of that behind. How in the world did I get all of these pimples overnight", I thought to myself.
I immediately got out my Clinique cleanser and a cotton ball and began frantically scrubbing. But of course we know they don't disappear immediately. "How am I going to go out in public looking like this," I thought, vanity immediately kicking in. "Everyone's going to notice." Make up of course was a no-no because I didn't want to make it even worse. Ever been there? Well I'd been there all through my teen years. I'd paid my dues or so I thought.
Acne is a skin problem that is common to most teenagers. It is a problem that can cause uncertainty and self-consciousness. It feels as if everyone is staring at you, which usually isn't the case. However, if you wake up one morning to a face covered with pimples, or as we Bahamians say a "bumpy" face don't fear. It won't last forever. However, here are a few things you can do to minimize the effect of acne on you.
· Cleanse your face properly morning and evening, especially if you wear makeup.
· Dry your face gently with a clean towel.
· Use a mild acne fighting cream.
· Don't use makeup, if you have pimples. (I'm still crying over this one)
· Don't pick or squeeze the pimples (it's tempting I know, but try to resist)
· Try to eat foods that are not so high in fat.
Remember, if you have a skin problem now don't despair. You'll have beautiful, smooth, unblemished skin one day. This too will pass. You're probably wondering if that's true what am I, a woman in her twenties, doing with pimples. Well, I wish I knew. However I'm definitely going to be more vigilant with my facial care routine from now on.
March/May '02
Emotional Rollercoaster
By Linda Wright
Human beings are complex creatures. We are emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual and physical beings. We are affected by our environment, events, and what people may or may not say to us. As young ladies we are often plagued with our emotions. We just cannot be sure if we can trust them and what they are telling us to do. Our emotions are unreliable at times. We feel happy, sad, angry, excited, overwhelmed and worried in the space of a few minutes.
Strong feelings such as love, anger, fear, joy and sorrow are emotions. Our emotions affect our behavior in many ways in fact, it is often the leading influential factor that determines how we respond to others. A classic example could probably be someone wearing the exact same dress, to your prom. Some of you are probably thinking that, "hey that would make any one upset or feel strong feeling of resentment towards 'that girl'". In fact you may even feel that this situation warrants you not speaking to that girl or making snide comments about the way she looks in "your" dress, such as "oh she's much too fat for that dress," or "don't you think it looks better on me?
Your strong feelings may stem from the fact that as a child you may have worn hand-me-downs and not ever owned anything that was uniquely and originally yours. In fact, just being reminded that someone else has on the exact same thing as you may give you reason to behave in an inappropriate manner.
As young ladies we need to learn how to express our emotions appropriately. There will be times in your life when people may say or do things to you that may make you upset and angry. Someone may just get on your last nerve and in retaliation you may swear and let loose all your pent up frustration. However, uttermost care most be taken when you express yourself. Care should be taken in what we say to others, how we say it and when and where we say it.
Ladies, you should not allow your fears, anger, frustration, rage or any other emotion to get the best of you. Express yourself appropriately. Tell other when they hurt or upset you. If you do so they are less likely to repeat the same thing. Also you are less likely to give into temptation and give them a piece of your mind.
March/May '02
Human beings are complex creatures. We are emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual and physical beings. We are affected by our environment, events, and what people may or may not say to us. As young ladies we are often plagued with our emotions. We just cannot be sure if we can trust them and what they are telling us to do. Our emotions are unreliable at times. We feel happy, sad, angry, excited, overwhelmed and worried in the space of a few minutes.
Strong feelings such as love, anger, fear, joy and sorrow are emotions. Our emotions affect our behavior in many ways in fact, it is often the leading influential factor that determines how we respond to others. A classic example could probably be someone wearing the exact same dress, to your prom. Some of you are probably thinking that, "hey that would make any one upset or feel strong feeling of resentment towards 'that girl'". In fact you may even feel that this situation warrants you not speaking to that girl or making snide comments about the way she looks in "your" dress, such as "oh she's much too fat for that dress," or "don't you think it looks better on me?
Your strong feelings may stem from the fact that as a child you may have worn hand-me-downs and not ever owned anything that was uniquely and originally yours. In fact, just being reminded that someone else has on the exact same thing as you may give you reason to behave in an inappropriate manner.
As young ladies we need to learn how to express our emotions appropriately. There will be times in your life when people may say or do things to you that may make you upset and angry. Someone may just get on your last nerve and in retaliation you may swear and let loose all your pent up frustration. However, uttermost care most be taken when you express yourself. Care should be taken in what we say to others, how we say it and when and where we say it.
Ladies, you should not allow your fears, anger, frustration, rage or any other emotion to get the best of you. Express yourself appropriately. Tell other when they hurt or upset you. If you do so they are less likely to repeat the same thing. Also you are less likely to give into temptation and give them a piece of your mind.
March/May '02
Waiting for True Love
by Kristin Yarbrough
His hands moved up her back; his lips caressed her neck. True love waits. This isn't love, Alex thought, but it feels good. Yeah, true love waits, but waits for how long? How much? As long as she didn't go all the way, right? She broke away from him and glanced at her ring and whispered the inscription, "True love waits." I wonder if my true love is waiting for me...
Through various slogans and discussions, the female population has been taught to wait for true love. But wait for what? Wait to date? For a kiss? For sex? Well, I offer you this insight, as a college girl who has had her heart broken many a time and is currently waiting for true love.
Let's start with something "simple": dating. Personally, I think, girls shouldn't start dating until they're emotionally ready, which varies with the individual. Society creates too much hype about the importance of having a boyfriend. I swear we've got it all wrong. In junior high, a couple didn't actually go anywhere, but we called it "going out". In high school, two people like each other and then are considered an "item" and dating. But does anyone really date anymore? If you were to time warp to our parent's generation, you'd find that dating meant taking more than one person out and then "go steady" with someone that you liked more than the restof the people you've dated. Today it seems like we have it backwards. Most of the people I've observed become a couple before actually dating. Sadly, this leaves young women lost in the world of men that actually want to date (more than one person at a time) without having a serious relationship.
My suggestion is this: get to know yourself first. You can't ever dump yourself! You'll always be there! Once you've taken care of yourself, get to know the people you're interested in. From there, take it easy. Be open with the person of your attention and be honest about your dating views.
Next, if you date, set boundaries. Here's one way to set boundaries (Read before actually trying it!) Close your eyes and picture the man you want to spend the rest of your life with. Don't give him a name or a face, just imagine his shadows. Imagine that it's your wedding night. He turns to you and smiles. He leans in close and whispers ever so gently, "Honey, after knowing you for ______ years, I've finally fallen in love with you and have promised to share the rest of my life with you. I've waited for you since I can remember. The only thing I've ever done is...." Is? I don't want an is! I want it to stop at "remember". Okay, highly unlikely, but hey, that's my fantasy! Here's your job: take what you filled in at the end. If you feel truly comfortable knowing that your potential mate has been that intimate with someone else, rather than waiting for you, then that is where your
boundary line lies. Just remember, you may be okay with his experience, but he may not be comfortable with yours.
Romance and love is special--make it special. Why waste all those glances, poems, smiles, and kisses on just anybody? Waiting for someone special, especially for true love, shows that you value the next person you date so much that you considered your relationship before you even met. What if a guy did that for you? Wouldn't that just make you get that "aw-gee" look on your face? So from me to you, dear reader, please remember, "True love waits… for marriage"; we're all worth waiting for!
Dec '01/Feb '02
His hands moved up her back; his lips caressed her neck. True love waits. This isn't love, Alex thought, but it feels good. Yeah, true love waits, but waits for how long? How much? As long as she didn't go all the way, right? She broke away from him and glanced at her ring and whispered the inscription, "True love waits." I wonder if my true love is waiting for me...
Through various slogans and discussions, the female population has been taught to wait for true love. But wait for what? Wait to date? For a kiss? For sex? Well, I offer you this insight, as a college girl who has had her heart broken many a time and is currently waiting for true love.
Let's start with something "simple": dating. Personally, I think, girls shouldn't start dating until they're emotionally ready, which varies with the individual. Society creates too much hype about the importance of having a boyfriend. I swear we've got it all wrong. In junior high, a couple didn't actually go anywhere, but we called it "going out". In high school, two people like each other and then are considered an "item" and dating. But does anyone really date anymore? If you were to time warp to our parent's generation, you'd find that dating meant taking more than one person out and then "go steady" with someone that you liked more than the restof the people you've dated. Today it seems like we have it backwards. Most of the people I've observed become a couple before actually dating. Sadly, this leaves young women lost in the world of men that actually want to date (more than one person at a time) without having a serious relationship.
My suggestion is this: get to know yourself first. You can't ever dump yourself! You'll always be there! Once you've taken care of yourself, get to know the people you're interested in. From there, take it easy. Be open with the person of your attention and be honest about your dating views.
Next, if you date, set boundaries. Here's one way to set boundaries (Read before actually trying it!) Close your eyes and picture the man you want to spend the rest of your life with. Don't give him a name or a face, just imagine his shadows. Imagine that it's your wedding night. He turns to you and smiles. He leans in close and whispers ever so gently, "Honey, after knowing you for ______ years, I've finally fallen in love with you and have promised to share the rest of my life with you. I've waited for you since I can remember. The only thing I've ever done is...." Is? I don't want an is! I want it to stop at "remember". Okay, highly unlikely, but hey, that's my fantasy! Here's your job: take what you filled in at the end. If you feel truly comfortable knowing that your potential mate has been that intimate with someone else, rather than waiting for you, then that is where your
boundary line lies. Just remember, you may be okay with his experience, but he may not be comfortable with yours.
Romance and love is special--make it special. Why waste all those glances, poems, smiles, and kisses on just anybody? Waiting for someone special, especially for true love, shows that you value the next person you date so much that you considered your relationship before you even met. What if a guy did that for you? Wouldn't that just make you get that "aw-gee" look on your face? So from me to you, dear reader, please remember, "True love waits… for marriage"; we're all worth waiting for!
Dec '01/Feb '02
Accept Yourself
By Linda Wright
Fat, skinny, tall, short, we often hear about how extremely we fit on these sides. As young ladies we often feel that something is wrong with our size, shape, height or a particular body part. We are made to feel that we should look like actresses, models, singers and other famous people. Oftentimes our individuality, the person we are inside is neglected or treated as if it does not exist.
Right now you may be hiding the fact that you don't like how tall, short, fat or skinny you look. STOP! Don't feel ashamed or feel that you are all alone. The truth is that there is a time in every young girl's life when she feels as if she just doesn't look "right"
Let's be honest here. You're in high school and it seems as if looks are the number one thing that everyone is interested in. Hey, guess what? Pretty soon (even as you read this) you will realize that, looks alone, just ain't guh cut it no more.
Your size, shape and height doesn't make you who you are. It is the inner you- who you love and who loves you, where you're going with your life, your dreams and aspirations - the kind of person you are, your character. These are the important things that matter. Of course there are people even in your own circle of friends and your very own family who think that you should lose this or put on that or grow up or shrink some. However, that should not make you untrue to who you are. Disregard what others say. Love yourself!
I have known young ladies who have tried to change who they are. Of course everyone knows that this doesn't work because it just has the opposite affect. But, I can empathize with them and with you because I too felt uncomfortable with how I looked. I had to learn to accept my body, accept the things that I just could not change. So whatever your complaint with your body, learn this prayer written by an unknown author and hopefully your feelings will change.
Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, Courage to change the things that I can and Wisdom to know the difference.
Hey, there will be a lot of people who will say negative things about how you look. There will be people who will do their best to change who you are. On the other hand, there are thousands of people who will accept you just as you are, especially the person in whose image you were created.
Dec '01/Feb '02
Fat, skinny, tall, short, we often hear about how extremely we fit on these sides. As young ladies we often feel that something is wrong with our size, shape, height or a particular body part. We are made to feel that we should look like actresses, models, singers and other famous people. Oftentimes our individuality, the person we are inside is neglected or treated as if it does not exist.
Right now you may be hiding the fact that you don't like how tall, short, fat or skinny you look. STOP! Don't feel ashamed or feel that you are all alone. The truth is that there is a time in every young girl's life when she feels as if she just doesn't look "right"
Let's be honest here. You're in high school and it seems as if looks are the number one thing that everyone is interested in. Hey, guess what? Pretty soon (even as you read this) you will realize that, looks alone, just ain't guh cut it no more.
Your size, shape and height doesn't make you who you are. It is the inner you- who you love and who loves you, where you're going with your life, your dreams and aspirations - the kind of person you are, your character. These are the important things that matter. Of course there are people even in your own circle of friends and your very own family who think that you should lose this or put on that or grow up or shrink some. However, that should not make you untrue to who you are. Disregard what others say. Love yourself!
I have known young ladies who have tried to change who they are. Of course everyone knows that this doesn't work because it just has the opposite affect. But, I can empathize with them and with you because I too felt uncomfortable with how I looked. I had to learn to accept my body, accept the things that I just could not change. So whatever your complaint with your body, learn this prayer written by an unknown author and hopefully your feelings will change.
Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, Courage to change the things that I can and Wisdom to know the difference.
Hey, there will be a lot of people who will say negative things about how you look. There will be people who will do their best to change who you are. On the other hand, there are thousands of people who will accept you just as you are, especially the person in whose image you were created.
Dec '01/Feb '02
Are You Cool or a Fool?
by Shantel Hield
Tonya and Michelle were offered a drink at a party they attended. Michelle refused but Tonya decided to give it a try. "After all what harm can one drink do," she thought to herself. However two hours later she was still drinking. Let's listen in on Tonya and Michelle's conversation.
Tonya - Girl you have to get a sip of this!
Michelle -You know I don't drink.
Tonya - Too bad, this drink is the bomb!
Michelle -What is it?
Tonya - I don't know, but it sure tastes good.
Michelle-You really shouldn't be drinking that. You've had four drinks already.
Tonya - Girl chill out! I feel good and I just want to party, besides, everyone's doing it.
Have you experienced this scene before? If so were you more like Michelle or Tonya? Unfortunately, for many teenage girls the idea of being cool in the eyes of their friend is a number one priority. Consequently, if drinking alcohol makes them popular they are hip to the idea of drinking. They do not think that they can actually become alcoholics.
However, who expects to become an alcoholic? Well, think again! A journey of a million miles begins with one step. That first drink you sip can take you on a road that destroys your future. Alcohol is addictive and habit forming. You don't need to try it to see if you like it. You may like the taste but you won't like the affect it has on your life. I love chocolate, however I don't like what it does to my complexion. Translation, you may like the taste of alcohol but you won't like the effect it has on your life.
You are a beautiful young lady. Why would you want to be associated with something that kills, destroys and humiliates? "How?" you ask. Well first it kills. It kills your personality. You are no longer yourself and no one wants to be around a drunk.
Second it damages. It damages your body. You are no longer healthy and energetic.
Last it humiliates; it humiliates you and your family. When you drink you can't walk straight and you can hardly string two words together. How cool is that?
Don't kid yourself! Drinking is not cool. In fact, alcohol simply makes you act like a fool. Knowing whom you are and what you stand for, that's cool!
Dec '01/Feb '02
Tonya and Michelle were offered a drink at a party they attended. Michelle refused but Tonya decided to give it a try. "After all what harm can one drink do," she thought to herself. However two hours later she was still drinking. Let's listen in on Tonya and Michelle's conversation.
Tonya - Girl you have to get a sip of this!
Michelle -You know I don't drink.
Tonya - Too bad, this drink is the bomb!
Michelle -What is it?
Tonya - I don't know, but it sure tastes good.
Michelle-You really shouldn't be drinking that. You've had four drinks already.
Tonya - Girl chill out! I feel good and I just want to party, besides, everyone's doing it.
Have you experienced this scene before? If so were you more like Michelle or Tonya? Unfortunately, for many teenage girls the idea of being cool in the eyes of their friend is a number one priority. Consequently, if drinking alcohol makes them popular they are hip to the idea of drinking. They do not think that they can actually become alcoholics.
However, who expects to become an alcoholic? Well, think again! A journey of a million miles begins with one step. That first drink you sip can take you on a road that destroys your future. Alcohol is addictive and habit forming. You don't need to try it to see if you like it. You may like the taste but you won't like the affect it has on your life. I love chocolate, however I don't like what it does to my complexion. Translation, you may like the taste of alcohol but you won't like the effect it has on your life.
You are a beautiful young lady. Why would you want to be associated with something that kills, destroys and humiliates? "How?" you ask. Well first it kills. It kills your personality. You are no longer yourself and no one wants to be around a drunk.
Second it damages. It damages your body. You are no longer healthy and energetic.
Last it humiliates; it humiliates you and your family. When you drink you can't walk straight and you can hardly string two words together. How cool is that?
Don't kid yourself! Drinking is not cool. In fact, alcohol simply makes you act like a fool. Knowing whom you are and what you stand for, that's cool!
Dec '01/Feb '02
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.
"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.
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