From the Editor CXC Goes Online: A Step in the Right Direction
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ongratulations to the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) for making the decision to post students’ grades online. This is undoubtedly a positive move in the right direction. By taking this step, the Barbados-based institution is acknowledging the need to become more technologically-aware and relevant when carrying out its functions. As a supporter of the increased use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) within the education system, I laud this as a giant step towards greater ICT inclusion in schools. By having online access to their grades, students and parents will be able to, from early, start planning for the back to school period. Before now, it took significant time for physical results to get to schools and for the schools to then sort through and later notify students to collect. This new development means that students have immediate access to their results, and based on the quality and number of passes, they will know whether to start seeking a job, make plans with their parents to engage in something else or wait to enroll in sixth form or college. Additionally, this ensures that schools will not be able to withhold results from students as ransom for unpaid fees, which has proven to be disadvantageous to many students who do not have the funds available to make outstanding payments. The new system, however, is not without its faults. It was reported in the media that some students are altering their results online. This is worrying and is indicative of a certain level of dishonesty that should not be present within the future leaders of this region. It is shameful and embarrassing that students would want to claim grades they didn’t earn, essentially choosing to undermine the progress made by the CXC; an institution that has served this region well for many years. It also shows certain weaknesses in the online system and should be an excellent, albeit unfortunate, way for the CXC to implement safeguards that will ensure that the system continues to function, with as little problems as possible.
and achieving exceptional grades, but also being true to the National Pledge for Schools which encourages them “to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly…” Well done! Congratulations to our Teen Spirit writers and to you, our loyal readers, on being successful in your CXC examinations. Like many of our writers, a lot of you will be making the transition to college. Whether you’re going to The University of the West Indies (UWI), The University of Technology (UTECH), any of our many universities locally or taking the leap abroad, you should be very proud of your accomplishment. You’re probably, however, a bit apprehensive about making new friends and adapting to a new system. In an attempt to take away some of that fear, two of our writers, Kandice and Dervin, share with you how they are preparing for college and their expectations and plans for this new chapter in their lives. We also have cool school fashion for the guys, five back to school resolutions, plus more. Enjoy!
Finally, it was heartening to hear that no Jamaicans were involved in this detestable act. All is not lost, it seems. I want to publicly congratulate our students for not only working hard
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College Prep
'Looking forward to the whole college lifestyle'
by Dervin Osbourne
I
t’s about that time when you have to start preparing for school in September. It’s always the same old routine each year− going Downtown or Half Way Tree to buy the latest Clarks and Jansport bag, buying your khaki pants and then taking it to the tailor to alter it a little. Yes, I remember those days. But they’re long gone for me; University Mi Seh!
I was so happy when I found out that I got accepted to both the top universities in Jamaica. After a few months and some weeks of going crazy wondering why everyone got their acceptance letters and I didn’t, I later found out that my letters were being sent to the wrong address. After I finally got that acceptance letter, I had to wait about a month before I saw what the school fee would be, which is cheaper than I thought. I was on my way to UWI. I couldn’t help but imagine my first day of school. I pictured my mother crying while sending her last child off to college and me struggling with my luggage trying to get to my dorm room. That’s what I see in the movies! I couldn’t help but wonder if freshmen got picked on in Jamaica like in the movies. But what I can already expect is confusion. I hope the orientation clears up all of that. And the clothes! Immediately I started mentally calculating what I want to wear to school. I sat down with my mother and told her that I wanted 20 shirts, five cargo pants, five jeans pants and five sneakers. I have to look fly for the first day of school, right? In high school I had to wear the same thing for five whole years! To ensure that I have all the trendy stuff for school, many of which would put a strain on my pocket, I guilted some of my family members into buying me things like a laptop, a new blackberry, a gshock watch and of course, more clothes. I’m worried about the change of scene though. I know a lot of people would agree when I say starting a new school can be a drag, especially when you’re leaving the familiarity of your high school to enroll in the largest university in the Caribbean. Add to that, the struggle of finding new friends and fitting in with the right crowd. I don’t know about you, but
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when I make new friends I usually go through a complete sorting procedure. The last time that happened, I met some persons who thought they were vampires. Creepy, I know. Putting all of that aside, I’m actually looking forward to being a university student. Looking forward to meeting people from different races and learning their culture, joining clubs and societies, boarding with friends, road trips, the whole college lifestyle!
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College Prep 'I want to make the best of this opportunity' by Kandice Moncrieffe
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hen I found out I got accepted into both UTECH and UWI I was totally happy, although I was stuck in a dilemma. What I got accepted to do at UTECH was actually what I wanted to do at UWI, and what I got accepted to do at UWI is not exactly what I want to do. Anyway, I have a plan. I decided to choose UWI and hopefully transfer to my first choice major next year. So after accepting UWI’s offer, I got a second acceptance letter, outlining what my next step should be. Two weeks after that, all forms were completed and submitted to the admissions office. I still don’t know exactly how to “prepare” for college; all I’ve been doing is worrying. Yes, I worry a lot. Worrying about missing classes because there are no school bells at UWI, nobody cares and I’d have to be super disciplined and focused. Worrying about not being smart enough to understand how to register for my classes, because I find it so confusing and complicated. Worrying that I’ll fail all my classes and end up being a bum. However, I plan to actually set a reminder on my blackberry to remind me of all my classes so I don’t end up sitting un-
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der the gazebo all day. I also plan to go to my faculty office and ask them for a faculty handbook and beg for help with registering for my courses. As it relates to my worry about failing, I plan to just try my best and study really hard. What I have done to “prepare” for college is buy tonnes of plain v-neck t-shirts so they can be easily repeated and not be totally noticeable. I also bought some cute graphic tees, as well as a few jeans, a cute jacket− just in case I might have a presentation to make and I want to dress up my outfit− and a couple flats in neutral colours, so they can go with everything! I also applied for a scholarship from the nurse’s credit union and I got it, so that’s helping me in so many ways, financially. Other than that, I’ve just been asking current students at UWI what I should expect and to be honest, I’m still puzzled.
Ultimately, I plan to just go to UWI and try to make the best of this opportunity!
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Advice 5 Back to School Resolutions I
t’s back to school time! Yes, the summer is almost over and it’s time to start getting your mind back in the mood to begin learning again. School will soon be in session and you’re probably entering a new form or even a new school, with new expectations, challenges, people and a whole bunch of stuff to learn. You’ve heard of New Year’s resolutions, but before you head back into the classroom, here are five back to school resolutions that you should consider adopting. 1) Complete all assignments By now you should know that this is very important. Commit to completing all assigned work within the specified deadlines. Every assignment is important, so ensure that you put yourself in the best position to ace your classes. 2) Read outside of class time I know, I know− you’re not a reader, but think about it like this. If you read your notes every day after school for one hour, you’ll decrease the time spent preparing for exams when they actually come around. 3) Make use of the library Your school library is a great resource when doing assignments. Use the library to do research, explore books you don’t already own or just to have some quiet time while you complete an assignment. Believe it or not, the library is your friend. 4) Participate in extra-curricular activities You might not see the benefit of this now, but extracurricular activities are a great way to build interpersonal skills outside of the formal classroom setting. Resolve to join a club, take part in a sport or do some volunteer work. 5) Have a positive attitude Yes, we know. This one is a little hard sometimes but nothing gets you going at full speed better than a positive attitude. Embrace the new challenges that will come and look at this school term as one more step towards achieving your goals. You can do it!
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Cover Story Eva Hype & Mario Dunwell: Musical Friends
by Ava Gardner & Michael Farquharson
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oining the local music scene are two friends who value their friendship as much as they value their music. Eva Hype, real name Stefan Bowes, a young upcoming artiste and Mario Dunwell, a producer, have been friends for years and have now ventured into the music business. Even though they may be relatively young, do not underestimate the talent of these two who’ve already started to get attention in the music industry. Teen Spirit recently met with the upcoming musicians to find out their next step in their already elevated hype.
Mario Dunwell: Producer TS: What inspired you to begin producing instrumentals?
MD: It was about the year 2006, when I was 14. For my entire life, I have been surrounded by several family members who love music. They listen to all genres of music. When my brother introduced me to a computer software that could make music, I was instantly hooked. TS: Which producers do you look up to?
MD: Stephen McGregor, Ryan Leslie and Kanye West. Stephen completely changed the sound of dancehall at the age of 16. Ryan Leslie plays a variety of instruments which he incorporates in his music to achieve unique sounds and versatile feels. Kanye West, in my opinion, is simply the most creative person on the planet. TS: With the rising popularity of your production group, how do you tell groupies apart from real fans?
TS: Do you have any new beats projected to be released?
MD: I have a couple singles to be released this month and
MD: Fans are always asking for new music and following
I’m helping to work on upcoming mixtapes and riddims.
your work, even if you don’t have something out at the time. You only hear from groupies when you’re the topic of conversation or ‘relevant’.
TS: Who is expected to perform on the beats?
MD: The usual artistes such as Eva Hype, Jahmiel, Propa Fade. However, you can look out for some new faces.
TS: Have you found your Soulmate?
MD: There is someone close to my heart right now. She knows herself (laughs) TS: Are you interested in anything besides music?
TS: What has been your biggest achievement since you began Dunwell Productions?
MD:
It would be either ‘Lover’s Go’ or the Soulmate Rid-
dim.
MD: Not right now. If I am not hanging out with friends or playing video games, I’m doing something music-related.
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Cover Story Eva Hype & Mario Dunwell: Musical Friends Eva Hype: Singer TS: Who is Eva Hype? When and what gave you the impetus to start doing what you are doing now?
EH:
It’s kind of funny how interviews ask you who you are, not knowing that the image you present is different from who you really are. With that being said, I’m this incredibly talented 18 year old songwriter/singer who is doing music because he loves it and is trying to find purpose in life.
TS: Which artistes do you look up to?
EH: Beres Hammond, Voicemail, Konshens, Mavado, Vybz Kartel, DRAKE, Kanye West, Jay–Z, John Mayer & Ryan Leslie! TS: Are your songs aimed at people in your life?
EH: Every single one of them. Look out for “Fail To Exist Part Deuce (The Final Chapter).” That’s a very good example of how personal my music is. It’s my life, my experiences and my emotions, all drawn from the greatest source of inspiration: people! TS: If you could only perform one song, what would it be? What is your favourite song to perform?
EH: I’ve always wanted to perform “Fail To Exist” live. So far my favourite song to perform would have to be “Lover’s Go.” That’s my baby! (laughs) TS: What is it like being the face of Young Moguls?
EH: I’m the self-proclaimed “Swag Principal” and the crowned “Cardigan King” so it’s no secret that I have a passion for fashion. So being the face of clothing distributing company works well for me. TS: Are you interested in anything besides music?
EH: Absolutely! Love football. I want to be a youth coach one day and I am also writing an inspirational/biographic book called “Beneath The Hype.” TS: Do you have any new songs/videos/ mixtapes projected to be released?
EH: O gash man (Propa Fade Voice) I have a song called “Love We Suh” featuring Jahmiel, out of the Young Vibes camp. www.ezineslimited.com
It would have been released by the time this interview is out. Also, I have the Kirov Hello Heartbeat Video to release middle of this month. TS: How was the Hello Heartbeat video shoot?”
EH: The video shoot for Hello Heartbeat (featuring Kevy B) was a success. Everyone involved, including myself, Kevy B, RD studios (directors), the lead girl Calina, (winner of the Hello Heartbeat Competition) and the supporting team, were enthusiastic about the project. We traveled to various locations across Kingston for the shoot and the overall energy was great. The video tells a dramatic and entertaining story within the context of the song. I’m not going to give away the surprise, so look out for the Hello Heartbeat official video coming soon!
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Fashion S
Cool For School
by Ava Gardner
ummer is almost over and school’s about to start. But, who says that male college students can’t be fresh on campus? Here are a few ways to mix and match your Summer party clothes for your new campus life.
Formal Outfit 1 Casual Outfit 1 Wear a button-up and jeans to a formal gathering and be the hottest boys on campus and dress down a button-up with shorts.
Formal Outfit 2 – Casual Outfit 2 Take party outfits and mix and match them with simple shirts while keeping your accessories.
Clothing provided by: Grandeur “The High Fashion Thousand Dollar Store” Shop #12, 7th Avenue Plaza, Kingston 10 Phone # - 776-0754 PIN – 23B5D33C
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Entertainment
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Five Steez: Local Hip Hop Artiste With International Dreams by Alana Gardner
amaica’s music industry is known internationally for dancehall and reggae, but local hip hop artiste Peter Wright aka Five Steez, decided to go against the norm and choose a different path. He’s quickly becoming one of Jamaica’s leading MC’s. Teen Spirit caught up with Five Steez to learn more about his perception of hip hop and the reality and emotion behind his music.
TS: When and why did you decide to become a performing artist? Why rap? Five Steez: I’ve had a real love for music for as long as I can
remember. I’ve been writing lyrics for at least half my life and recording music for many years. I don’t think I chose music as much as it chose me. From the boom-bap drumbeat to the diversity in sound to the emphasis on lyricism and originality, Hip Hop was the genre that captivated me the most. TS: How would you describe your music? Five Steez: I make ‘true school’ Hip Hop... My music is al-
ways real, reflecting my life or situations relevant to my family, friends or wider society. Being the type of person I am, the music also tends to be militantly conscious. The sound of the music, itself, may vary a bit from time to time but the beats always knock hard and leave your head bobbing. And as an MC, I make sure my lyrics are always on point. TS: Who are some of your influences? Five Steez: My musical influences include all the greats like
Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye and so much more. Nas, 2Pac, Biggie, Common, The Roots & Wu-Tang Clan are among my all-time favourites and have had the greatest impact on how I approach making music. TS: What is it like being a rapper in Jamaica? Five Steez: There is no place for me or my music in the
Jamaican ‘music industry’ at this time. The industry neither supports local Hip Hop nor welcomes it. This is why I’m completely independent from it. I have had no choice but to find other ways to get things done and that usually means relying on myself. Fortunately, I have found pockets, mainly the young, growing Hip Hop scene and the live music scene, that appreciates what I’m bringing to the table.
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TS: Were there any challenges that you faced that made you just think to give up and why didn’t you? Five Steez: Whatever challenges another artist tells you
about... cannot compare to being a rapper in Jamaica. Believe that. Despite that difficulty, that’s not enough to stop me... after all, I have found markets overseas that love the music. I think the biggest challenge, even at this time, is to be pursuing music as a business. I can’t say I’ve never seen a dollar from music but it’s nowhere near where it has to be to make a substantial living. It’s easy to give up, even now, but it’s the love that keeps me going and my confidence in how things are shaping up for my career. TS: How would you like your music to impact the youth? Five Steez: I hope my music can teach the youth to seek
knowledge, wisdom and understanding; love themselves; love what they do and make a positive contribution to society so that successive generations can live a better life. You can find Five Steez on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fivesteez and follow him on Twitter @fivesteez teen spirit eZine
Music Review
Song: Swaggin Artiste(s):
Wayne Marshall; Tifa & Future
Fambo (W.T.F.)
T
ifa is one of the few artistes that bring flare and excitement to the music business and she did just that with her feature in the Summer song, “Swaggin.” Most people should know this phrase, “I am swaggin ahh too bad for you.” Never heard of it? That’s definitely unfortunate for you. The song’s been playing on airways for months. In the song, performing alongside Tifa, were Wayne Marshall and Future Fambo, the other components of W.T.F. Wayne, Tifa, and Fambo – W.T.F., get it?
The Song Produced by Washroom Entertainment, this is a definite party song. It really has an ambiguous meaning with the ability to immediately positively transform the vibes of a party. One of the first lines, “Like a lizard on a limb I’m on the beat,” automatically puts people in a conceited dance number. It’s one of my favourite songs this summer, simply because of the fun it brings.
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The Video The “Swaggin” music video was released last week and received high raves from people. The video, directed by Jay Will (Game Over), featured all the members of the W.T.F. swag team and appearances from other entertainers. Wayne was all swagged out in his Louis Vuitton accessories. Then Fambo appeared in a mansion too cool that he had to have a tailor and a hand servant. Tifa spiced up the video with her rhymes and extravagant outfits; styled by Dexter ‘3D’ Pottinger, of course.
Overall rating: Hot or Not? Certainly hot. I particularly love how the music video starts; Tifa’s voiceover, Wayne’s attire, Fambo’s dancing and graphics. I think Tifa’s part was the best- and not because I’m a girl. I think Wayne could have hyped it up a little more, but maybe that’s how he swags. Other than that, it was a good music video that I enjoy watching from time to time, especially when I’m feeling my swagger.
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Have your Say… To be or not to be: Jamaica's Transition to a Developed Country by Jahmar Clarke
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y people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge’ reads a quote from the bible. As it turns out, apart from knowing that Jamaica went through slavery and got independence in 1962, the average Jamaican knows little of his country. This is one of the main reasons for the lack of growth and interest in the country’s development. I attended a prominent single sex school and one learns so much about that school and the tradition and legacy it bears, that any of its students would easily volunteer their services in any area of expertise he might be adept in just so that this institution, and the legacy it bears, continues. This is the bond that Jamaicans need to develop with our country and it must start in the education system. The average fifth grade US student might be able to name all 44 US presidents, while Jamaican adults cannot effectively name the 14 parishes. Try it. Ask friends to name the 14 parishes or who was the first Jamaican Prime Minister. You will be surprised at the answers you get.
that students are more free thinking and not indoctrinated into believing that one way of thinking is the only and correct way. Not many Jamaicans can correctly tell the capital of St. Andrew. More emphasis should be placed on major Caribbean leaders who have impacted the world, such as Eric Williams, Marcus Garvey, Norman Manley and Walter Rodney. History is very important in understanding where you come from, and I believe that the great leaders of our region will inspire the Jamaican population into believing in the nation and have faith in its possibility of development. Then and only then will we not be so pessimistic about Jamaica’s growth, but will be bursting with optimism; so much so, that we will want to be a part of that change and start the process of change. Have something to say? Want an outlet to express your ideas with other forward-thinking youth? Email your comments and thoughts to teenspirit@ezineslimited.com.
Marcus Garvey and his doctrines are not taught in schools and he was a major proponent of Nation building, patriotism and development. The education system should be restructured so
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Out & About US Embassy Fetes Facebook Fans
reads ixon, D o d Delga ter. k fan. Bridgewa o o b r e c o a d F sa ’s top mbas bassy ions to A m E t S s The U fan que
The US Em cake wit bassy ’s 9500th fa h Ambas sador Br n, cuts the idgewate r.
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few weeks ago, the US Embassy in Kingston fêted150 of its Facebook Fans. Persons from different parishes converged at the embassy’s office to interact with Ambassador to Jamaica, Pamela Bridgewater, the Deputy Chief of Mission, Consul General, USAID and Peace Corps directors and other section heads and staff, in addition to fellow Facebook fans. Teen Spirit was there and we were very pleased with the reception. Well done to the embassy for engaging the citizens of this country in such an intimate way, and for putting a human side to the affairs of the embassy. Charge d’affaires at the US Embassy in Jamaica, Isaiah Parnell
Check out these pics from the reception.
Embassy staff w ith Facebook
fans at the rece
ption. k Faceboo
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lves at y themse fans enjo
tion. the recep
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