ISSUE #4
Got Work?
Frustrations, a word that fails to..........
Kiedel Sonny!
The man behind it all What's hair got to do with it? When it comes to hair all can .........
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Issue 3 - July 2013 - That's Wassup |
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Got Work?
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The Man Behind it all
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What's Hair Got to do with it?
10 Comic Strip 12 Life at Kun Shan University of Technology 14 Cheap ways to make over your room 15 Top ten recommended
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EDITORS Snard Alexander Joy Samuel PROJECT MANAGERS
Hierland Peter Kendall Barthelmy PHOTOGRAPHER Kareem Stanley MAKEUP DESIGN Amy Florius GRAPHIC DESIGN Ross Daniel
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CONTRIBUTORS Kelianne Nelson Tsebe Victorin Anonymous Writers
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Editoral
WITH SNARD ALEXANDER
n today's society, the question of 'What do you stand for?' has shown itself in every single political debate, talk show, personal setting and artistic media one can think of. We tend to develop a habit of adhering to what everyone else is doing. Sadly enough, it has become a culture in our fair island of St. Lucia to have the ability to speak of those matters which plague us, but never use our hands or our abilities to make a change. Have you ever felt discouraged to go after a dream? It is something all those with a great mind face. I once sat with a gentleman in his restaurant in the heart of Rodney Bay. This man had been homeless for years but then he made a decision to own his own business. He stated “People will always try to tell you what to do, to destroy in you what they couldn't bring out in themselves. Sometimes they care for you, but sometimes you need to say no to faithless love. My mother told me that I couldn’t do what I'm doing today. I didn’t listen to her and now, it’s my money that gave her that house she always wanted.” One would wonder where we would be if we never doubted ourselves; if we never followed trends but created our own. In our land of St. Lucia, we seem to agree that we feel restricted and stagnant, as if, no one supports our ideas. For years, it was believed that only the heavens could harness electricity. Yet, a man, after 1000s of failed attempts, after being diagnosed as 'mad', said “I didn’t fail 1000 times, I just had 1000 ways that did not work.” St. Lucia is a land full of the talented, but few are the aspiring. If you had a choice to change anything in your country, would you? Think about someone that can be considered a success. Now, think about how they gave back to society and went against the grain. Ladies and gentlemen, we have choice given to us in this battle of ourselves versus the world. What we don't like, we have the ability to change. Nothing is permanent. As a generation, we are already beginning to go into new ventures and bring arts onto a new level in St. Lucia through cinematography, photography and new businesses, such as Event planning and marketing. Do we really want to limit ourselves to the tongues of our forefathers? Dear reader, are you not a member of a generation of change? Change begins with ideas but, it is how we act on them that makes the difference.
Issue 3 - July 2013 - That's Wassup |
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Youth Unemployment In St. Lucia Frustration
is a word that fails to adequately describe what unemployed youth go through. The burden felt by a single mother, the depression a young man may have to deal with while trying to support his family or, the disappointment a university graduatemay face because of unemployment, can all be emotionally paralyzing. A substantial numberof peoplein St.Luciaare currently unemployed. This situation islikely to worsen with each passing yearas several students continue to leave the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and Secondary Schools around the island.Global reports, such as the International Labour Organization’s “Global Employment Trends for Youth 2013 report� show that across the globe, an estimated 3.4 million young people are expected to be out of work in 2013. While we recognize that unemployment is a global issue, we must first direct our attention to a local level and see the secondary impacts it is having on our young people. What is often buried and lost in unemployment statistics is an understanding of the traumaticimpact brought on by involuntary job loss and ongoing unemployment. Substance abuse, deviant behavior and even crime among the youth may be some of the outcomes of being unemployed; possibiliesacknowledged by Minister of National Security,Phillip LaCorbinierre.
Unemployment on the island has been made worse by the recession and, all sectors of the society are feeling the pinch. Surprisingly, not evenemployers are an exception to this rule. However, despite unemploymentthat plagues young people, despite the sadness, despite the hurt, many young people refuse to let their circumstances determine their fate. Many single mothers, instead of giving up on the prospects of finding hope, are turning to the National Skillsand Development Center(NSDC) for training. The NSDC also offers programs to train youth at risk and, help them attain internship opportunities,with the intention that they will gain full time employment. The initiative focuseson recidivism-which is the act of habitually relapsing into crime-and helps to train juveniles as well as searches for employment opportunities for them. Many young people are also turning to the St. Lucia Youth Business Trust in order to turn their business ideas into reality. The programservesyoung people from 18 to 35 years, who have a sound business plan. Young people who take part in the program are provided with experienced business mentors who offer sound business advice, encouragement and guidance. Locally, with a little Persistence, hard work, innovation and a strong mind, we have the essential tools needed to positively turn around this obstacle called unemployment here in St. Lucia.
Kiedel Sonny....
Issue 3 - July 2013 - That's Wassup |
The man behind it all
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ver the course of his life, this young man has managed to leave an impact in so many different areas that it’s no surprise you may have come across him at least once. Whether through social media, comedy videos or live on stage performing, Rochad Kiedel Sonny has left his mark.More commonly known simply as Kiedel, over the years he has become wellknown as a comedian, dramatist and professional entertainer. Kiedel, stage name ‘Rk Sonny’,is originally from the community of Anse La Raye. He later moved to the city of Castries. Currently age 19, Kiedel will officially be graduating from the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in December of this year. He was also a former student ofthe Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School. To highlight one of his major accomplishments, Kiedel Sonny has been the recipient of the Award for Excellence in performing arts at the National Awards of Excellence ceremony. He was introduced to comedy from the tender age of 7, where it had become a ritual for his household to sit and watch "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air". This is a show that he considered to have profound effect on his personality. He stated “I became so intrigued by Will Smith's ability to make people laugh that I felt it was something that I needed to learn. In all honesty what gained my interest in the industry of comedy was just the ability to make people smile.” Kiedel stated that he contributes to the comedy industry with a group that he started together with his cousin Huxley Popo. This group was called "Radio Out and Bad" and comprised of Kiedel’s friends and classmates; all of whom take pleasure in bringing smiles to the faces of people near and far. However, young Kiedel had to overcome many obstacles to make progress in his areas of interest. During our interview he stated, “My biggest struggle was the pressures of having to balance my school life with my social life. There were times when I felt caught up with my social life and as a result it felt like I was neglecting my school work. However with some self-evaluation, prayer and determination I was able to find myself on the right” In the future, Kiedelwould like to pursue a career in cinematography and audio or music production. He believes that this area of study could be beneficial to Saint Lucia due to arising demand for advertising in our economy. These skills,he stated,may be put into practice to not only develop arts in Saint Lucia but, to create a more interesting business sector in the field of marketing. He advises that young persons interested in this industrynot only gain exposure to it but also, be focused with the understanding that nothing comes without hard work. Also, Kiedel emphasizes that you shouldputGod first in everything that you do,thus allowing him to direct your path. He went further to advise that young entertainers or comediansdevelop strategies for delivering punch lines or underlying messages. In the next five years, Kiedel aspires to become an ambassador for Saint Lucia in the world of entertainment; whether it is in comedy, hosting shows, dabbling in musicor videography.
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What's Hair Got to do
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hen it comes to hair, all women can relate. Women can connect to: a growing Weave Industry, to the concept of long hair being a badge of beauty for some and also, to the perception cutting one’s hair can have (are you going for the nontraditional look or is this a new beginning?). How a woman wears her hair can be a contentious topic, particularly regarding hair extensions and relaxers. Criticism has been raised about the use of these products. However, why is it that women straighten their hair or wear extensions? Are they making a fashion statement, or,is it something more profound? Overuse of weaves and incorrect removal of extensions can lead to hair loss, however, that is not a disincentive. For some, constantly having their hair straightened and putting in hair extensions can be like a drug. The weave industry is a billion dollar sector and despite the exorbitant costs, some women will go to great lengths to get hair extensions. There are women who will pay whatever amount is necessary to get the desired look; even $700.00 a packet for certainkinds oftextured hair, namely Brazilian or Peruvian. Bad economic standing and unemployment are not dissuasive when it comes to attaining that desired look. There are those who view hair as a compliment to an outfit; that important addition which flatters a woman’s look. Many women shrug off suggestions that weavesare used to conform to some of society’s mainstream standards of beauty. For many of them, it is a fashion concept.They experiment with new looks, and are versatile in the same way that one would use and perceive their makeup and clothes. However, criticism remains rife that the issue of weaves and relaxers is rooted in colonialism. Recently, South Africa's President, Jacob Zuma, got in trouble by remarking that African women should stop trying to look white by straightening their hair. However, many women have rebuffed suggestions that straightening their hair or wearing extensions had anything to do with race. So, what do men think? Do they prefer the longer hair, and what do they really think about hair extensions?
with it???
When interviewed, men admitted that how a woman wears her hair doesn’t matter to them. What is important to them is her confidence and how she carries herself. Ironically, while some women are apprehensive of their natural hair, it is adorned by others. Miss Universe 2012 St. Lucia, Tara Edwards, says her natural look was frowned upon by some. She was advised to get a relaxer in order to represent St Lucia on the international stage. However, Tara decided to go with her natural hair. The benefits were phenomenal.She definitely stood out from the other contestants who went with the conventional long hair trend. Interestingly,Tara won best hairstyle out of all the other contestants for going with her natural look. Hair of all textures is beautiful, whether it is worn natural, curly, straight or permed. There are risks to over processing one’s hair and overusing extensions but, it is a woman’s prerogative to wear her hair however she feels fit. It is important for women to value what they already have.
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Life at Kun Shan University of Technology G oing to University is a brand new experience that can often be described as a culture shock. Of course, if you were to attend one in a place you are familiar with, such as, your own country or area,
it wouldn’t be. However, once you step out of your comfort zone and leave home, things change. Then, the further away you go, the more changes come. People are different, you can't use the same words, can't do the same things and, of course, you no longer see familiar faces. However, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Going far leads you to new experiences, such as dorm-life among other things. Meeting new people is also a plus and, especially when going somewhere different, the new foods, delicacies and cultures can be an interesting new life. Though, sometimes a bit too delicate for someone that is not accustomed. If you haven't been to school in a while (a period longer than 1 year) it might take some getting used to. The classes are a little longer than you might expect and, depending on your course, you'll need to adapt to a bigger class and less individual attention. However, since you're not the only one in the class, there's always someone who will be more than happy to help you get whatever you missed and viceversa. All in all, University life is not only something to look forward to in order to further your skill sets. It is also a unique learning experience which you will find helps you in several areas of life.
Cheap ways to make
over your room
A good room makeover is always a fun idea, but to really get up and do it may seem like a task, especially, when you don’t know where to begin. Here are some fun, easy and most importantly, affordable ways to a good room make over:
1. Mosquito Nets- Sometimes, makeovers don’t always include “Out with the old, in with the new”. Taking old room decora tions and spicing them up a little is all it takes. The ordinary white mosquito net is not as fun as one with a bit of glitter, some buttons and rhinestones. So let loose and go wild with em!
2. Ribbon Bulletin board- We all got events or tasks we just can’t afford to forget and so we need to place a reminder somewhere visible. A basic bulletin board seems okay but not fun at all. Try something sweet and chic like a ribbon bulletin
board. Mix and match your favorite colors to create your master piece.
3. Posters- These really make a statement! Buy a couple based on your favourite tv shows, movies, or music groups or, simply print out your favorite quotes from people whom you look up to. Putting up fun pictures of you and your friends can also make a big difference. Try not to overdo it though; make sure everything is neat.
4. Colorful rugs- Get a colourful rug or a couple colourful rugs to match your new ribbon bulletin board. Try to keep it modern to suit your style. Important Tip: Make sure there isn’t too much going on in you room. You don’t want it too clustered and unattractive. Get rid of the things you don’t use.
MUSIC
Issue 3 - July 2013 - That's Wassup |
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TOP TEN RECOMMENDED SONGS FOR SEPTEMBER 2013
#1
Miley Cyrus Wrecking Ball Bangerz
Katy Perr y Roar
#2
#3
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#6
#8
#9
#4
#7
#10
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