PassionEDITOR'S LETTER The Passion of Christmas
YOUTH VOICES MAGAZINE l ISSUE 11
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The Issue 11
Editor's
Letter RenĂŠe Le Gendre
of Christmas
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hristmas is a time when passion is widespread in T&T. People of all ages, races and genders are eager to celebrate the season in fine style. Children look forward to Christmas parties, gifts, toys and meeting up with distant family. Women want to decorate their homes and prepare and enjoy their favourite Christmas delicacies and mingle with family and friends; while men look forward to liming with friends and family and enjoying their favourite Christmas dishes. It is a time to be festive and upbeat. Music is a major part of the season with parang and soca parang and chutney parang. To paranderos and parang lovers, parang is a prime ingredient in the christmas season, it is an integral part of the holidays to all, and is a part of the culture of T & T all year round. It is one of the physical aspects heralding the christmas holidays in the country, as well as poinsettas, sorrel, pigeon peas, cooler weather and shorter days, which are typical of the month of December. The Christmas Eve/Christmas Day mass is the most significant part of the Christmas season, though the Old Years Night's/New Year's Day mass is better attended, as many people believe it is imperative that they attend this mass as a part of their spiritual obligations. The birth of baby Jesus is the 'reason for the season' and is the major event around which all the celebration revolves. Keeping in mind the salvation of man that God has offered by giving his only begotten Son is the paramount message of Christmas. The celebrations we engage in are in remembrance and appreciation of this.
Readers' Comments " Always inspiring to achieve greater things, Always motivating. Thank You Youth Voices Magazine for making a Difference in our young lives!" - Nicholass Ashton
RenĂŠe Le Gendre Editor, Youth Voices Magazine
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CONTRIBUTORS
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CHRISTMAS - PERSONALLY GLOBAL?
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hen uttered, the word “Christmas” immediately creates synaptic overload. To many it conjures images of merriment, togetherness, good food, Santa Claus, gifts or as some would describe, 'that warm feeling inside.’ However, to others it brings back memories of pain and sorrow. Consequently, these associated feelings continually mask the true meaning of Christmas. Despite this underlying dilemma, celebration of the “most wonderful time of the year” transcends geographical and religious boundaries and we all experience the same wave of emotions at the same time. Culture has a large influence on all associated Christmas festivities, even though infiltrations of global norms pervade the customs of countries the world over. So much so, that in tropical countries like ours, the yuletide season is increasingly linked with snowmen, Santa Claus and his reindeers and the ever so popular candy cane and christmas trees. More and more, we continue to accept what is portrayed on television as being the “standard” and unfailingly follow the associated traditions. Ever wondered why Christmas exists anyway and what it means to you?
By: Francis Felician
Personally, I believe Christmas encompasses culture, life experiences, and ultimately our expectations. Our expectations seem to mask our religious beliefs and our approach to the celebrations as a whole. Every year around this same time, we expect and look forward to predetermined processes and courses of action. Any diversion can easily result in the rupturing of a blood vessel. Do we expect too much after crossing a certain age threshold and as a result lose our “Christmas spirit?” Or did we some how forget after our teen years that it’s love that permeates and echoes the said feelings that we all anticipate? As we grapple with the countless daily tasks, wishing we had more time, we must be cognizant that we are only sure of the present, for tomorrow never comes. Starting today, right now, let your inner child shine, so as a community, we can create a global space that is warm and amiable throughout the year and not just at Christmas. Shouldn’t that exhilarating Christmas feeling be made a daily one, both personally and globally?
Passion
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assion, according to the Oxford Dictionary, passion is defined as an intense desire or enthusiasm for something. I once knew of this person who was very passionate about something but never committed to it. Her name was Julie. She had a passion for entertainment, music and fashion however she was a shy girl. One day at a family gathering, she was asked, “Julie, what would you like to be when you grow up?” After her siblings screamed excitedly all what they wanted to be, Julie muttered, “I would like to be an entertainer.” Her family laughed, some looked at her with pity and said, “Julie, we all know you like to entertain, as a hobby, but what about your future, what would you like to be?” Julie gazed at everyone with a bit of sadness in her eyes. She was sixteen years old and loved singing, yet her family did not have that faith in her that she can become a singer just like her icons. Julie slowly gazed across the room and whispered, “I don’t know really, guess I haven’t given it much thought.” The next day, Julie’s mom took her to a career exhibition. She knew if Julie saw all that the world has to
offer then she would be driven to be something a little more traditional. “Oh Julie, you can be a Chemical Analyst. No you can be a therapist.” Julie watched frantically at her mother while she threw all these crazy ideas at her. “Julie, you are so smart, and there is a world out there for you; please do not you waste it on foolishness and childish dreams.” Julie's mother pleaded with her. Julie just nodded her head. While exiting the career exhibition, Julie saw a flyer about a singing competition. She quickly grabbed it and stuffed it into her handbag. As she got at home, Julie called her friend Simone and asked what she thought about entering the competition. Simone thought it was a great idea. Julie asked her parents if she could have entered the competition, however, they declined and they insisted that she spend more time in her books rather than her nose in the clouds. Julie was truly depressed, but she loved singing so much, she just had to see if she had a chance and to prove to her family it was not a stupid dream. Julie had a great support system from her friends and based on that, she decided to enter the competition. On that audition, Julie melodically
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belted out the song “Amazing Grace” that awarded her a place in the finals. She was so excited but felt some sadness in her heart knowing that her parents did not believe she could have done it, however strangers think she could do it. The finals were one week away and Julie was nervous and she was at the edge to tell her parents. Eventually she did and they were upset, however, the father watched her and said, “Julie, what do you like to do. Do you like to sing?” Julie nodded her head and her father said, “Go sing baby, go sing.” Eventually, Julie won the competition and was awarded with a music contract and now she is living her dream. The point of this story is, once you have a passion for something; do not give up because people do not support it. We were all given various talents and skills from God, you have to develop it and persevere. Julie could have given up since her family did not believe in her, but she did it. "Passion is in all of us, so find your true passion and be
...Happy
"
By: Josanne Forestine
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FIND YOUR PASSION & MAKE IT YOUR PROFESSION
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Find Your Passion Make it Your Profession
By : Kenyon Champion
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h gosh it's Monday again! Sours... TGIF! No work for two days!!! :D Sigh... This job is de worst! I hate my job... Ever uttered those words or thought along those same lines? Chances are you haven’t found your dream career. Note I said career and not job which is distinctly different. A job refers to a task which in itself lends the notion of it being tedious. A career however as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary is “A course or progress through life (or a distinct portion of life)." See the difference? A progress through life, not just going through the everyday motions because you have to. You should be able to chart a course, set goals, take action and move forward, singing a happy tune along the way. I have a theory I like to call the 1/3 Principle (cool name right :P sounds fancy :D). In essence it has been proven by way of the obvious that you spend one third of your adult life at “work”! Think about it... and 8 hour working day 24 hours in a day... just take my word for it, its 1/3. Yeah it sucks I know. What’s worse is that another 1/3 of your life (8 hours a day) is spent asleep :S and if you’re lucky only 1/8 (3 hours a day) is spent in traffic so that leaves lets see... 8 + 8 + 3 = 19 and there are 24 hours in a day so that’s... ummmm 5 hours left
in the day for personal time with friends, family and loved ones and your spiritual life! :S Not much huh... well that being said why not maximize on the largest amount of time you have awake... Your Career! I have come up with a few simple guidelines on how you never have to work a day in your life! Find your passion What is the one thing you can do for hours? What are you good at? What excites you and brings out that passion inside you? Everyone is different and all skills and pastimes can be turned into a profession if you put enough thought into it. Do a self search Find out about your personality. Some persons are introverted, some extroverted and some even perverted. Some persons can work well in teams, some prefer to work alone, some are enterprising, some less risk takers. Trust me there is a career out there for you no matter your personality traits. Believe in your skill Don’t undermine or discredit
your skill and talent. Everyone is different and has at least one thing they are good at. For some it could be doing hair, some persons have good fashion sense, some have a good ear for music, some are good at acting or speaking in public, some have a way with words and some work well with children or people, some persons can impart knowledge well and some can shoot a cup off the head of a sheep from 10 feet away! Despite what it is, your skill can make you money and above all help you to have a happy life. Practice makes Perfect Take the time to practice and own your passion. Although you may still be at school or not in your dream career right now you can still make time to start getting some experience in your ideal career choice! Do stuff relating to your skill for free for friends, family or neighbours. You can also volunteer at a local organization in the industry of your choice, or open your own business and start practicing! You can build years of worthwhile experience instead of waiting for your career to fall into your lap. On top of that, you will be able to network and make key connections that could jump-start your career and also even build a clientele or following. .
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FIND YOUR PASSION & MAKE IT YOUR PROFESSION l 9
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Find Your Passion Make it Your Profession
By : Kenyon Champion
1/3 of your life is spent at “work” are you going to spend it dissatisfied, waiting for the weekend? Or are you going to be excited and happy in a career where you go home feeling a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment? *This theory assumes a 5 day week and doesn’t take into context the 2 days of the weekend, which is extra personal time anyway. If you want to get technical we spend about 24 % of life at work which is still a significant amount.* - Kenyon Champion
Make your Passion your Profession So you’re a World Class Chef, working at a 5 star Fine dining restaurant creating some of the most tasty, fancy smancy dishes, garnish and all.... WHAT NEXT? Continue to learn, develop your craft even further, acquire more skills, you can never know everything. That’s the wonderful thing about life, you can always learn something new, and there is always room for growth and improvement.
You can never get bored if you seek out new challenges, challenge yourself and don’t forget to help others who were like you, ones searching for their start. Always give back!
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YOUTH VOICES CLOTHING
YOUTH VOICES MAGAZINE l ISSUE 11
Available Colours MALE FEMALE Red Red Blue Pink White White Black Black
Male Front
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Making a difference
Female Back
with young caribbean minds
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PASSION with Samantha John l 11
Right now I’m passionate about my craft of course, which is communicating via different mediums. These days I’m also very passionate about living a healthy lifestyle, so I’m doing something called Cross Fit – which involves a 20-minute routine with different exercises and no breaks in between. It makes you really strong and involves fun stuff like jumping on a box – which I haven’t done since I was a child and seems like even more fun now, in addition to being part of a healthy routine. After watching a series of documentaries, I’ve also decreased my meat consumption a lot – I’m not vegetarian, but I definitely don’t need to have meat with every meal now. I’m trying to re-learn how we should treat our bodies because I think we grow up practicing certain things and then we realize we could make smarter, healthier choices…
John
Samantha
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PASSION with Don & Dion La Foucade
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Dion La Foucade
Don La Foucade
"My passion is to help young people to fulfill their potential and to realize that God planted greatness in each of us."
"My passion is doing what God has called me to do which is to be a vessel of inspiration to others."
Photographer: Deetoo Dee
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SO MUCH MORE
You’ve probably heard (or experienced) that ‘all that glitters isn’t gold!’ Yes, there’s so much more to be considered besides the appearance and the acquiring of the gold. Where did it come from? Do we really need it? What does it mean to own it? How much is enough of it? Who really owns it? If we’re the owner, does it mean that we are better than others who may not have what we have? So much needless time is spent on acquiring ‘things’ that we can quickly forget that these golden possessions mean nothing eternally. There’s so much more to our existence than having ‘the bling’ or having the things that seem to be a must have. The latest cell phone; Ipad; laptop or computer gadget may be ‘cool’ and exciting to have, but please don’t be deceived into thinking that having these things add more value to your life. Some even try to use it as an identity symbol. Let us quickly remember that we come into the world with nothing and when we leave, we shall also leave with nothing. That’s a reality that we all have to face. Life these days seems to be buzzing with so many activities that at first glance may appear to be ‘the bomb’; so many parties or limes; so many ‘things’ with or under ‘the bright lights’ grabbing for our attention. Have you noticed? They ALL will come to an end at some point. Hopefully, we remain sober enough to know when it’s ended! Be warned, the phrase ‘the last lap’ can be more than just words. It could be a place of contracting something, that wasn’t part of our God-given contract.
You may be tempted to think that I’m being judgmental, but the truth is, I have made many mistakes and I, like you, am certainly not perfect. Whilst trying to make fewer mistakes, I am learning daily about the pitfalls of worldly success and as a result, I have a responsibility to share my inspired learnings with others. God has placed in my heart, a heavy burden particularly for the youth. Thankfully, my experiences have allowed me to interact with thousands of young people who are searching for and deserve so much more. Some who are rightfully searching for their life’s meaning and some who limit themselves and are going as the breeze blows; anywhere, anytime! They are even willing to do so by dressing anyhow! Take a moment now and understand this fact: We all have a God-given purpose! We are not in the world as an accident or by mistake. The God of this universe intends for us to be here and whatever He intends and allows, has a purpose from Him attached to it! We still have to depend on Him in spite of how much we acquire materially and there isn’t a specific age that we must reach to, before we start seeking a relationship with Him. NOW is accepted time! Why not now? Now is the time to look seriously at our relationships and quickly decide if these connections are leading us down the road of no return, or not. We must be consciously aware of life and what it teaches. A lesson we can gather, is life is not what happens to us but what we choose to do about what happens. Choose wisely! Daily
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we witness the loss of young lives and some sadly, can become so immune to what is happening around us. Does it bother you to witness what is being witnessed in society? It bothers me and will continue to do so, because we are either part of the problem or part of the solution. ‘Things’ and ‘more things’ which appear to be something, or the ‘in thing’, may add up to nothing as there is something called ‘fool’s gold!’ The gold, the crowns, or the rank we seek, will fade at some point and can outlast us here on the earth. Get the real stuff! The true meaning of life! It can’t just be to acquire a perishable crown! Be willing to search for the deeper and more meaningful things in life. Make a positive step each day to find out who you truly are meant to be and please do share this inspired article so that others, young and old, can accept and understand clearly: It’s time for us all to be consciously aware that there is SO MUCH MORE to life! By: Don La Foucade
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About the Author
Inspirational Speaker/Author of “In Full Flight!” and “Facing the Storms of Life…In Full Flight!”
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PASSION with Anya Ayoung-Chee
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By : Nigel Telesford
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n 2012, Project Runway Season 9 Winner, Anya Ayoung Chee travelled to some of the biggest cities on the planet to showcase her Spring/Summer Collection, but as Christmas came tumbling down like snow-flakes, there’s only one place you would find this ambitious young talent – and that’s right here at home in sweet Trinidad and Tobago.“Christmas is big for me because it’s all about family and my family is very close-knit,” said Ayoung Chee, during a recent visit home. “I love traveling and exploring new places, but when the holidays hit, I just have to be home spending time with my family and friends and enjoying all the wonderful Trini food and drinks!” With Trinidad Carnival close by on February 11th and 12th, Ayoung Chee is also focused on her two major projects for the season. “I wish I could, but I haven’t been able to visit Tobago in awhile,” she confessed. “There’s no sign of vacation in sight. Right now, I’m working on my fete and thank God the planning for the section (in Tribe) dies down around now until it’s time for the costumes to come out, then I’ll get involved with that again. The Fete will be at the same venue as of now and on the same day – Carnival Saturday.” Back home, for a week, Youth Voices Magazine sat down with Anya to get the exclusive on her passions and her whirlwind debut year as an official designer. “I’m a creative person,” she revealed, “so I love creating and right now it’s found its expression in fashion. I’m also really passionate about being able to assist young creatives to follow their dreams and to be able to live the lives that they want – cause I think that’s what makes people truly happy. I am happy. It’s been an amazing year! “I showed my Spring/Summer Collection in New York first – during Fashion Week there and then I showed it in London as well during their Fashion Week. I’ve been working on a store project in Barbados, which is linked to a manufacturing facility that I’m developing here in Trinidad. The idea really is that the factory will eventually be something that young designers can use to build their own lines and produce their own collections. It’s a long term project, but first I have to make sure that it works and it sews and the standard is good, which is a challenging endeavor. So, I was in Barbados as well and of course, I live in New York so I’m there in between. I was in LA once or twice developing a YouTube Series that I’m working on – which will be speaking to people who want to learn about style and fashion. It’s more one-on-one than TV – you know YouTube videos can be very personal and it’s like a direct interaction between myself and the viewer, so I like that fact that it’s sort of educational, but it’s also showing people how I work and what I do. Along the way, I hope its inspiring people to do what they love as well.” Ayoung Chee does not just talk the talk; she is walking the walk in terms of fulfilling her passions.
Photographer: Laura Ferreira Photo Credits: Wyatt Gallery
Photographer: Laura Ferreira
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PASSION with Anya Ayoung-Chee l 17
“I’ve been working on a great product with a company called Able Made,” she revealed, “and they are a shopping destination for products that give back to a worthy cause, so, of course, TallMan Foundation being my chosen charity the product’s proceeds will go back to them. It’s an international shopping destination that’s doing really really well and has lots of other incredible brands associated with it – so I’m really excited about that! I’m working on a couple other TV-type projects that I can’t really talk about yet cause they’re still in development.” As for her love life, which also blossomed this year after she accepted the proposal of and became engaged to longtime companion, Wyatt Gallery, Ayoung Chee said the media will have to wait quite some time for pictures of her wedding gown. “I don’t think there’ll be a wedding in 2012,” she said, with a chuckle. “Well, at least not mine anyway! I think we’re hanging on and waiting for things to settle down cause there’s too much happening at the moment. Too much work to do! Too many passions to explore!”
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JANEEL ARCHER-ROYER SPEAK!
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" I wanted to create a home for
children and young adults to be open-minded and explore the many ways they could voice their opinions."
" Preteens and teenagers should be able to create an atmosphere where they can speak to the world through visual communication and expression."
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hough American born, I am "Trini to de bone!" I have lived in the Caribbean for years. At a tender age, I just knew I loved art; drawing caricatures, cutting out defined shapes to make cards, making candy pouches and expressing my emotions through poetry. I was always on the reserved side, but soon realized, in order to be noticed, I had to get out there! Working my way up from courses to gaining work experience, after years of struggle and hardship, I earned my Applied Associate of Science in Visual Communications at Katherine Gibbs College then my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Washington. I hope to one day obtain my Masters. I have been working towards my goal ever since, being faced with challenges, but never letting anything get in the way of my success! I, Janeel Archer-Royer, now the Creative Director of Janquil Designs and SPEAK! poetic expressions, have been working diligently to create an atmosphere where I can speak to the world through visual communications and expression.
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SPEAK! poetic expressions is an affiliation of Janquil Designs, and was first articulated and formulated in 2007. In July 2010, Janquil Designs launched its first project, a creative workshop that ran for six (6) weeks, Saturdays and was structured for pre-teens and teenagers, ages 10-13 and 14-16. I propose to present this workshop three times per year. The course allows self-expression using various media, but in particular poetry and art. It is a fun and exciting way to learn simply how to express feelings, emotions and creativity. This workshop will allow people to be free to express and explore their creativity in order to enhance their lives. It aims to encourage oral, visual and editorial expression using words, art, craft, photography, music etc. Preteens and teenagers should be able to create an atmosphere where they can speak to the world through visual communication and expression. The purpose is to encourage young adults to express themselves more creatively and effectively.
Janquil Designs, which has been established since 2008, have been producing designs since 2001, but was officially launched in 2010. With inspirations from many, there has been a sense of positivity and great accomplishment within everything I have done. At Janquil Designs we provide designs that help visually communicate with the world. The style carries a sense of sophistication, elegance and class, leaving the client wanting more.
This creative workshop will assist young people to formulate positive creative concepts and learn how to convert negative energy into positive outcomes by channelling it through visual communication, art & craft, music, self expression, meditation, interaction, poetry writing and much more. It could also help improve spoken English, essay writing, comprehension, communication and foster behaviour change.
Janquil Designs is a visionary concept, which incorporates graphic design, poetry, fine arts, craft and movement, to inspire and produce creative and innovative designs for various items; logos, corporate identity packages, fliers, ads and magazine publications are just some of these. I aim to create designs, which will have a positive and lasting impression on the target audience; a small, yet expanding vision.
It is a place where there's no holding back; a place for thought; a place for reason; a place for poetic expression.
A couple of years later, I introduced a creative workshop called SPEAK! poetic expressions, to sort of give back to the community. I wanted to create a home for children and young adults to be open-minded and explore the many ways they could voice their opinions.
I would like to open my door and mind to you, so as to show you the many opportunities out there. Look out for the next creative workshop starting July 21, 2012 to August 25, 2012.
For more information log on to: http:// speakpoeticexpressions.blogspot.com or you can Email me: janquildesigns@gmail.com/ speakpoeticexpressions@gmail.com. You can also check us on facebook.
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HOBBY VS PASSION
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By: Carla Williams Johnson
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hen I was asked to write the differences between a hobby and passion, I must admit, I stopped!! I had to think about it a bit……I mean passion versus hobby?? Aren’t they the same thing?
One would think that they are one in the same…twins if you will…but looking at it closer one would see that they are indeed related. Not twins but cousins maybe? If I were to talk of the top of my head, I would say that a hobby is something that you do, while passion is the feeling behind what you do. According to dictionary.com a hobby can be described as an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation. Ok, so that confirms my theory, lets see what the site has to say about passion. Passion: 1)Any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling such as love or hate 2)Strong amorous feeling or desire; love; ard or 3)Strong sexual desire; lust 4)A person toward whom one feels strong love or sexual desire Ok then, sexual desires and love aside we can see that passion is indeed a feeling that you have whether it’s for something or someone. Then it stands to reason that one can have passion for whatever hobby that they pursue. Right??I believe that passion is what separates the person who likes to dance from a dancer, the person who enjoys singing from a singer or a person who likes to cook from a chef! I would like to think that many of the greats have simply poured themselves into what they love to do and with sheer passion and determination excelled in their respective fields. As the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel once said “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion”Such is true, so what does that mean for you? Well, just pour your heart and soul into what you love. Distinguish yourself! You aren’t just another one you are THE ONE!! Light that fire called passion and be the best. Who knows….that ‘so called’ hobby that you’ve been practicing for years, could be the very thing you can be internationally known for. I can see your name in lights now!!! Can you??
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PASSION with Kelly Ford l 21
Photographer: Deetoo Dee
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Passion HEALTHY LIFESTYLE with ANIQUE WALKER
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With Anique Walker
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What motivated your passion for the sport? I always knew I wanted to play football, it’s been in me.
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Do you see any challenges as a female footballer? At this point I don’t foresee any challenges.
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As a young individual, based on your observations; do you think young people are living a healthy lifestyle?
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Yes I believe so, the people I know of do! This of itself is motivation for me. Their presence and positivity are infectious and we all have to be able to surround ourselves with this kind of mentality.
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As a role model for youths, what would you tell your peers to motivate them about following their dreams? I would tell them to get in a program, there’s a lot the Government is offering right now. Get into one that inspires you, one that you like, and enjoy the experience, the benefits will speak for itself. I guarantee it.
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Three words to describe you? Hardworking, Determined and Disciplined
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Favorite meal? That’s easy Pelau with plenty pepper
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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE with ETIENNE BELLEMERE l 23
With Etienne Bellemere
Who's your role model and why?
Zinedine Zidane. He has an unique ability to command the field and for me, he is the best player by far. The way he maneuvers the ball, his style, his very presence is to be admired.
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Who's your all time favourite athlete? Again the response is unanimous “Zinedine Zidane”.
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What’s your motivation behind football and where did the passion come from? My parents got me involved initially. They encouraged me to try and after a couple events, it grew on me. All I lived was football, that’s my passion.
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If approached for your insight into one element you could change about the sport of football in T & T what would that be? Mainly the attitude of young players. Enough is not being done to facilitate this aspect of the sport. From experience I know of a few young people that have benefitted from scholarships and are doing well. Academically speaking, there are opportunities out there that young people can grasp and pursue to achieve their goals.
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Three words to describe you as an unique individual?
Hard working, Focused, and most of my Friends would say I’m laid back
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What's your favorite meal?
(laughing) My mom’s cooking on Sundays : Macaroni Pie, Callaloo Stew Chicken
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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Eating for your good health
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A Healthier You Starts Right Here!
EATI NG FOR HEALTH GUIDE
Nutrition is the science of how food affects our bodies. Let us start at the very beginning and explore how we can combine our foods to ensure that our bodies are well nourished!
Nutrition Basics Simply put, food is anything that we eat or drink that keeps us alive and ensures proper growth and development. Nutrients are the chemical substances found in different foods which our bodies need to be healthy. Carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals and water are the different types of nutrients. Carbohydrates, protein and fats are referred to as macro nutrients since our bodies need them in larger quantities than vitamins and
minerals, which are referred to as micro nutrients. This does not make one class more important than the other since our bodies need them ALL to function properly. Carbohydrates supply the body with energy, dietary fibre and help the body to use fats. Protein builds and repairs body tissue, builds antibodies to fight infection, and supplies energy. Fats carry the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and supplies energy. There are many vitamins and minerals that our bodies need, for example: 1) We need vitamin C to ensure that we have healthy teeth and gums; 2)Vitamin A ensures that we have good night vision; 3)The mineral calcium helps to build strong bones and teeth while the
mineral iron helps to transport oxygen throughout our bodies. It is very important for us to have water (also a nutrient) daily to help with the digestion and absorption of our food. Though dietary fibre is not a nutrient, our bodies need an adequate supply of this indigestible part of plant foods to prevent constipation and reduce our risk of developing diseases e.g. heart disease. The amount of energy that we get from the three macro nutrients is measured in calories. Too many calories in our diet and too little physical activity can lead to us becoming overweight. Every person, be it a baby or adult, need the SAME nutrients , however the amount differs and is determined by such factors as age, sex (male or female) and level of physical activity.
Let us now look at the food Groups we have in the Caribbean The six Caribbean Food Groups is a good place to start in choosing the best foods for our health. They are Staples, Legumes, Foods From Animals, Fruits, Vegetables and Fats and Oils. These foods, if eaten in the right quantities, provide us with all the nutrients for proper growth and development. The Caribbean Food & Nutrition Institute diagram below shows the foods that are found in each group and give a visual on how to combine them to have nutritious meals! STAPLES
LEGUMES
Good sources of Good sources of carbohydrates and protein, calcium, some B vitamins. The iron and dietary wholegrain cereals, like fibre, especially for rolled oats, are better vegetarians. for you since they contain dietary fibre.
FRUITS
VEGETABLES
FOODS FROM ANIMALS
Good sources of protein, some vitamins e.g. vitamin A and minerals e.g. calcium and iron.
FATS & OILS
Good sources of good sources of good source of fats vitamins, e.g. Vitamin vitamins e.g. vitamin and some vitamins e.g. C, minerals e.g. A, minerals e.g. iron vitamin E; have these potassium, water and and dietary fibre. foods in moderation! dietary fibre. contain dietary fibre.
iar amil e f e r ps, w we a hat od grou to t w w No the fo n ho make r h t a i e l w now m to will ine the . b ls com hy mea t heal
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YOUTH VOICES MAGAZINE l ISSUE 11
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Eating for your good health l 25
The Multimix Approach to Meal Planning Examples
One approach we can take to meal planning is known as the MULTIMIX PRINCIPLE!
•Ensure that you ALWAYS mix a cereal-type staple with Legumes
Lentil peas & Rice/Dumplings
•You can mix any type of Staple food with the Foods From Animals food group
•The type of mix we have is defined by the number of Food Groups we have chosen for that particular meal. Therefore if we only have to 2 Food Groups represented in our meal that is a 2-mix plan.
Oat & Milk
Type of Mix 2-Mix: Choose these food group combinations carefully!
•The smaller the number of food groups chosen at any one meal, the cheaper the meal. By the end of the day you should have eaten foods from all the Food Groups, to ensure that you get an adequate supply of nutrients.
Stewed Fish with Cassava NB: A meal of only Staple foods and Vegetables is NOT a good combination since you will not get an adequate supply of nutrients.
Green Figs & Bhagi
3-Mix •Staple +Legumes + Vegetables
•Fat is often added during cooking so at a meal we usually have at least 3 food groups included.
Rice, Dhal & Spinach (Bhagi)
4-Mix •Staples + Legumes + Food from Animals + Vegetables
Pelau containing Rice, Pigeon peas, Chicken & Pumpkin
•Having 3 full meals and 2 snacks from a variety of foods from the 6 food groups should keep you healthy. Your main meals should always have a good source of protein and carbohydrates.
5-Mix •Staple + Legumes + Vegetable + Fruit+ Fats & Oils
Buttered Sweet Potatoes, Red beans, Tomatoes Slices & Watermelon
•A beverage served with a meal can be part of multimix, if it is chosen from one of the food groups e.g. orange juice
Black-eyed Peas & Rice, Stewed Chicken, Cucumber slices & Portugal
•No matter how many food groups we choose to use in our meal plan, we ALWAYS start with a staple food!
6-Mix •Staple + Legumes + Foods From Animals + Fats & Oils + Vegetable + Fruit
He al
y Recip th e
Lemon Garlic Tilapia
Directions
Yield: Makes 4 servings
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Total Preparation Time: 40 minutes Ingredients
" Remember that healthy eating is one of the most effective ways to prevent us from developing nutrition-related chronic diseases like Diabetes and Heart Disease!"
2. Rinse tilapia fillets under cool water, and pat dry with paper towels. 3. Place fillets in baking dish. Pour lemon juice over fillets, then drizzle butter on top. Sprinkle with
•
4 tilapia fillets
•
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
•
1 tablespoon butter, melted
•
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
4. Bake in preheated oven until the fish is white and flakes when pulled apart with a fork, about 30
•
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
minutes.
•
Pepper to taste
garlic, parsley, and pepper.
Nutrition facts 1 Amount Per Serving Calories: 142 calories, 4.4 g total fat, 1.4 g total carbohydrate, 0.2 g dietary fiber, 23.1 g protein, 93 mg sodium Source: Allrecipes.com
Article Courtesy: NATIONAL SCHOOLS DIETARY SERVICES LIMIITED School Nutrition Programme Improving the Quality of Life with Nutrition
School Nutrition Programme
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INDULGE in fashion
YOUTH VOICES MAGAZINE l ISSUE 11
Credits: Photographer - Nigel Reid Models - Krystyna-Lee Ram & Candy Lovell Hair by LaCara
INDULGE
n o i h s a F IN
YOUTH VOICES MAGAZINE l ISSUE 11
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INDULGE in fashion l 27
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WHAT MAKES A COMMUNITY GREAT?
YOUTH VOICES MAGAZINE l ISSUE 11
WHAT
MAKES
COMMUNITY GREAT? A Cindy E. Lavia
What makes a community great?
C
an it be said that people with money have the best neighbourhoods? Do the people without those monetary possessions understand better the ideology behind what it means to be a part of a genuine community? The factors have plagued me since I could conceive out of my own consciousness but this is without an absolute resolution, still, with a rampant crime situation and general disloyalty, abandonment ; distrust, toward one’s own state, the answers to these questions must be brought to light and must in boisterous refrain ring out; echo, throughout the narrow tunnel we seem to be lost in. I have lived in the vicinity of Laventille all my life. My grandfather and grandmother immigrants looking for a better life, found themselves here, not sure of much but willing in spirit and as sharp as was permitted then. They worked hard to provide a better life for their three children, who were the epicenter of their existence. They made an effort to add to the fabric of the community they were a part of, teaching their children the same way they learnt hoping to pass down this sense of passion after simplicity and love. It is this lesson that I have tried hardest to stay close to in my time on this earth. Living in Laventille has been a truly interesting experience as far as perceptions go. Usually when people find out where I live I get the most ignorant questions asked. Do you see dead bodies on a regular basis? (usually meant as a joke, but ignorant all the same), am I scared? Sometimes terrible comments like the people who live there are not worth much, they should be discarded of. What the people of Trinidad and Tobago fail to realize is that, the people who live in Laventille are people too. Not everyone that lives here dons a powered neck and parades around in brand name shoes, with a child on their hips, or at least that is what people seem to think about us. We are the workers of this blessed country. We are the simple loving people who are not interested in moving because bad eggs make it a little more difficult for us to reside here, as any other part of Trinidad. We are the children of intellect and warriors against crime. It affirms to me that it wasn’t just my immigrant grandparents, but many others who instilled just about the same in their children. Proving that not all of us that hail from the hills are not worthless, but entitled to be heard, to be seen and to be respected.
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HAVE WE MISSED THE MARK? l 31
A music industry, which is sometimes referred to as a recording industry, is another sector of the economy that accommodates meaningful interaction among its stake holders. From their interactions, financing, research, innovation, infrastructure, legislation and policies, will emerge collectively. This will make the industry blossom in the form of various artistic dynamism, and business disciplines, and as a result would further strengthen a united industry. In Trinidad and Tobago, what is also needed is the pivotal revalidation, and restoration of the world class recording institution known as Caribbean Sound Basin.“The institution can be used as a teaching facility for audio engineering programs”(Dr. Suzanne Burke of the UWI Department for the Festival and Creative Arts),“and is one of the best places for recording a steal band assembly” (Stephen Howard CEO of ASK Promotions).The enterprise can significantly contribute to the regularization, and the overall enhancement of the arts, and the entertainment sector of T&T. The institution will also assist in the revitalization, the building and molding of a music industry, while further assisting in the regeneration of world class recognition to the nation,and the arts on a whole. Moreover, studios like the Caribbean Sound Basin (C.S.B) would be able to once again encourage and facilitate high profiled foreign personalities like Teddy Riley, Earl Thomas, and Puff Daddy, whose C.S.B. recordings have spun Grammy Awards.Extensively, such a foreign presence would get the attention of more shakers of other reputable music industries, and entertainment companies, who in turn
could assist in the development of T & T’s “beautiful music industry.”With this foreign input,along with other inland reputable studios, academies,guilds,and artiste management companies,it is the general hope that more projects would be produced in Trinidad and Tobago, with the expectation of earning more Grammy Awards in the future.
PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA Grammy award winner, Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs is part of the management team of T & T native, and American hip-hip super star Nicki Minaj. Source: Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday” double record album. Information Sources: The Artiste Coalition of Trinidad and Tobago. Phone 1(868)797-0949 email: rubadiri@gmail. comEar Traffic Control Music Centre phone 1(868) 645-1011 email: etcmusicentre@yahoo. com Inga Dotting Chris Cruikshank Marjorie Martha Jones Mulrain Steve Fannis Power 102fm: "The Mack Daddy's Lifting of The Arts" on www. power102fm.