There are dynamic, teenaged role models in our midst

FRIDAY, MARCH 16: Last Monday I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing two dynamic young ladies.

While both are 17 years old, they had different school and extra-curricular activities yet the similarities shone in their undying commitment to the activities in which they were engaged, their positive outlook on life, their focused university and career goals, and their genuine humble personalities.

One of the first callers to Generations stated that  had I not announced the young ladies ages he would have had no idea that they were only 17 as their eloquent and fluent vocabulary and diction had some listeners believing they were beyond their years.

They spoke with confidence. They spoke with purpose. They spoke with clear and direct thought.  These two young ladies certainly articulated and demonstrated that they are awesome role models for other young people to emulate.

Both are doing well academically. Failure for both is not an option.

While they admitted that they’d made some typical but minor mistakes in life, as all young people do, it was clear to me that because they were so focused on the things they were doing, these mistakes were matters of the past were in no way obstacles for their respective visions.

Hectic schedules

It was difficult to conceptualize that both young women had any such spare time for themselves but it was soon evident by what they shared that they do. They make time in their hectic schedules to socialize — and both emphasized their deliberate choice to surround themselves with positive friends. 

Akeila Richardson of CedarBridge Academy: triple jumper, past CARIFTA participant, active member of her church, president of the Bermuda AME Youth Conference, writer for Young Observer, AME youth of the year.  Sarah Daniels of Saltus: Habitat for Humanity volunteer, actively engaged in stage management, camera and video shooting, co-producer of the school year book.

Both Akeila and Sarah spoke of the support they regularly receive from their parents and other family members – and this was confirmed as calls of support came on air. A hearty congratulations is extended to the parents for raising such fine ambassadors for Bermuda.

Advice

When asked to give advice for the teens and other young people who do not have the support or kind of relationship with their parents to help them progress as they had, Sarah expressed that those same young people should seek out an adult they trust because they felt that the adult would see some potential in them.

Akeila spoke of the encouragement her middle school PE teacher gave to her which helped propel her into the love of triple jump. When asked if the young ladies had any concluding thoughts to share I was impressed with their involuntarily choice to compliment each other for each saw strength and determination in the other.

Parents, our children will excel as far as they can when we give them the support they need.  Being engaged in sports, the arts and the like helps to open our young people’s minds to future opportunities. We must help our young people to be ready to snatch those opportunities that will come their way.

• Shawnette Somner is the host of Generations, which airs on DeFontes’ Broadcasting Company’s 1450AM Gold, 7.30pm-9pm every Monday. Call in live during the show on 295-1450. Please note the e-mail address has changed. Send comments and show ideas to the new e-mail address [email protected]

On Monday, March 19, on the Generations radio show, Shawnette will interview two outstanding teen males.