POEM: Purpose

I am
your daughter
I am
your son
Yet I am the one
who stands alone
I do not fear
I do not stop
even though my heart
has got a grey spot
I need to rise
I need to smile
I need to walk a mile
in pilgrim style
My ears are tuned
My soul is hurt
but I can't stop
because
while I am alone
I still have a purpose
to fulfill

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Our Various Journeys

The last few week were interesting. The BVI saw deaths of several well-known men including the Superintendent of Prisons. I do offer my condolences to the families that are mourning at this time. I know it can be tough especially if the death was unforseen.

We also saw happy moments like the crowning of Miss Shaemore Smith as the 2012 Miss Teen Diva and the successful saxophone performances by Kamau Georges and Dalan Vanterpool. I like to know that there are good news and that positive things are happening for our people.

I love to see progress and we all have to be responsible for our movement forward. Everyone has their strongpoint and we have to know how best to use our talents to help ourselves and others. Don't let anyone discourage you. Instead focus on what you want and keep aiming higher.

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We Are UVI: Linette Rabsatt - 1999

Congratulations to the University of the Virgin Islands on the 50 th anniversary! I am a proud graduduate of the Class of 1999! Read my contribution at We Are UVI: Linette Rabsatt - 1999: Linette Rabsatt. I have many fond memories of my time at UVI including fencing, my Marketing classes, Advertising Club and begin my poetic journey.

Read More about other almuni at the We Are UVI blog.

Miss Teen Diva Pageant on Saturday, November 24, 2012

I'm giving you a blog post in the morning on a work day! Wow! These days you've been getting them in the night.

This is a fantastic weekend coming up in the BVI because there are events galore. I am part of the Miss Teen Diva Committee and I'll be at our fifth Miss Teen Diva Pageant on Saturday starting at 8pm at the East End Long Look Community Center.

We have three great contestants who truly are articulate, bright and beautiful and I know they will do well. They have worked hard and I'm hoping that the community will suppport them. They are Shaemore Smith, Diedrah Samuel and Chelsea Hodge. I wish them all an eary congratulations because I know they will do well.

I also would like to wish all the other event coordinators good luck with their events.

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This Time of the Year.....holidays

This is a happy time of the year for many people. The holiday spirit has everyone hopping and shopping. I can keeping it low key this year as I have been doing for a while. Things are tight and I have a lot to do with little. I am taking it in strides and going forward with a grateful heart, loving spirit and joy.

I want to encourage everyone to be financially wise during this time. Give your time if you cannot give money. See who you can help in your community. If you are in a position to give, then give smart gifts that people will appreciate. If you know you cannot afford to give, then don't. You are not obligated to do so. People have to be able to understand. If they can't, then you need to give them some more love and maybe even a little space.

If you're a grinch and can't be bothered, then don't be. Just live your life as you see fit. However, if you can, do give your time to worthy cause this season. Some needy person will appreciate the gesture.

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Let's Use Our Good Energy for Improvement

Every time I open a news site, I just shake my head. There's a lot of foolishness going on and there seems to be no end to it. I may call it stupidness but there are others who will celebrate certain behaviors. Unfortunately, I am always a fire box because I hate to see nonsense happening.

I limited my involvement in several activities because I can't make it to every activity. I have to be effective in the one that is dearest to my heart. People don't always understand this but they just have to go with the flow.

I am seeing a trend that I do not like. There's an aura of procrastination, disorganization and laziness going around and I don't want it to rub off on me at all. I am sticking with the few people in my circle who make positive things happen. We can function off each other's good energy.

I also find that people are not stepping up their game and expressing themselves. If we all decide not to share our feelings about a particular problem, then how will it get solved? We don't have to be rude or disrespectful, but we have to let each other know that improvement is needed. It is also good to share ideas on how things can be improved. We can't just let the same old nonsense repeat itself.

Keep you head on and do what you know is right.

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Loyalty or Fear

Some people want loyalty from you. Others want you to fear them. You have to make that choice. What would you prefer to do - fear or be loyal? I guess I can be either depending on the situation or people involved. On the job, I am loyal - but to myself, my ethics and ideals first. I am loyal to my organization as well, once it stands in line with these values. When I see that it may be shifting in another direction that I am uncomfortable with, and this may not mean that there are illegal or unethical behaviors, I know it's my time to move forward.

 

At some point, we have to stand up and out against things that we are not pleased with. I see too much foolishness going on but I can't try to be the savior for every cause. However, where I can make an impact, I have to. These are the times when people want to ostracize you for speaking out but you have to know how the finesse your actions. Don't be a rabble-rouser. Be a problem solver.

 

Be loyal but know who and what you are loyal to. We all will have fear but we cannot let it hold us back from growing and taking steps to improve ourselves. I speak from experience. I look at where I stand today and people may say that I am not loyal to any cause or organization. I just know when it's time to move forward. I don't leave relationships - business or extra-curricular - in an unpleasant state. I just have to take myself to another level. You want me to be loyal to you, but really you just need me to fulfill my duties.

 

You may find that I am harsh these days but we all have to make a decision during our lifetime to stop being afraid and be loyal to our God, ourselves and our families.

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