A Broadened Mind

From my viewpoint I strongly feel that the essential reason for me being here in St. Thomas Jamaica is to broaden my mind on how Jamaica music has an effect on American culture. During my days in Jamaica, I have absorbed a lot of information. My three major concepts is the service in Yallahs and Sankofa, lectures of the people who came to talk with us, and the information on the University of West Indies. Another viewpoint was the information of the one story video.

       One major viewpoint that I have experience and learned throughout my days in Jamaica was the lectures and visits that gave me information about its background. However, University of West Indies (founded in 1948) was a great experience.  The University of West Indies is the second university in Kingston in addition to the Edna Manly School of Art, Dance, and Music




     Another major viewpoint that I feel that stood out the most was my connections service with Yallahs and Sankofa. On the other hand, I really enjoyed being with the Yallahs scholars. For instance, when we got there we had a wonderful bond within them the first day. During my time with the scholars I have learned a lot about their culture which is similar to my own but somewhat different. For example, we have a lot of similarities and differences in America from Jamaica. In some cases our memorial traditions are the same, but then again, we have differences as well. Even though I don’t understand some of Jamaican concepts with celebrating the death of friends and family, I found it interesting. We both light candles and play some type of musical instruments, as well.

 I also enjoyed visiting Sankofa Elementary School. It was so beautiful. The scholars were active and there are a lot of similarities with the Sankofa Elementary School in St. Thomas, Jamaica, and Sankofa Freedom Academy in America. When we arrived the scholars greeted us as we do in Sankofa in America however it was slightly different. I felt like when we got there I was at home so that really made me feel better.  In fact,  it seem as though the kid was on a different level because they were learning quotes about Marcus Garvey and their culture.

    My last major viewpoint was the videos that we watched about that one story. It was very interesting because it was providing me information that I had a question about but didn’t have to ask; the video answered them for me. We also viewed the video on Jamaica called “Life and Debt”.

   Life and Debt Website

I discovered what Jamaicans felt that when they became free they got in a lot of financial problems because up until this day they don’t know what it’s like to own their land and they are still being brain washed by the government. I asked myself why there are so many bad stories about Jamaica and why is it always just that “one story”.  I learned that you have to experience things on your own. I have had nothing but a beautiful experience in my time in Jamaica and will love to go back to my community and tell my “one story”.

      In conclusion, my time in Jamaica has been the best experience of my 17 years of life. Throughout my days here I have learned lots of information about the colleges, the people at Yallahs High School, Sankofa Elementary School, and that “one story” about Jamaica. In the near future, I will connect all these wonderful things I learned with my community. Clearly, I really enjoyed my time in St. Thomas, Jamaica, and will be back soon.

Kayah Love