Day Of Excitment

The second day in Jamaica was great. This morning Mama Holliday woke us up. It took me at least 1 hour to get up this morning but when I finally got up it was in time for breakfast. We had a lot of good food. Then after we all ate we when outside for a half an hour to an hour, had fun, and went on the beach. Afterwards the bus was outside in the front waiting to take us and the students from Yallahs High School to the beach and to Reich Fall.  While on the van and at the beach we were having fun and learning things about each other. So throughout the whole day I realized that the students from Sankofa and Yallahs are alike in a lot of way such as some of our dances are similar in a lot of ways. Also we learned a lot about each other like we like the same music and sports.

By: Tyteiana Jefferson

Best Enjoyable Moment

More than ever before, I have had the best experience in my 17 years of life. In support of this statement, I can say that today I had a fun and wonderful day. To begin with, we went with the Jamaica scholars to Long Bay Beach; it was such a great joy to dance with them on the beach. We connected our dances with their dances and made music. After that we ate lunch on the beach, we talked, and got to know the scholars even better. I hope that when I leave they feel like we were very special to them and made them feel good about their culture as well. They had great things to say about us too.  In addition, when I get back home, I will let everyone know that I have learned how to speak some Patwa. However, in the time that I'm in Jamaica, I will show nothing but loving and caring and Ma'at, as well. In my community, I will tell them and speak to them about Jamaica and let them know about the intelligent people I learned about and the beautiful things I have witnessed. In the past, I have said bad things about Jamaica, but now I can take back what I said because I have learned and seen the beautiful stuff that my Jamaican friends has had to overcome.  I will always speak on my experience in Jamaica and it has only been the 2nd day!!!!!!!!

 ~Kayah Love

Entering Jamaica

When I first entered Jamaica my first impression was 'wow', literally wow. The heat took away my longing to talk.  At the airport while we were waiting for Brother Keith, I was baffled at how remarkably beautiful Jamaica is. Brother Keith picked us up and we drove to where we were going to be stay for the duration of our International trip. However, looking back on the drive I noticed that there were no corner stores like I'm used to, or I felt there weren't any local job opportunities for the people, nonetheless they seem very independent. Many Jamaicans have created their own job opportunities and they seem very content with roadside businesses and domestic work. I personally feel good about the experiences I will have in Jamaica.
                                                                                               -Shyhiem Ladson

This Plane

The plane ride to Jamaica was unbearable, but with the constant thought that I was actually going to Jamaica, and I will be gaining an experience none of my friends have had before, made it tolerable. People don't usually get a chance to see what I'm going to see or experience. This experience doesn’t actually resonate with others, but I feel I have extraordinary things to do in my life time. I never thought that I would be overseas for anything and realizing that certain youth don't have the money to travel to coast to coast, I am actually blessed. I am lucky and will do what I can to make my people proud.  I was told by one of my extended brothers, Ka'rell Keith, that “Just being isn't living, living is figuring out what is worth being". Although he is no longer on this earth, I say rest in peace and I will make this experience what you would want it to be for me.
                                                                                                                     -David Jones