Kacey Jeffers

Juliska, 11, Ivor Walters Primary School

One time while travelling to St. Maarten, I looked out the window and could see a shark swimming in the ocean. Flying can be scary. It feels like we’re dropping. The more I travel, the more comfortable I feel. For my next trip, I want to go to England to shop and play in the snow. 

Khylee, 13, Gingerland Secondary School

I live in the community of Rawlins Village. Everyone is very helpful and tend to get along with each other. I’m working on getting along better with my classmates.

Junice , 11, St. James Primary School

I feel like black people are treated unfairly. We shouldn’t judge others based on their skin color. Everyone deserves a chance in life. I want to be a lawyer so that I can make things in the world better. Right now, I am working to improve my confidence.

Adunijah, 12, Violet O Jeffers-Nicholls Primary School

I am loving, kind and very tall. Being the fastest athlete in my school, I run for inter-primary sports. When everyone cheers, I get more speed and strength. Whether I win or finish 3^rd, I still feel excited. My grandmother is a chef. She has the best cooking in the country. Sometimes I help her in the kitchen. I like to see people working together.

Tishaunte, 10, Cecele Browne Integrated School

I live with my dad. He is always there to protect me. I use to be afraid of the dark. Maybe he is too. He tells me that he is going to sleep in the back room away from the monsters. I tell him, “Don’t be afraid, come back right here!”

Alesha, 16, Gingerland Secondary School

Not too long ago, one of my friends was not only depressed but considering hurting herself. I immediately went into action and called a social worker who was able to help her. I’m glad to say that she is now living her best life, and doing so to the fullest. Helping others is natural for me. I always encourage self-love and confidence. 

Aniya , 10, Joycelyn Liburd Primary School

My friends think that I am very comforting. When they are feeling depressed I tell them to not let anything get under their skin. My grandma gives me courage. She says, “don’t worry about bullies, you will elevate”. One thing I like about myself is the gap between my teeth. I think it is very unique to me. Being a Black woman I feel that I can do anything: Black women are beautiful, proud and strong.

Chassidy, 15, Charlestown Secondary School

People paint us into an idea of who we should be. I had insecurities about my skin and weight: teased for being dark and for being bigger. After I lost the weight it felt like something was gone. I’m starting to feel more comfortable in my own skin. One of my favorite quotes is, “aspire to inspire, before you expire.” My advice is to not let people tell you who you ought to be: Love yourself.

Apryll, 16, Gingerland Secondary School

Watching movies sparked something in me. I can’t describe the feeling but it felt different. It made me realize that I wanted to be a filmmaker. I’m passionate about photography and movie making. Excited to receive my first camera for my 17^th birthday!

Kijaunte, 12, Cecele Browne Integrated Primary School

During morning devotions, I play the drums. But I’m really into cars. I stay up late watching car reviews on YouTube. When I went to California, I saw all kinds of cars. If I was a car, I’d be the Bugatti Veyron. It’s faster than a Lamborghini but not as quiet as the Tesla. 

Roberto, 16, Nevis International Secondary School

I don’t know who I am. Oftentimes, if someone is talking to me, my mind is elsewhere, thinking about songs I want to write or beats I want to make. I’m not over-confident or confident. Close friends and family tell me that they don’t see any emotion in my face: Am I happy or sad? It’s tricky finding the balance. I find my life weird but it’s my life and I have to live it.

Aqui-La, 11, Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School

When I was 3 years old, my mom told me that I was afraid to touch sand. Now, I love going to the beach but I get scared if I hold my head under the water. I want people to loosen up and share their stories. It’s okay to have weird fears.

Shanelly, 13, Charlestown Secondary School

Last year for my annual dance production I performed to a song called ‘Skyscraper.’ I felt a deep connection with this song since my mom had recently passed and I was rising from a dark space.People are constantly asking me, “how are you making it through?” The answer is simple: I use my mom as motivation. Life can be unfair but we just have to push forward and remember that there are better days ahead.

Alixandria , 11, Montessori Academy

I find myself plugging my ears with my headphones, and listening to music, to feel calm. Grandma tells me that watching certain shows on YouTube isn’t healthy for my brain. I try to control what I watch. I take a peek and if it’s not for me, I press forward.

Jahlique,12, Charlestown Primary School

I am the President of the student body. I campaigned for my school to be cleaned regularly, for the food waste to be used as compost and for school to end earlier. I believe we can change the world.

Zoe, 18, Nevis Sixth Form College

I kept failing to realize the unlimited love that most people have for me. My anti-social behavior hurt them. Now, it is about rebuilding the bridges I once let burn. A single argument two years ago, destroyed six years of friendship between my best friend and me. I lost her trust, her friendship, and a sister. I’m reluctant to approach her. I don’t want to be rejected. Some things aren’t worth fighting over; but a friend like her is worth dying for.

Ty-reese, 11, St. James Primary School

I am the only boy in my class. When we are playing cricket, I get nervous since I am playing with the bigger boys. After I hit the ball, it all feels much better.