Rethink

RETHINK: Building Resilience through Entrepreneurship, Training, Hope, Networking and Knowledge By: Amanda Slew

RETHINK. The only time we really focus this word, is during an exam; when the invigilator casually walks by our desk, takes a peek at one answer and scarily says, “Rethink your answer”. At that time, we’re thinking of all possible new solutions because we really need that mark. We’ve definitely all been there. However, for once, “Rethink” is disseminating some form of positivity. RETHINK: Building Resilience through Entrepreneurship, Training, Hope, Networking and Knowledge is an undeniably suitable theme for Youth Month 2020. Twenty -twenty has been the year of plenty, plenty, mishaps, disappointments and broken dreams, but how do we bounce back after the conditions we’ve encountered this year? How do we rise again against the odds? How can us: youths, be resilient? Ever since the dawn of this year, we’ve been stretched out, worn out and beaten, but we must recover, we must recoil. Youths, we must stand again. As there are strategies to solve all math problems, there are strategies established to build our resilience.

Resilience through Entrepreneurship At this point, the question is flashing through our heads: how do we build resilience via entrepreneurship? It’s simple. The youths of our generation are more modern, innovative and creative than ever and if we combine all those factors, we aren’t just youths, but we’re entrepreneurial youths. As a Jamaican “yute”, singing songs about money is inevitable. It’s a theme emphasized by our local artistes and we express our drive and desire to acquire profits through them. We all have the capability to turn our ideas we consider “basic” into masterpieces, which generate some form of revenue. If we should really “hol a medz”, we’ll understand how Covid 19 has targeted the financial sectors of many households and hence, targeted you. Maybe you couldn’t start university because the fees weren’t available, maybe now you can’t afford the textbooks for school, but through entrepreneurial skills, you are able to do all you had postponed, thrive after your dreams and achieve what you conceived. You can garnish your ideas, bring them to the drawing board, and work on them until they work for you. Start up yuh likkle business, start at home, start among friends and eventually it’ll grow. Now more than ever is not the time to doubt your capabilities, or to shy away due to fear, because if nothing is done, nothing will be gained.

Resilience through Training Life is like an obstacle race: we will encounter curve balls, and we will trip over the barrels, but through all the obstacles, we must cross the finish line. We must be taught the skills of navigating the unfortunate events that we encounter on our journey, so that we are able to press on despite. We should be trained on how to take our unfortunate situations and turn them into fortunate events.

Resilience through hope Currently, we seem to be living in an upside-down world. We’ve had to acclimate to the “new normal”, that seems abnormal and though we’re acclimatizing, it seems like there is not light at the end of the tunnel. Fashion has changed. Previously, if you weren’t wearing the latest jeans or shoes, you’d be looked down on, but today you’re looked down on for not wearing the latest, most famous item, THE MASK. Our accessories have changed from key rings or chains, to attachable sanitizers, pocketsize alcohols or hand soaps, and most of all; our education system has been drastically changed from what was once considered typical. It isn’t easy to check the media on a daily basis and be constantly reminded that a novel virus exists, that is lethal to all life. However, in a time that screams hopeless, we must still have HOPE. It doesn’t cost to believe, that this too shall PASS, and eventually it will be our PAST. The only way we can successfully transition from this stage is if we have the HOPE that a brighter day is coming. YOUTHS have HOPE, set your expectations, believe that we will move from here and in HOPING, you will be resilient. Understand that when a compact disc is put on pause, we eventually press replay and so it will be with the world. Youths of the York Castle High School, have HOPE in YOU. Employ a little optimism, online school is hard, but it is not the end and YOU will get through. The internet won’t move ‘shakey’ forever. It’s ok to Hang On To Positive Expectations.

Resilience through Networking and Knowledge A lot of us say that “mi nuh in a the fren fren thing”, but in order to be resilient, we need to understand the art of networking. It is imperative for youths to develop efficient networking skills, which aid in the forging of relationships that are beneficial to their current and future life. We’re no strangers to stories about persons obtaining grand opportunities because they had “the right link” and that’s a benefit of networking right there. In forming the right connections, we’re exposed to new opportunities that usually elevate us, or prepare us for greater experiences. Let’s not underestimate networking; we never know what lies in a single conversation. We spoke about entrepreneurship earlier, and it’s always good to know the right people if one wants to pursue this. Through networking, we build relationships, in various relationships, we gain experience and a by-product of experience is knowledge. The popular quotes, “knowledge is the key to success” and “knowledge is power” are rather true quotes that more than anything are really important in building resilience. In order to be puissant, knowledge should be garnered and applied accordingly, to successfully handle situations. Often times, we find ourselves in situations due to lack of knowledge and are unable to progress pass the situations because of oblivion. We should be aware of the world around us, aware of its happening, take keen interest in current events and allow your span of knowledge to grow exponentially. Application requires knowledge, and in applying ways to be resilient, we must have the basic understanding of them. Look at it like this, without knowledge it’s impossible to be innovative and without innovation, how are we entrepreneurs? In order to maximize on life’s opportunities and advance the in ways we’d want to, we must be erudite.

We’re implored to RETHINK. The current conditions aren’t favourable, but we must strive despite the obstacles. Youths, the onus is on us to reassess all that we’re doing now, because often times, when we RETHINK, the results are even better. We stand together as YOUTHS at the York Castle High School, as we Build Resilience through Entrepreneurship, Training, Hope, Knowledge and Networking. Nil Sine Magno Labore, you mighty Yorkists.