IT’S THEIR TIME NOW: SELF-EMPOWERING WORKSHOPS HELD AT MOLLOY COLLEGE HELP COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS
(June, 2012- Rockville Centre) – High school students and parents gathered together at Molloy College on Saturday, June 9th to attend the second annual “Self-Empowering Workshop for College Bound High School Students,” hosted by the organization, My Time Has Come™ of Bellmore. The all-day event was a huge success, as students, parents, and resource people had the opportunity to discuss and share their personal experiences, as well as the challenges and opportunities college-bound students are facing in today’s world.
In the first part of the event, attendees enjoyed breakfast, and mingled to chat and learn about each other. During the course of the day, students and parents were treated to four different and informative workshops and two outstanding presentations. These workshops addressed the need expressed by high school graduates and their parents for heightened awareness, understanding, and the tools necessary to navigate the challenges that are part of the college experience.
The student resource discussion group was engaging for both resource persons and students alike. Students ranged from a tenth-grader to high school seniors. Lead facilitator, Hakeem Rahim, Ed.M. MA sought to encourage the students to take ownership of the questions and ask about anything that they needed insight into. The group closed with each resource person leaving the students with a final word of advice and each student stating what they learned from the experience.
Keynote resource person and speaker, Devon Harris, an original member of the 1988 Jamaican bobsled team; captain of the 1992 and 1998 teams; and three-time Olympian, gave an inspirational presentation and discussed his own personal triumph over adversity. His story, recreated in the Disney hit movie, “Cool Runnings,” chronicled his journey from the slums of Kingston, Jamaica to the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, England. To a fascinated group of students and resource people, he told the amazing story behind Jamaica's first Winter Olympic team, a story that continues to captivate and challenge audiences throughout the world.
Referring to his own failures and successes, Harris pointed out that nothing worthwhile is easy and that everything in life is a learning experience that helps one grow. “The time has come for you to make your mark on the world,” said Harris. “You may not get to where you want to be right away, but that’s okay – expect to fail at times, but pick yourself up and keep going. Failure is part of the growth process.”
Host and facilitator of the My Time Has Come™ programs, Madona Cole-Lacy explained that providing the self-empowering workshops was an exciting and rewarding experience.
“This group comprised of caring, insightful, passionate volunteers - hard-working individuals, entrepreneurs and established businesses who embraced our cause and fueled our drive to make this event a success,” said Cole-Lacy. “I am delighted to note that our extended circle has grown which means we can effectively address the needs of Long Island’s youth and families in our own creative way. This makes me excited, and fuels my drive as I make plans for our next event!”
The goal of My Time Has Come™ is to provide social and cultural enrichment activities designed to help people successfully navigate life’s challenges. Workshops are available throughout the course of the school year for high schools administrators, faculty and students, as well as libraries. For additional information, please visit www.mytimehascome.org.
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