The Comet Connection - Issue 04

-Issue: No. 3/4

ISSUE 23

Q' Notes A message from our Treasurer

Ang elo Barr "Cla ss of 200 9"

- September-December A U G U2020 ST 2019

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Health & Fitness

OUR VIRTUAL Greetings fellow Comets! We are hopeful that you are all continuing to keep safe during our ongoing battle with COVID-19 by adhering to the safety placed on our economy, our health care system, and our mental health, but we are a resilient people, and we will get through this together. We continue to salute and encourage those working tirelessly to get us through this difficult time. We are particularly prayerful for those who have been infected or have lost

CHRISTMAS CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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ALUM' AROUND THE WOLRD

loved ones to this virus.

The month of September is usually marked by the excitement of a new school year, back to school shopping, new friends and teachers and photos to capture the moment. This year, we are in a much different space, but it has afforded us the opportunity to be creative in what we do and to utilize technology as a means to bridge the gap of time and space. While this adjustment to virtual learning may pose some challenges, we trust that our administrators, teachers, and students will have a successful school year and that these measures will be short lived. It is in times like these that we must be especially supportive of our alma mater and its initiatives. Teamwork truly does make the dream work! As alumni, we encourage you to reach out to the Association with any suggestions, concerns or questions. The challenges that this year has brought reminds us to make the most of every situation. Amidst the lock downs and restrictions, we can stay engaged by learning a new skill, developing a new......

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DLOBWEN LAEIHPAR | LLEHTEB EHCETEP

protocols. We are aware of the strain that this has

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November/December Alumni Feature PAGE6

TANYA MITCHElL

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CLASS IS IN..... .........ONLINE,

The last nine months has forced the world to adapt to a new way of living and all from home. For parents, students and teachers, adapting to this new way of life must have required some discipline, patience and encouragement. We asked a pair of parents, a teacher and student a few questions on what their experience has been like so far; here are their virtual stories--

"to be on campus and hang with my friends again....."

Never in a lifetime would one have thought their senior year of high school would be spent at home and without any interaction with their pairs. Kai acknowledged it is taking some time to get used to but the digital learning experience has come with some unique differences: Q1 What was the transition from being in a classroom setting to a digital platform like?

A1 -The transition was practically new and required some getting used to. I have to now sit in one place for an entire day instead of walking around on campus from class to class. It’s a continuous learning experience for me as well. I have to get used to doing all of my work and assignments on a computer instead of writing them.

Q2 Do you prefer this style of learning and why?

A2 -I prefer in-school learning more than online because the interaction between student and teacher helps me learn better and to focus more. Online learning prohibits that in-class feel and has limited that in-person interaction with not only my teacher but my peers. I'm now to the point where I feel like I’m just doing the assignment just for a grade.

Q3 If you could be on campus right now, what would you love to do?

A3 -If I could be on campus right now, I would love to hang out with all of my schoolmates in person. I miss seeing my friends and my teachers at school. I would love to be back in my classrooms. I would love to eat lunch in the cafeteria again.

Fortunately, students can remain in contact with each other through various social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Teachers, however, may very well be the ones benefiting from being at home.

".......a Book and Paper free World!"

Candace Russell, a teacher in the modern languages department and graduate of the class of ****, considers the virtual world to be somewhat of a relief. Not having to tote books and mark a ton of papers, Ms. Russell does not consider this new life a walk in the park, but a way to become more creative; Q1 What don’t you miss about the classroom?

A1 If there is one thing I don’t miss about being in the classroom, it is carrying around books and papers to grade!

Q2 What are some of the benefits of the new virtual classroom and online learning experience?

A2 For me, some of the benefits are having everything in one place (in the Google Classroom and on Google Drive) and the ease of grading most of the assignments. As a foreign language teacher, there are also several useful apps that I use for making acquisition easier and fun, including Boom Cards & Conjugates.Q3 What can teachers who may feel overwhelmed by this new process do to make this transition easier?

A3 To any teachers overwhelmed, I would like to say that you are not alone. Some days will be a success, and some days you will feel like you are teaching to 25 (or whatever your class size maybe!) inanimate squares because sometimes, if you don’t call on them, some students go an entire lesson without saying a word. Use what you are comfortable with. You may see teachers using 10 or 15 different platforms to engage students, TikTok, Edpuzzle, Kahoot, etc. You don’t need all of these for engaging lessons. Choose one that works for you and become a master of it! Just take it all one day at a time, that’s all any of us can do

Parents in the classroom.....

Meet the proud parents of Arianna Forbes, Raymond and Nadia. Arianna is student of 3p and is coping with this new of learning with the help of her parents. Raymond, Class of 1999, enforces discipline where necessary, but Momma Nadia uses treats when hard work is displayed: Q1 What’s the best part about your child/children receiving their education at home?

A1- There is no best part about them being home but a plus is not having to wake up early.

Q2 How do you encourage your kid to keep focus and still during their online sessions?

A2- A good branded belt, Gucci or Coach, but rewarding them with favorite foods keeps them focused.

Q3 What are ways parents can become more involved with their child/children’s online learning experience?

A3- Being there allows us to help and reinforce what they learned, but there is not much more involvement a parent can do if they are already there and supervising.

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The typical back to school photo this year was a student sitting at home with a headset on before a computer or laptop. We would have hoped by now we would have returned to face to face instruction however The Bahamas is still experiencing adverse effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many questions and concerns during this time but I want to challenge our youth and adult learners with the following as it pertains to virtual learning: 1. Be prepared – Identify a quiet space to attend class and complete your school work. If any books and other materials are required ensure you have them in place ahead on time.

2. Have a positive mindset - Always believe in yourself and your potential. Read positive books, listen to positive videos/music and connect with positive people.

3. Learn the program in which your school is using – Whether your school is using Google, Zoom, Edmodo etc. there are tons of tutorials online to support you in addition to the training your school may provide. Take time to explore and learn the various functions.

4. Put in the work – Yes, you may be virtual but still act as if you are in school (i.e. showing up on time, participating in class, finishing assignments, studying for tests etc.). You must take personal responsibility for your education and ensure you stay up date with all that is required.

5. Expect challenges - Some days you may lose power or internet connection. These situations are beyond your control. Challenges and setbacks are a part of life so you have to learn how to quickly adapt and bounce back.

6. Get some physical activity - Whether it’s an online exercise video or a walk around the neighborhood, physical activity will boost mood, energy and brainpower. Try to get in30-60 minutes of exercise each day.

7. Find ways to stay connected with your family and friends - It’s always great to connect with the people we love. Be sure to utilize video chats, social media and texting. It will keep you happy and avoid feeling lonely or isolated.

I hope you found these seven (7) tips beneficial. As a team member of Queen’s College Centre for Further Education (QC CFE), we always challenge our audiences to stretch themselves beyond their comfort zone by learning or developing a skill. This pandemic has disrupted all of our lives but it’s all about perspective. We can ask, “Why is this happening to me?” or “What is this teaching me?”

Wishing you a successful school year!

Katherine Beneby (Class of 2009) Director of Operations & Marketing Queen’s College Centre for Further Education

Farewell WE WISH TO EXTEND HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF

Q' Notes

OCTOBER 2020

continued from page 1 hobby, or starting a project that we have been delaying. The Centre For Further Education is a great

MR. ANDY JONES FORMER SCIENCE TEACHER

resource to consider if you are looking to constructively utilize this time. Their fall 2020 catalogue offers a variety of courses and workshops and it is not too late to sign up. We implore you to check out their website at www.qccfe.com or any of

& MRS. YVONNE NORONHA

their social media platforms. We would also like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank all QC alumni businesses for their continued support and efforts, especially during the pandemic. It is hugely important that we support our local vendors as we seek to revitalize our economy. As we continue to adjust to new ways of learning and living, may we remain faith filled and confident in our ability to overcome.

May we utilize this present challenge as an opportunity to be innovative and revolutionary and in the true Comet spirit may we always remember to be our brother’s keeper.

FORMER VICE PRINCIPAL AND HEADMISTRESS OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Mrs. Yvonne Noronha was the first Bahamian administrator of Queen's College. She was appointed Vice Principal and Headmistress of the Primary School, serving in this capacity from 1978 to 2002.

Mrs. Noronha's enduring legacy continues through the lives of the teachers and the thousands of students impacted by her during her 24 years of faithful service to Queen's College.

(Prepared by: Khalil Parker)

May they rest in peace.

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

with Devinn Cartwright

My name is Devinn Cartwright and I am a proud QC Comet. I graduated with the Class of 2010 and attended Queen’s College since the age of 4.

If you were to ask anyone, they would tell you that I am a die-hard QC Comet. While at QC, my high school P.E. teacher Mr. Gary Markham introduced me to track and field. I credit so much of my confidence in athletics to him, my first track supporter and coach. As a comet I won many hurdle races, high jump competitions, relays and set multiple records. While at QC I competed in 1 Penn Relays, 4 Carifta Games. 2 Jr. CAC’s and 2 World Junior Championships.

I accepted a full athletic scholarship to the University of Kentucky in 2011 and in 2013 transferred to the University of a Central Florida. I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Life & Biomedical Sciences and Behavioral & Social Studies with a minor in Mass Communication. I also graduated from UCF with a Masters in Business Administration as well as a Masters in Sport Business Management.

A FRESH START >

IT'S YOUR TURN! The following workout is comprised of 8 different exercises that should be done for 30 seconds with a 30 second rest inbetween. It is to be completed 3 times with a 90 second break after the 8th exercise. Make sure to stretch before and after: JUMPING JACKS PLANK + SHOULDER TAPS TOE TOUCHES IN & OUT SQUATS

PUSH UPS/ WALL PUSH UPS MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS LATERAL PUNCHES (twisting torso) ROCKET JUMPS

***MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: DevFit is not responsible for any injury that may occur during workout sessions. Please seek a medical professional to be cleared for exercise. Persons with pre-existing health conditions and women that are pregnant are not advised to complete DevFit without medical clearance.

All workouts are done at your own risk. ***

This year, at the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, I decided to finally launch my fitness company, DevFit. I have always been passionate about sports, health and fitness, and always had a deep desire to continue to work within the Sports & Wellness industry. During the first month of the pandemic I lost almost 20lbs and shared my workouts on Instagram which peaked the interest of friends, family and social media followers about ways they could also shred weight so quickly in a healthy way while at home social distancing. After accidentally turning into a virtual fitness coach, I decided to monetize my passion.

The obesity rate in The Bahamas right now is higher than it should be and the importance of being at a healthy body weight needs to be of utmost importance to Bahamian people. Obesity places us at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type-two diabetes and some cancers.

At DevFit, we do 30 Day Workout Challenges, 1-on-1 classes and small group classes both virtually and in person. My clients and I both love 30-60 minute HIIT workouts as a quick, fun workout guaranteed to burn calories and leave you feeling accomplished afterwards. I’ll share a quick HIIT workout circuit below.

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT THIS COMET TODAY!

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DevFit

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T H E

Q C A A ' S

A L U M N I

F E A T U R E

"MAKING IT MY OWN" Entrepreneur, Tanya Eudora Mitchell "Class of 1999"

Tanya Eudora Mitchell majored in psychology, yet she never worked as a psychologist. Mitchell served as an administrator within a bank’s trust department and has worked as an assistant. She has opened and closed two restaurants in three locations and developed a line of bath products all before her 40th birthday. If it looks like she is queen of the pivot, constantly chasing new opportunities, Mitchell said that was never her intention.

“I more so make lemonade out of the lemons life throws my way. That means sometimes I have to switch gears,” said the 38-year-old owner of Eudora’s Cakes & Catering and Eudora’s Treasures.

The latter is a manufacturing business which produces an all-natural line of soaps, candles, lotions and bath products. “Dreams need fueling financially so I’ve taken jobs along the way to purchase equipment or inventory for my businesses. I’ve always been an asset to the job I was on at the time, always giving my all, although my brain and heart have been elsewhere.”

FINDING HER WAY When she was seven years old Mitchell’s father, Eric, died suddenly. The traumatic loss weighed so heavily upon the “daddy’s girl” that her third-grade teacher recommended she see a psychologist. The idea of counseling persons through grief resonated with Mitchell, who for years after her father’s death would still write him letters. It was that personal tragedy which led the 1999 Queen’s College graduate to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology from King’s College in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, a year shy of graduation, Mitchell funds ran out. She returned home and continued her work at the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys before accepting a receptionist post with the Royal Bank of Canada Trust Company in 2004. Determined to make more money, Mitchell decided to climb the corporate ladder. She obtained the necessary certifications from the Bahamas Institute of Financial Services and snagged a promotion to trust administrator in 2005. A year later she left the bank to become a personal assistant for a CEO. Unfortunately, the job lasted only three months.

FUELING THE DREAM From 2006 to 2012, Mitchell – a self-described hyper-organized, multi-tasking expert – held multiple jobs becoming adept at dealing with different people, management styles and situations. Most of her income she pumped into the catering business she launched in 2008 with her mom, Deborah Campbell, an accountant with a passion for cooking. To improve her baking skills, Mitchell completed courses at the Culinary and Hospitality Management Institute (CHMI) at the University of The Bahamas in 2008. In 2012, the mother-daughter duo opened Eudora’s Cakes & Catering on Jerome and Edwards Avenue. The business did not perform well. Mitchell made the difficult decision to cut her losses and closed shop just eight months later.

“I didn’t want to renew my lease knowing that I was struggling financially. I went into it not having any knowledge of how to run a restaurant. I was pretty good with pastries. My mom was an excellent cook but everything else we lacked. I didn’t want to financially strain myself. I wanted to get myself out of debt before I sunk myself in any deeper.” Although Mitchell wanted to close the storefront for good, family and fans pushed her to do otherwise. “They thought it was an excellent product that we should try in a different location where the rent wasn’t as high.”

SHIFTING GEARS In early 2013, the pair moved the business to Minnie Street. A few months into the venture, Mitchell realized lunch delivery made up a big percentage of her revenue making the storefront unnecessary. She slashed her expenses and moved her base of operations into her home. The entrepreneur changed her business trajectory again that year when she removed lunch from her menu. Since clients loved her cakes, Mitchell decided to focus her attention on baking goods to order and catering.The following year a big opportunity came her way. Mitchell was swayed to embark upon her second restaurant venture, Z Café on East Bay Street, a collaboration with an expatriate. According to Mitchell, her business partner did not live up to his financing responsibilities resulting in the restaurant’s closure in less than a year.“My experiences taught me I don’t like restaurant life. I love the fact that I bake to order. I don’t have products sitting there. I can tailor my items to whatever the customer wants.” Another valuable lesson for Mitchell and Campbell, they were not suited as business partners. Mitchell was focused on being fast, efficient and consistent. It was too much for Campbell who cooked simply for the joy of it.

PIVOTING “It was never ever my intention to be one of those people who are all over the place,” said Mitchell.“I believe in having a focus and giving something your time, but opportunities keep coming my way.” A market where she sees potential for growth is her vegan line of pastries, something which has been in development for about a year. “Before now I was a little scared of it. I’m a perfectionist and I think vegan pastries should taste good, so I push myself. I want the product to taste just as good as regular cakes and cookies.” In 2018, Mitchell completed the multi-year process of transitioning into a vegan. She consumes no animal products. The dietary transformation carried through to all aspects of her life prompting her to focus on natural products when it came to bath and body brands. Inspired by a soap making class Mitchell began experimenting with her own batches.

“The baking helps with the soap making. I am very good with recipes and directions. I can see something, and I pick it up. I push the envelope. I’m like a soap rebel,” said Mitchell who markets her Eudora’s Treasures’ product line on Facebook and Instagram as well as wholesales to a local retailer. Her line gained recognition following a collaboration with Andrew Burrows, owner of My Bahamas Body Sponge. Mitchell developed a soap-and-towel-in-one concept using Burrows’ sponges and her soaps. “What I love the most about entrepreneurship is the ability to grow. The sky is the limit,” said Mitchell. “I want to encourage persons with business ideas to just start. Doors open. Things happen but you have to initiate it.”

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ALUM' AROUND THE WORLD LEARN ABOUT ALUMNI WHO ARE LIVING ABROAD

This month, we reached out two comets who's success have been shared all across social media over the last few months. These persons have made notable contributions to their respective communities and uses their knowledge to make things better for our world.

Meet Petechè, a young lady who believes in encouraging and helping young ladies find their purpose. She is wrapping up her studies in law, but is just beginning her quest to create and leave an impeccable mark in the world: For Petechè Bethell, attending Queen’s College was an honour. With her mother, a former head girl, and her mother’s siblings walking the halls before her, Petechè’s tenure at QC was a remarkably sentimental experience. Attending the prestigious institution from Early Learning Centre, Queen’s College became an integral part of young Bethell’s life, making it her “second home.” She holds fond memories of Christmas plays, the race to walk down the drive at 3pm, jumping on the giant tires and playing under the double trees. As this youngster progressed to high school, she began to understand the prowess that comes with saying “I am a QC comet” and grew to appreciate the academic rigour that the school prides itself upon.

Bethell: “I am grateful to have been able to continue my family legacy and graduated amongst some of the brightest minds in this country as the Class of 2013.”

Amidst the corona virus pandemic Peteché, acknowledges her studies abroad have been nothing short of “...an experience to say the least.” She returned home in March following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the closing of Bahamian borders. At the time, Bethell was in London preparing for her third bar examination, which had yet to be cancelled and was due to be sat later that month. The young comet notes it was a major risk, but health and family were her first priority. Luckily, for her, the exam was postponed. However, future study conditions did not grow easier for Petechè.

Bethell admits: “What then ensued was 5 months of classes that started at 4:30am three days a week, with poor internet connection and unpredictable power outages. I had the pressure of 9 bar examinations, an LLM dissertation, client conferences via zoom and a pandemic to worry about. Everything was unprecedented and unpredictable and it all required a great deal of faith, discipline and adaptability. “

For this barrister, the worst of it was having to obtain special permission to sit her final three examinations at a test centre while the rest of the country was in a complete lockdown. Petechè underwent strenuous examination conditions, sitting three hour examinations with a mask on and no water breaks. She admits it was difficult, but she was grateful for the opportunity to be able to successfully complete the papers. Many of her peers around the world were not as lucky.

To this day, Bethell agrees she still hold firm to a few of her greatest accomplishments while at QC and post-graduation. For her, obtaining honourable mention from the Ministry of Education for 6A's in her BGCSE's and achieving the top score in the country for BGCSE Art and Design (Craft) in grade 11 are amongst some of her most notable achievements while studying at QC. These accomplishments have both paved the way for her to become a United World College and Bahamas Merit Scholar, amongst other academic scholarships that paved the way for Bethell to become a barrister.

Bethell: “I now hold a first class joint honours degree in Psychology and Law, a LLM Distinction, and have passed the Bar of England and Wales with a Very Competent. I have now commenced my second Masters of Law at King’s College, and am due to be called to the bar in both jurisdictions by the end of 2020. “ For Petechè, the saying, it takes a village to raise a child gives a clear depiction of her experience throughout her experience at Queen’s college.

She admits: “Having gone to Queen’s College from age 4-17, it would be an injustice to only name one who has influenced me. I am grateful to all of my teachers, but Mrs Beneby, Mrs Moree, Mrs Culmer, Miss Blair, Miss Hoare, Mr Peart, Miss Wint, Mrs Turnquest, Mrs Strachan, and Mr Angole are a few that deserve honourable mention. They have always encouraged me, inspired me, poured into me and pushed me to go above and beyond the best I thought I had to offer.”

She further acknowledges under her teachers tutelage she learned the power of hard work and consistency, the importance of going above what is expected, and the freedom that accompanies never giving up on goals and aspirations. Petechè said, “that mindset is something that has carried me well into the transition from my academic to professional career.”

Over the summer, Ms. Bethell launched an Empowerment and Mentorship Summit called the Power, Passion and Purpose Project. This platform was created to mentor, empower and network the next generation of women leaders with those that stand in the front-line of their communities today!

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ALUM' AROUND THE WORLD CONTINUED.. . .

LEARN ABOUT ALUMNI WHO ARE LIVING ABROAD

Queen’s College alumnus, Raphieal Newbold, is a Medical Writer who completed his undergraduate degree at McGrill University. As a proud comet Newbold acknowledges that his greatest accomplishment while at QC was serving as Head Boy 2013-2014.

Raphael’s drive continued to propel him to obtain his most acclaimed triumph as a medical professional. He highlights his publication of a first-authored research article on novel, clinical research: The Association of Sleep Apnea and Glucose Levels in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes, as his greats accomplishment postgradation.

However, adjusting to life during a pandemic has been no easy feat this this comet Alumnus.

Newbold: “Studying and working away from family and friends during the pandemic has definitely been challenging for me. I am the type of person who prefers in-person settings so the transition and adjustment was steep at first, but I have found my groove now. Certainly, everyone's resiliency is being tested as we make changes to protect our health and the health of others during this time with most activities now being done virtually. The new protocols that we find ourselves having to adapt to (travel restrictions, learning/working from home, amongst others) can certainly be anxiety/stress inducing and overwhelming. I do my best to maintain a regular schedule and plan time for self care - reading, Netflix (in moderation, if any such thing exists - I actually only got Netflix this month so I'm trying to keep limits which, I'm sticking to so far), and video and phone calls with family. These activities help to make everything a little more tolerable.”

For Raphieal, QC has prepared him for the "real world" in lots of ways. One major factor that is still relevant today is being at ease with public speaking. The exposure to public speaking during his time in high school was largely valuable throughout his university studies as there were numerous occasions where he would give presentations to different audiences and stakeholders. This was particularly true when giving presentations on his research where he presented to academics who have been in the medical field for years. Naturally, for anyone, this could be a daunting experience, but the training in QC certainly gave him the ability to leverage his confidence in public speaking, even to this day.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR from the President and Board of the Queen's College Alumnit Association

CHRISTMAS CHEER Giving is a must Smiling is a plus Christmas in the islands is simply just The celebration of Jesus' birth And the anticipation of heaven on earth Bring people together to rejoice Christmas in the islands is a joyous choice The jubilated sounds of music is so clear The spirit of the souls renewed New year resolutions flare Looking forward to another year Bahamians are happy with glare Visitors too join in the prayer Faithful to god is so dear Merry Christmas to you another year! © 2003, 2004 - 2020 Dennis Arthur Dames

Nassau, Bahamas

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