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Queen’s College Alumni Association

The Comet

҉ ISSUE NO. 01

҉ MAY 2020

Connection

Connecting legends to future glory through a shared trail.

Message from The President Mrs. Crystal Holder The past few weeks have indeed been a major adjustment for us all in the midst of this pandemic. We have certainly been thrust into an unrehearsed “new normal” that is intertwined with uncertainty, disappointment, introspection, creativity and hope. I take this time to commend those that are working on the frontline (wherever in the world you might be), our School and Administrators, parents and indeed our students. It is my prayer that as we continue to safely maneuver through and craft the way forward, that you and yours do so in sound mind and good health. Our School’s motto, “Legendary Past… Glorious Future!” resonates with the Queen’s College Alumni Association. In our personal, professional and collective bodies, the hundreds of former students that call Queen’s College “home” continue to positively contribute to the development and advancement of not only our country, but the World! Today, the Queen’s

The Queen’s College Alumni Association decided to relaunch its newsletter and offer the opportunity to the Alumni to name it. Congratulations to Sara Hunt (Class of 1997) on her name submission. When asked what was her inspiration on presenting the name, she responded... 'The Comet Connection' encompasses the enthusiasm I feel when I meet up with my former classmates, who are now like family. The name also captures the QC culture and legacy that are so deeply woven in those bonds that bring us back as alumni. I am proud of my QC heritage! - Sara Hunt, Class of 1997 The Comet Connection will be published bi-monthly and will have many exciting features and blasts from the past that you don’t want to miss!

WHAT’S INSIDE Mother’s Day during COVID page 3 Living with Lupus page 4

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QCAA * The Comet Connection

or the first time in Queen’s College’s history, the School will conduct a Virtual Graduation for the Class of 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools and universities around the world are having to make the adjustment to the social distance regulations. Instead of cancelling the ceremonies, many sought to hold their ceremonies on a digital platform, whether through Facebook, the school’s website or other social mean. On Friday, June 19th, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. Queen’s College will be streaming their virtual graduation via YouTube. Queen’s College’s family and friends are invited to subscribe to the Queen’s College Bahamas YouTube channel and view the graduation ceremony.

Have a story or an idea that you would like to see in the newsletter? Send us an email at alumni@qccomets.com

QCAA * The Comet Connection

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Celebrating Mother’s Day during COVID-19 ithout a doubt, QC played a major role in building my selfconfidence; from being on stage for Christmas plays in primary school to being a track star and an all-around athlete in high school, because of the many experiences at QC, when I left, I knew that I could conquer the world and succeed at whatever I set out to accomplish. My favorite weekend activity is not having to leave the comfort and sanctuary of my home and simply relaxing. One of my mantras is an Italian saying, “il dulce far niente” - the sweetness of doing nothing. I became a second time mom on 20th March, the day the government enforced curfew. My advice for moms during these Covid-19 times is to simply take it one day at a time and focus on the here and now. I use the serenity pray as my life’s compass – “Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things that I can and wisdom to know the difference.” How does this apply to what Astranique Bowe we are facing now? There are a lot of things I cannot change, but there Class of 1998 also many things that I can change; like staying home and ensuring that my household follows all the recommended protocols outlined by the health professionals and the government. And moreover, being wise about not putting my family at risk. As a mom, Covid-19 has taught me to be more patient. Having a newborn requires patience and having to navigate remote learning and supervise my 10-year-old with his schooling at home also requires patience. Additionally, it has also taught me not to take the simple pleasures of life for granted. During the lockdown, I celebrated Mother’s Day as I would have any other Mother’s Day. I spent it being pampered and catered to by my husband and son. On Saturday, my husband made me lunch and gave me an at-home pedicure; and Sunday was breakfast in bed, lunch and dinner, all made by my husband. He also managed to buy me a gift to commemorate the birth of our son. We don’t eat out on Mother’s Day, it’s just too crowded. I would like to wish all mothers “Happy Mother’s Day”.

Elder M. Russell Ballard once said, “ There is no role in life that is more essential than that of motherhood.” To all the Comet moms both near and far, we wish you a belated Happy Mother’s Day wherever you are!

Our Vision Using the tools of ethics, values and Christian principals instilled in us as Graduates through the work of the School, families and community to put action to our sense of social responsibility and our commitment to Queen’s College. Our Mission To foster and support a mutually beneficial relationship between the Alumni Association and the Alumni Body for the benefit of Queen’s College through social, educational and transformative activities.

Message from The President Continued College Alumni Association comprises of scores of nation builders in areas such as business, tourism, education, medicine, politics, religion, sports, the judiciary, communications and so much more. Along with those that have come before us, we continue to soar like the true Comets we are…to higher heights and unimaginable levels. The Queen’s College Alumni Association is your association. I implore you to become involved and encourage others to do the same. Our collective success depends on our collective efforts and we welcome your voice, ideas and services. Let us remain connected and lend our support to the school that has nurtured our development and remains the premier educational institution by far. Our School is depending on us to strengthen our connections and assist (through time and funding) in the ongoing initiatives in times to come. The commitment, drive and hard work of our Queen’s College Alumni Association Board of Directors over the last few months has been commendable. Behind the scenes, we have spent countless hours collaborating on initiatives to strengthen our Alumni membership and foster the continued spirit of tradition and loyalty between ourselves and the School. And while some of our plans are at a standstill (due to Covid-19), so many others continue to be planned and actualized. Among them is the successful re-launch and renaming of our bi-monthly Alumni Newsletter, The Comet Connection (formerly Q’Notes). I am so pleased with the finished product and congratulate the Team on a job well done! Until our next issue, get connected and involved! Condolences to the Kennedy family and the Barracuda swim family, as we celebrate the life of Tony ‘TK’ Kennedy. TK guided thousands of our alumni, developing their leadership and excellence mindset. He will be missed.

When last did you enroll in a course or workshop? Call or WhatsApp (242) 823-4654 for more information about Queen's College Centre for Further Education Summer Adult Virtual Trainings.

Meet The Board https://qchenceforth.com/qcaaboardofdirectors.php

#WeAreForeverComets QCAA * The Comet Connection

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Nneska Williams

Francene Virgil

Class of 1989

Comet Parent Administrative Assistant, Asa H Pritchard Ltd.

Office Manager GO COMETS!!!

I have been diagnosed with Lupus SLE from January 2012. Since my diagnosis, I have had 2 mild strokes in August 2012 and November 2014. Lupus has impacted my life in many ways. I am unable to walk outdoors in the sun for long periods of time. Exposure to the sun can trigger skin rashes, itching, burning and can cause Lupus flares. I use sunscreen every time I’m in contact with sun. Recently, I have developed Osteoarthritis in my left knee and some days I am unable to walk properly. Cortisone shots have helped with the pain and I am able to walk 30 minutes most days.

I was diagnosed in 1991 with SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) an autoimmune disease and I have been battling ever since. I enjoy reading, writing poetry and spending time with my grand babies. How has lupus impacted me and my family? Well having a diagnosis at such an early age I was carefree because I really didn’t understand the severity, as for me, this disease was new. I did everything the doctor told me not to do like have more children. I partied and I enjoyed my young adult life. I am the proud mother of (3) three beautiful children and for them having a “SICK” mother throughout their entire life was the hardest transition for me to accept.

I know a lot of people here in the Bahamas who In 2004 I experienced my first stroke which “I can do all things have been impacted most of whom are from left me paralyzed on my right side. I lost the group Lupus 242. Lupus 242 is a non-profit through Christ …” my ability to live a normal life. The things I group providing support and information for once took for granted I missed and the depeople in the Bahamas living with Lupus. My pression crept in and took over my hobbies include baking, music and fixing jigsaw puzzles thoughts. My children, as young as they were, saved me. I recovwhich I do on a regular basis. ered to have (3) three more strokes - mild ones. They slowed me down but didn’t deter me. My fifth and final stroke which was a On days when I am overwhelmed with this disease I look major stroke occurred in 2011. I had just gotten my life back to at my husband and my children. They motivate me in spite normal I had just regained my full independence and now I have of how I feel and I want to be around for a very long time to start over again. for them. Also, I focus on the scripture, in Philippians 4 The emotions, the guilt, the pain, all because LUPUS wanted to verse 13 which says, “I can do all things through Christ keep me down. But still I rose and I may not have won this battle who strengthens me.” yet but I fight every single day. I have a new diagnosis and new symptoms Raynauds Disease, Sjogren’s Syndrome, AntiphosphoThe Community can help by bringing awareness through lipid Syndrome and the newest of all Fibromyalgia are all a part of platforms like this so people can know this autoimmune me but I smile, I laugh and I live. Lupus may be a diagnosis for disease exist here in the Bahamas. More can be done in me, but LIFE is a choice so I do everything I can to live my normal. terms of lowering the cost of Lupus medications, corporate sponsors to Lupus 242 and more radio and TV advertisements. Finally, this autoimmune disease does not define me; it’s not a death sentence, but a way of life for me. I am truly grateful and appreciative for life and all that it would bring for me in the future.

On my hardest day, I remember that without the pain I am only a corpse. I have an awesome support system in both my family and my support group LUPUS242 and the members of this group lift up encourage and make one another smile. For more awareness I would suggest simply following our group on social media Facebook and IG. I don’t wish this disease on anyone but I am comforted in knowing that the hardest fights are given to the toughest warriors. I AM A WARRIOR - a LUPUS WARRIOR.

May is Lupus Awareness Month. Visit www.lupus242.org to find out more information about Lupus and how you can show your support to persons with Lupus and their families here in The Bahamas.

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