The Collegian Issue #2

THE COLLEGIAN FOR THE STUDENTS BY THE STUDENTS

ISSUE 2 NOVEMBER 2021

IN THIS ISSUE Continued introduction to leaders Advice to Lower Sixers Kolij Caribbean Culture Support a Kolij Business

BY NATHAN ERISTHEE

Scientists say that in the last year the rate of dropouts among secondary school children has skyrocketed. In fact, students are so unmotivated and frustrated with online teaching that their marks are starting to fall and they are becoming more detached from learning. When you reflect on your past almost two years of online education, what emotions do you feel?

Right on our own doorstep, we examine what life has been for Harrisonians since the pandemic swept up the world. One student describes the online environment as nothing but continuous struggles while others lament the issues that plague their daily lives including connection issues, concentration issues and just the overall laziness of being at home.

However, one common feeling seems to have us all: FRUSTRATION. THE COLLEGIAN

This frustration that affects all of us is common but more importantly, is an opportunity for us to find ways to create positives from a tough situation. It’s us using life’s limes to make some lemonade!

You know the best way to do this is to be creative. Is it drawing, is it painting, maybe cooking or dancing, or, maybe it’s exercising, sewing, knitting, singing, writing or trying a new instrument? There is some talent and creation that we all possess that is waiting for us to unlock. You may be wondering, what is my talent? But have you tried any? Have you tried baking that cake, mastering that foreign language or rather exploring that love for coding and app creation?

Well, if you answered no, the time is now.

Now is the time! It’s the time to discover our talents, unlock our interests and pursue creative innovation. Let’s use our pandemic powers and turn frustration into innovation!

This issue is all about showcasing and highlighting ways in which we can fight our frustration!

ISSUE 2 //NOVEMBER 2021

Easily, one of the biggest adjustments for students is entering sixth form. Firstly, Congratulations! Acceptance is a great accomplishment.

To new and returning students: Welcome or Welcome Back!

By now, lower sixers would have felt the drastic change, expressing anxiety. But fear not! You're never alone at Harrison College.This article outlines strategies to be successful in sixth form, with advice from upper six students; Kai Sealy, Trey Wiggins By: Zaria Elcock

Reporter: Jazlyn King

and Justin Downes, and the sixth form year head, Ms. Chase.

Time Management:

Transfer Students:

Sixth form is notorious for having an intense

Transfer students have a hard time, especially adjusting to the style

workload. Ms. Chase advises students to not

of learning and social environment. Justin was a transfer last year, he

procrastinate and do assignments as soon as

encourages new students to make friends so that they can “show you

received, preventing them from piling up. Kai

the ropes” and get involved in clubs. He also says to talk to your

encourages students to use a notepad or

teachers and demonstrate to them the type of student you are, using

Google Calendar to organize assignments and your unique experiences as an asset. prioritize them in order of due dates. Ms. Chase recommends having a study timetable

University:

on which you give equal time to all your

Kai advises students to be familiar with application terms, deadlines

subjects and place them according to how

and test requirements from lower sixth. In the USA, SATs

strenuous they are, such as a light and heavy

(standardized tests) are sometimes required. Ms. Chase stipulates the

subject during the same session.

use of Common App for US universities and the UCAS for Britain's.

Both application systems require recommendation letters, written by

Balance:

your teachers, influenced by involvement and academics. Summer

“Your personal life is as important as your

programs give an edge, aiding in ensuring you will be doing

school life. You need time to relax, be with

something you are passionate about.

your friends and enjoy yourself,” says Trey.

He advises lower sixers to continue their

General Advice

extracurriculars since they help create a

Ms. Chase passionately says “We are Harrisonians, our school song

balance. Still, do not neglect your schoolwork, speaks on never giving up. Go to your teachers if you need help. If you think you need extra lessons, ask your parents. The more work and and be sure to know your limits and not overexert yourself. Kai says to prioritise your

practice you get, the better you can do in your exams."

activities based on what you are mainly

Trey advises students to get plenty of exercises and to try to make

interested in and to join for the right reasons.

school as enjoyable as possible.

Approach to Studying:

Encouraging Words

Kai recommends taking the first term to

The fact that you are a student at Harrison College proves you have

understand your classes and Ms. Chase

the discipline and capacity to be successful. It is fair to say all sixth

enforces developing your own style of note-

form students in the past have felt stress. Still, many have excelled,

taking and doing research. Supplementary

receiving national scholarships and exhibitions - they are proof you

material will help you to build and fully

can do it. Don't be afraid to reach out to your parents, teachers,

understand the information given in classes.

classmates or older students and ask for help. Happy studying!

Editors: Kenya James and Zan Valere THE COLLEGIAN

ISSUE 2 //NOVEMBER 2021

MEETING OUR NEW LEADERS!

Reporter: Kaya Hinds Editor and Writer: Christiane Hennis

Amelia Valdez and Jason Stephney, both age 17, are this year’s deputy head girl and deputy head boy respectively for the academic year, 2021- 2022.

" I would say that we’ve gotten a chance to focus on working closer with members of the faculty and sort of improve our leadership skills.”

- Amelia Valdez

Both simularly study the scientific aspect of education “We have learnt to adapt to this new setting in terms consisting of Pure Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics. Apart of being able to help out with staff in the best way from studying, Amelia further develops diverse skills like cooking, reading, running long distances as well as dedicating time to perform her role as President of Chess Club as well as

possible ... I help some teachers in terms of setting up certain online assignments and so on that they might not be familiar with.”

being a member of Key Club. Jason similarly challenges himself

-Jason Stephney

outside the books, as he plays basketball, exercises and has

Tips & Advice:

learnt how to program.

how to excel in not only

As students weather uncharted territories in the online

academics but other aspects

environment, Jason highlighted, “I would help to make new

in school

life:

students and existing students feel more comfortable in this

"I would say especially with extra-curriculars, it’s not necessarily you doing 10 extracurriculars that’s really going to make you stand out, it’s you just really being passionate on the one and two that you may do. Same thing with academics, where teachers just want to know that you’re passionate about what you do and that you’re trying your best even though you might not necessarily get 100% in every scenario."

new environment and to encourage some level of normalcy to this

abnormal

setting

that

we’re

in

now”.

With

the

determination to have a great experience at HC, one of Amelia's main goals is to leave behind a legacy of excellence as she sets the tone for her final school year. Amelia also recognizes the importance of welcoming students in the best way possible.

“I know with COVID, a lot of the first formers are missing out especially, so I really hope that we can make sure they have as good an experience as possible even if they’re missing out on stuff like school sports.”

- Amelia Valdez

for incoming lower sixers: "Fifth form to Lower Six is a big jump in terms of the

As the online environment has been carefully implemented over

amount of settling down that has to be done and

the past year, regular duties that Deputies would be expected

focus that is required, my suggestion would be to

to attend to have been significantly affected. Despite this, the get on top of the work as soon as possible and don’t take any subject or any class or any topic for pair is excited to fulfill their duties as student leaders, progressively learning new aspects of the job.

granted. Everything’s necessary and you need to keep practicing and keep continuously doing work to stay on top of the game."

-Jason Stephney

THE COLLEGIAN

ISSUE 2 //NOVEMBER 2021

Faith is a sixteen year old in form 5.4 who studies Biology, Chemistry, History, Spanish, Music and Information Technology as well as both English subjects and Mathematics. She’s mainly a singer, but has also been learning to play guitar, bass guitar, keys and drums.

Faith has always been propelled to do music and described her attraction as a “gradual pull”. She believes she was given a gift for singing from God and has always been passionate about music. At church, she would be captivated by the music and always wanted to have the best view of the musicians, who she still considers to be her biggest influence in music.

Thus, she began singing at 9 years old for her church. At 12 her father gifted her a guitar for her birthday, which she only began to learn seriously a year later at a guitar summer camp. Between 13 and 15 her inventory expanded with the addition of the drumset, keys and finally bass guitar. Faith is still practicing them all with her favorite being guitar.

Her favorite artists are Bri Babineaux, Petra Welch and DappyTKeys. She doesn't have a favorite genre of music, but mainly listens to christian artists within each genre.

The biggest event she has participated in to date is The 2019 Digicel Life 97.5 FM Kids Gospel Challenge, which led her to release her first single created by John Yarde, called “Who I Am”. Faith intends to continue a career in music as a Pop or Contemporary gospel artist and would also incorporate music into a profession in psychology.

Reporter: Kaya Hinds Editor: Kenya James

THE COLLEGIAN

By: Zaria Elcock

She was asked, “If you could change the music industry in Barbados and possibly the world, what would you do?” This was her response:

Well, I would want all musicians to be paid well for their musical abilities and to be recognized for their contribution in the area of music to the world. I think about it like this, “If there was no music in this world where would we be now?” So I believe there should be a deeper appreciation for music in the world. So, that’s what I would change, for people to have a different perspective on music.

ISSUE 2 //NOVEMBER 2021

HOT TOPIC

VACCINATIONS

by Sanaa Elcock

Covid 19 Vaccines. Let’s talk about it. Should you get vaccinated or not?

Reporter: Jazlyn King Editor: Christiane Hennis

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the COVID-19 vaccines help minimize the spread of COVID 19 among others.

However, the vaccine is not guaranteed to prevent people from getting the disease, instead, its job is to boost persons’ immune systems so that they could reduce the risk of getting it. The vaccine is also said to help minimize the life-threatening symptoms if a vaccinated person does get COVID. On the CDC’s website, it is also explained that although the vaccines were developed quickly, all the necessary steps were taken to ensure safety and effectiveness for all.

With this information in mind, over 7 billion vaccine doses have been administered to people around the world according to the World Health Organization’s Coronavirus Dashboard. However, despite over 50% of the world’s population having at least one dose of the vaccine, there has been an ongoing debate, especially in the Caribbean, on whether individuals should get vaccinated or not- especially if those under the age of 18 should. Therefore, with all this varied information going around specifically on social media, are Harrison College students getting vaccinated despite the controversy? In a survey conducted among 56 Harrisonians, ranging from ages 12-17, 85.7% or 48 of them have gotten vaccinated and when asked why answers varied.

OPINIONS FROM STUDENTS !

“I decided to get vaccinated because I live with my

grandparents and they both have health problems so I wanted to ensure I do not as easily transmit Covid to them if I have it.”

-5th form student “It was a personal choice of mine not to get it” -5th form student “My parents told me that I should get it because it'll help protect myself and my little sister” -3rd form student “I would like to return to the school compound opposed to feeling imprisoned so I decided to become vaccinated so I can return to socializing physically.”

-5th form student

Many people have decided not to get vaccinated because of personal reasons such as religion or health concerns.

Whereas others have heard information such as the vaccine containing microchips and magnets. However, scientists have come to the conclusion that these vaccines do not contain these items or any harmful ingredients and are 100% safe for individuals. Now with all the information in this article, should you get vaccinated? Honestly, it is your choice! Before you decide whether or not to get vaccinated, make sure you do proper research from reliable sources and ensure that you consult with medical professionals and family members before making your decision. No one should be forced to take something they are not comfortable with, but when making your decision make sure you are taking into consideration not only your health but of those around you. The coronavirus pandemic is not going anywhere unless we all do our part; so no matter your vaccination status, ensure you continue to follow the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family.

If you are looking for more information on vaccinations or getting vaccinated in Barbados please visit https://vaccine.gov.bb/ and https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/ THE COLLEGIAN

ISSUE 2 //NOVEMBER 2021

CXC RESULTS: FROM ELATION TO DEVASTATION! H A R R I S O N I A N S

R E S P O N D

T O

C X C

R E S U L T S

By: Imani Gaskin It is 6 pm on October 15th, students across Barbados and the Caribbean region anxiously begin to access the results portal on cxc.org. The nerves are palpable as the screen transitions to the results which will determine their immediate futures. For most, these feelings are a culmination of a taxing year of navigating remote learning, long hours spent studying, or not, and the lingering uncertainty following last year’s results which triggered region-wide protests. For 75% of the fourth, fifth and sixth form Harrisonians polled, the CSEC and CAPE results displayed on their screens were worthy of celebration. However, for some, the assigned grades were a source of sadness, disappointment and even embarrassment. Of those students who reported disappointment, 60% deemed their grades to be inaccurate and planned to formally query their results with the Caribbean Examination Council.

While 25% of students expressed dissatisfaction with their results, only one student’s parents shared similar views about their child's performance. This begs the question: was this inconsistency a case of parental love clouding judgement or a result of students’ misconceptions of what constitutes a good grade? One student shed light on this dichotomy, stating “I believe a grade one or two are grades to be proud of and a grade 3 is a grade to accept. I do not believe that students should be made to feel that they have not done well with a grade below one.”

The proverb “you reap what you sow” is central to life and academic success at all levels. This has been proven time and time again with regional examinations, as successful scholars traditionally attribute their success and achievements to hard work. This year was no different as the satisfied said their grades were merely a result of the copious amount of hard work and revision they did in preparation for their exams.

Reporter: Keilani Talma Editor: Kenya James THE COLLEGIAN

“It was a challenging year and the majority of the work that helped me succeed was self-study so I was proud of myself that I was disciplined enough to maintain a good attitude throughout the year and end up successful in my exams,” one student stated. Another student provided words of encouragement for peers who may be anxious as they begin their examination preparation. “I think results can cause a lot of anxiety but if you put in the work you will be rewarded. Most people I know did well and were satisfied with their grades.”

Students made this same resolution after the chaos that followed the release of the 2020 results, and many of them followed through and saw their goals realized, with 66% of them seeing improvement in their grades. “I think they [better] reflect my ability this year, given last year’s situation”, one student remarked.

The aftermath of 2020’s CXC results release saw students, parents and teachers alike taking to the streets to protest what was deemed as “invalid” marks. Many normally successful students saw uncharacteristically low grades for both CSEC and CAPE results. Many believed that the measures taken by CXC to adjust grading to accommodate the dislocation in education caused by the COVID 19 pandemic, were to the detriment of students across the region. According to the Caribbean Coalition for Exam Redress, 75% of students were dissatisfied with their results, with many equally dissatisfied with CXC’s approach to handling their concerns.

However, whether you fell into the groups of students contented or disappointed with your results last year or this past examination season, it is vital to remember that you are more than your academic successes or failures.

Those students who improved upon their grades from the previous year are proof that despite a small bump in the road of your academic journey, you have the power to achieve excellence if you work hard and remain disciplined in your studies.

To help you on this path, you can immediately begin to cultivate good study habits for the coming exam season.

These include forming study groups, consistently revising your work and getting assistance where needed. Good Luck Harrisonians and continue to strive for excellence!

ISSUE 2 //NOVEMBER 2021

SUPPORT A KOLIJ BUSINESS This next young and ambitious entrepreneur is all about the treats. Harmoni Haynes, the founder of Bite Sized Barbados, is a 16 year old Upper Sixer at the Harrison College Secondary School. She enjoys baking, cooking, singing and anything to do with animals. She studies Spanish, Applied Math, Literature in English and Caribbean Studies.

By: Rheanna Griffin

After noticing that she was receiving orders from customers beyond her support circle, she realised that her business was growing and gaining an audience.

Harmoni's 5 month-old Bite Sized Barbados paused during the exam period because her parents did not want her to be distracted, but she resumed a month ago and is back in business. She understands time management and priority and finds no intense struggle managing both her school Harmoni’s business caters to one of the most demanding parts of the body - the stomach. Bite-Sized Barbados can satisfy, with all things snacks and comfort are on the menu. She is introducing a new concept to the table - mac and cheese in the form of a ball! The creativity of this entrepreneur is intriguing. In due time, Alfredo, other foods and expansion will be on the plate.

Bite-Sized Barbados' birth was a result of Harmoni’s independence. This teenager simply explains, “I got tired of asking my parents for money so I decided to have my own hustle. I didn’t want to do something that a lot of people were doing, and I understand that lots of people sell food but I wanted to put my spin on it because I have a knack for seasonings and flavours, so l decided to find something I enjoy doing and make money from it.”

Harmoni is very confident in her culinary skills. She loves to play with her food, more specifically, seasonings. She creates flavours specific to her taste, salt and pepper on fries can not compete with her

work and her business. She says, “ I tend to think that my main focus is my education but I think my business is just as important” and “I know my priorities”.

When asked about Covid’s impact on Bite-Sized Barbados, Harmoni stated that Covid is actually the reason she started when she did. During the lockdown, she mastered her flavours, seasonings, and recipes. Rather than a negative effect, Covid gave an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, such as Harmoni, to begin ventures.

Harmoni's entrepreneurial role model is Dawnté Alleyne, a multifaceted professional. Her ability to manage these activities inspires Harmoni.

Harmoni finds herself in a slight dilemma. As an ambitious young lady, she would like to become a singer, vet, and chef. She believes that no one has ever done it and would love to be the first person to juggle all three.

Prayers and well wishes go out to Harmoni, accomplishing all she aspires to and taking the best bite out of life!

original seasoning blend. Harmoni believes that her taste, youth, determination, and drive separates her business from others.

Instagram shares, mentions, and purchases from friends are all ways that Harmoni has been receiving support for her venture.

THE COLLEGIAN

ISSUE 2 //NOVEMBER 2021

The Tide is Turning! - What on Earth is Going On?!

by Jeremy Small & Emmanuel Sealey

Inclusivity tastes sweet!

by Jeremy Small & Emmanuel Sealey

It is no secret that people with disabilities face many challenges on a daily basis.

Whether it be physical, educational, or social barriers, many of these people are overlooked for what they don't have and underappreciated for what they do have. Craving the opportunity to be included, the prayers of many might have just been answered!

Did you know that your mouth contains supersensitive sensors that are capable of detecting finer details than your fingertips? Well, it’s a fact! This discovery is one of the founding principles of Bryan Shaw, a biochemist, and his son, Noah’s, gummy models of proteins. At an early age, Noah was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a type of cancer that originates in one eye. This form of cancer then makes the eyes with cancer useless and can cause blind spots in the other.

This makes it hard for kids with this disease to appreciate science to the fullest because of the intricate diagrams and structures in various branches of science.

However, 13-year-old Noah would not let this disease be the end of his passion to become a biochemist. Scientists, including Bryan and Noah Shaw, developed a bite-sized molecule model of proteins made of gummy candy! Through this complex scientific model, people who are blind would be able to distinguish the shapes of different types of protein by using supersensitive sensors in their mouths. This not only opens opportunities for those who cannot enjoy the sciences by sight but also provides a yummy and interesting way to learn.

Participation from everyone, in any form or fashion, can lead to improvement of technology and significantly helps to make science more accessible to all!

Coral bleaching, water pollution and poison fishing are serious contributors to the disappearance of coral. However, no issue poses a bigger threat to coral reefs than global warming. The drastic increase of the Earth’s temperature has caused a chain effect to the ocean’s heat waves, killing most of the coral.

Scientists at the University of Melbourne and the Australian Institute of Marine Science have joined forces to eradicate the gradual disappearance of coral reefs. Since coral bleaching is directly linked to heat and warmer water temperatures, some scientists have decided that the best approach to be taken to fix this problem is to develop heat-resistant coral. This new breed of coral was made by strengthening the algae cells inside of the coral tissue by exposing batches of micro-algae to extreme temperatures, forcing them to evolve and adjust to existing in hot temperatures. Mimicking the process of directed evolution, these microalgae can develop more gene diversity to withstand the intense temperatures they face. With the process completed, the micro-algae can be fused back into the coral larvae, where they are able to reproduce heat-resistance coral for the future!

a protein molecule - depicted in this photo is a protein molecule. The gummy developed by Bryan and Noah Shaw looks exactly like this in order for users to get a grasp of what the most precise form of this molecule feels like.

THE COLLEGIAN

reporter : Zaria Hintzen editor : Ella Emtage-Deane ISSUE 2 //NOVEMBER 2021

Insight from our Swimmers of their training and competing experiences during a pandemic.

"Competing during the pandemic was definitely a lot different to competing before covid. We had to observe many protocols such as constant physical distancing/mask wearing, limited numbers of swimmers allowed in the Clerk of Course and no interacting with other swimmers after our races. This was all done in an attempt to keep ourselves safe and prevent the meet from being shut down. These protocols made the meet less fun and exciting for us but it was worth it as we were trying to stay safe".

-Kenyah Deane

Life Is Cool By The Pool

By Jeremy Small "The mood of the meet had also changed because we didn't have the encouragement and support from the spectators nor the usual music playing, causing me to feel less motivated.

Additionally, having to put on a mask straight after our races was difficult as the combination of being out of breath and making the mask wet was uncomfortable".

-Heidi Baker

It is safe to say that despite these challenges, these swimmers gave nothing but their best in true Harrisonian fashion.

Here’s a look at our medalists: Amiya Harrison- 7 Gold Jaiya Simmons- 6 Gold Jake Chee-A-Tow- 3 Gold Keilani Talma- 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze Amelie Baker- 4 Silver, 1 Bronze Toria Alleyne- 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze Kenyah Deane- 1 Gold, 3 Silver Heidi Baker- 1 Gold, 2 Bronze Luke Mcintyre- 2 Bronze Ayobami Leon-Barker- 1 Silver, 1 Bronze Cain Banfield- 2 Silver, 1 Bronze Megan Cyrus- 1 Bronze Ethan Roachford- 2 Gold, 5 Silver

As we all know, life beyond 2020 has taken us by storm. For athletes, this has been a time of recalibration, innovation and refinement in almost every way imaginable. Despite the circumstances, many of our athletes at Harrison College have tried their best to stay on top of the situation. On October 8th 2021 many of our swimmers took centre stage at ‘The 29TH Annual Aquatic Centre International Invitational.

For many of them, the experience was far from usual. According to Keilani Talma of Upper 6 Arts, “Competing in a pandemic is very different. It’s a whole different vibe.” The absence of spectators was definitely felt as all protocols were heavily emphasized. Undoubtedly, our swimmers put their best foot forward but they humbly admit that they are capable of much better. “After inconsistent training caused

by COVID lockdowns many of us did not compete to our standards but overall it was fun and I am grateful that we were able to compete,” stated Amelie Baker. New lessons, motivation and the courage to try again are what many of our fellow Harrisonians have taken away from this experience.

However, don’t be fooled! Keilani Talma and Amelie Baker were a part of the relay teams which broke records in the 4X100M Medley relay.

Toria Alleyne, Jaiya Simmons and Fayth Jeffrey also successfully swam their way to CARIFTA qualifying times! Congratulations to everyone who competed!

reporter : Nia Morris editor : Hannah Sealey THE COLLEGIAN

ISSUE 2 // NOVEMBER 2021

This edition's stress relief page focuses on stimulating your mind while giving yourself a break!

Constructed by: Keilani Talma and Davesha Chassang

Can you find the 10 differences?

Stress Relief Tip: Get Musical and Be Creative Listening to or playing music is a good stress reliever as it reduces muscle tension and acts as a mental distraction.

Crank up the volume and play your favourite music. If you do not like music, engage your creative side and take part in activities such as sketching, pottery, gardening or even sewing. It allows your mind to rest while you do something you enjoy.

Riddle: If a football goes near all the boys run to it in fear but don’t go too close with your enemy or you might go for a swim “accidentally” although it separates the book from the play and basketballers see it every day.

(Make sure to check out our Instagram page for the answer @thecollegianjournal)

Stress Relief strategies from fellow Harrisonians: “Two easy stress relief techniques that work for me include listening to my favourite music and taking a walk on the beach and even dipping my toes into the ocean.”

“When I am overwhelmed with all the things on my to-do list, I find taking a nap helps me”

“Talking to people and expressing my feelings help to relieve some of my stress”

“Planning how I’m going to do my assignments before actually starting takes a load off of me” THE COLLEGIAN

ISSUE 2 //NOVEMBER 2021

Bon Appétit!

By Sanaa Elcock

Do you have a sweet tooth?

Are you craving a snack after a stressful day of online classes?

Or do you simply need something to do to cure the after school boredom?

These easy and delicious oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are sure to be a favourite no matter the occasion!

After some trial and error, my editor, Ella EmtageDeane, and I have come up with the most foolproof recipe for oatmeal cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth. This recipe makes 30 cookies and only takes about 20-30 minutes to make!

Here's What You'll Need : 1 cup of brown sugar 0.5 cups of white sugar 1 cup of salted butter, softened to room temperature 2 eggs 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract 3 cups rolled oats 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon of baking soda 2 cups of chocolate chips 1 cup of chopped peacans (optional)

Method : 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease your baking trays with cooking spray or butter.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar for 5-6 minutes using a spoon or a hand mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy and tan in colour.

3. Then, mix in the vanilla extract before adding in the eggs one at a time.

4. Once the mixture is creamy, add in the rolled oats, all-purpose flour and baking soda.

5.

Combine until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and a cookie dough texture is formed.

6. Afterwards, chop the pecans into rough sized pieces and using a spoon or spatula, fold them and the chocolate chips into the dough until just combined.

7. Then, using an ice cream scoop, scoop and roll the dough into golfball-sized balls.

8. Place these balls onto the pre-greased baking sheets and press the balls down slightly with your fingers, or the back of a spoon.

9. Bake these cookies in the preheated oven for 1012 minutes. You know the cookies are done when they are golden brown at the edges and the top of the cookie is soft!

10. Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool for 6 minutes.

11. After the cookies have cooled, remove them from the pans and enjoy!!

Did you know?

OUR TIPS!!!

If you forget to leave your butter out at room temperature, microwave it for 10-15 seconds until it's soft.

To make sure that the cookies do not stick together, space them about 1 or 2 inches apart from each other on the baking sheets.

If you don't have an ice cream scoop, use a large spoon instead!

THE COLLEGIAN

The most important part of making a cookie is the Maillard reaction that occurs at 310 degrees Fahrenheit. The reaction occurs due to the combination of sugars and amino acids. Once the amino acids and sugars combine, new chemical compounds are formed which give the cookies their amazing smell, colour and taste! reporter : Sanaa Elcock editor : Ella Emtage-Deane

ISSUE 2 //NOVEMBER 2021

The Truth When people ask how I'm doing I wanna say My soul Is a hell bent, war driven country that refuses to sign a peace treaty with my body Taking a toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally Sending me into a downward spiral of madness keeping my mind within a cage Behind a locked door with no key

Honestly, I wanna say My depression is like a piece of paper and my shredder has been broken for years And no matter how much I tear it's still there And I always end up in tears I just need something, someone to help me Make it disappear Into nothingness Like the limitless void Instead of sitting here groveling at my own despair

I wanna say that this feeling Is a thirsty shadow That rings my joy like a dishrag and makes juice out of my smile

I wanna say I feel like I'm walking alone I'm walking home But to a house Not to a home Because a home is a safe haven I'm mistaken I won't be safe Until that space in my head is vacant

THE COLLEGIAN

Reporter: Zaria Hintzen Editor: Zan Valere

I wanna say I feel like my life is full of regrets And the further I go the harder it gets My brain is like a bully insulting me Telling me I'm nothing and hits me With vicious threats I need a way to work off this psychological debt

But I'd rather not ruin someone's day with my tragic honesty Cause this monstrosity Has messed with my mentality Cause now I don't have a single memory of when I was happy

So instead I treat my face like a pumpkin I pretend it's Halloween And instead of being mean I carve it into something acceptable I smile and say I'm alright “The Truth”, is an emotive spoken word piece, about a young man’s struggle to express his truth and internal conflict. The writing of this poem was a cathartic experience for Micah to vent on the dark mental place he found himself in.

As Micah expressed, he found it difficult to open up about his feelings to others when asked, this writing allowed him to do so in a secure environment. However, before this, Micah had to build the confidence needed to articulate his thoughts. Once he overcame that block the process went smoothly.

A year after the completion of his piece, he reflected and shared it with his mentors. Impressed by his poem and its message, they believed that others could gain from reading his work and advised him to share it. This possibility of helping others was Micah's driving force in sharing “The Truth”.

He hopes other teens, reading this deeply personal poems, may find some solace in the fact that others can relate to what they are going through. He also wants to assure teens and people his age that emotions aren’t permanent and that happiness is attainable despite how unlikely it may feel at the moment.

“It won’t always be hard, your life will have ups and downs but as long as you push through it will get easier.

I am living proof of that.”

ISSUE 2 //NOVEMBER 2021

G REN ADA

Grenada also has carnival, and Simunye singled out “Jab Jab”, an event where persons cover themselves in oil, and wear horns with red smoked herring in their mouths. Historically, this event was a form of cultural slave resistance, allowing slaves to mock their masters openly without being punished.

By: Sarah Bisram

Simunye Alexander joined our tight knit Kolij family about a year ago, and this vibrant 5th former is eager to share special aspects of his Grenadian background with us. Born and raised in Grenada, Simunye had never lived anywhere else until January 2021, when his mom, whose job requires her to move often, decided to bring him with her to Barbados.

(A picture depicting a person covered in oil at "Jab Jab")

In appreciatively, he commented on the friendly nature of Barbadians, Simunye did have an amusing critique on Bajan minibus (ZR) etiquette. He playfully accused Barbadians of not being that friendly, saying, “...they sit and watch you weirdly” when he waited for passengers in front of him to open the ZR door for him, a Grenadian norm. He quickly realised he was expected to open the door himself, but still remembers the awkward feeling.

Simunye then clarified some Grenadian stereotypes, namely that Grenadians are always late. He quickly agreed with the stereotype, jokingly adding, “...I was kinda late to this meeting.” Simunye loves Grenadian cuisine, especially 'oil down' which, “…does taste so good”, he grinned. He did explain the difference between 'oil down' on the road side (over firewood with a pot on top), as opposed to at home, specifying that he prefers the road side option, as the smoky flavour is unmatched.

Simunye excitedly recommended places of interest for anyone considering a visit to Grenada, nicknamed, “The Isles of Spice”.

Annandale Falls and Grand Anse Beach are a must-see. And while you are there, be sure to taste some 'oil down' and cook up some 'pelaw' (a combo of rice, meat as well as peas and various herbs), but do not burn the sugar!

Welcome, Simunye again to the Kolij Community! We are excited to be a part of your humour as well as to hear your fascinating stories. We cannot wait to learn more from you about our sister island Grenda.

Reporters: Emmanuel Sealey & Sarah Bisram Editor: Kenya James THE COLLEGIAN

ISSUE 2 // NOVEMBER 2021

THE COLLEGIAN

ISSUE 2 NOVEMBER 2021

FOR THE STUDENTS BY THE STUDENTS

Session Schedule: Mondays, 8:00 to 8:20a.m - Prayer sessions Mondays and Fridays, 11:35a.m to 12:20p.m - ISCF fellowship sessions Wednesdays, 11:35a.m to 12:20p.m - Bible study.

By: Rheanna Griffin Giving an overview, of the Inter-School Christian Fellowship Club (I.S.C.F), Ms. Rheanna Griffin, the president explained that there are currently roughly 60 members who engage in Bible studies, Bible-related activities, games, and prayer sessions.

Detailing their yearly activities, their club plans a mixture of fun and educational activities such as a Christmas party, with participation in Assemblies, and important events such as Founder’s Week especially. To increase participation and interest, they hold competitions and so far a singing competition is in the running.

During this time of hardships and trouble, the I.S.C.F club has swiftly adapted to all the changes brought about by COVID-19. Fortunately, they have been able to transition their sessions into an online format. However, the pandemic has stunted planned activities such as the Christmas party.

They encourage all Christians to join the club because fellowship is very important in the Christian walk, especially in this time of need, both spiritually and practically.

If you are interested in joining the I.S.C.F, email the president at: rheannagriffin@harrisoncollege.edu.bb or faculty advisor at: shunte@harrisoncollege.edu.bb We can't wait to see the new additions, and as always, In Deo Fides!

“WE FOLLOW CHRIST TOGETHER, ENCOURAGING AND STRENGTHENING EACH OTHER."

The

Editorial

Team

Kaya Hinds Keilani Talma Macaria Thorpe Nia Morris Theo Waterman Zaria Hintzen Jazlyn King Davesha Chassang Emmanuel Sealey Imani Gaskin Jeremy Small Nathan Eristhee Rheanna Griffin Sanaa Elcock Sarah Bisram Zaria Elcock Christiane Hennis Ella Emtage-Deane Kenya James Zan Valere Brian Nicholls Muhammed Kazmi Nina Barshini Rheanna Griffin Zanae Nicholls Hannah Sealey

To be featured in an issue of The Collegian email thecollegianjournal@gmail.com THE COLLEGIAN

ISSUE 2 //NOVEMBER 2021