Your Voice. Your Community. Your News.
Volume 4 Issue 6
Serving the Inland Empire Communities
August 2014
New School Year, New Beginning Can it be - the start of another school year? Some will greet the new year with great anticipation while others will meet the challenge with trepidation and indifference. Regardless of the emotion, the journey is unavoidable and so consider making it a positive endeavor. But how? Students, know that your education is priceless and the key to your future. A good education promises a lucrative future; without it, life may be more of a struggle. It is wise, then, to make the most of each day. Prepare for the upcoming year. Don’t just allow it t o happen. First, set definitive a n d measurable goals something realistic but challenging. “I will do better” is not good enough. “I will raise my GPA to (a set number) by my first report card” is better. Now, devise a course of action to meet that
 By Josephine Williams goal. Secondly, prepare mentally. A positive attitude adds joy to learning and allows for perseverance in the most stressful situations. Then, determine to exercise all your academic skills: listening, note-taking, asking questions, completing homework, reviewing for tests, and giving your best at all times. Finally, enjoy the year. Become a positive participant in school life both academically and socially. Success or failure in school is your choice. Parents and guardians are important in the student’s success. Help your child create goals and keep him on track throughout the year. Know the district, school, and teachers’ philosophies, expectations, rules, and calendar. You must be vigilant! Be a part of your student’s school life by attending events, checking homework, and knowing your child’s friends and teachers. Partner with teachers to help ensure a positive successful year. Lastly, provide an appropriate learning environment at home: a quiet study area, demonstrations of your interest in your child’s achievements, and evidence of your goals for your child. When you discover an interference, take action immediately. Don’t assume it will naturally heal itself. It takes a community; be at the forefront of your child’s educational community.
Back to School to Reach a 4.0 GPA and Hold Mom to a Challenge
We are spotlighting one beautiful teenager for this month. I know everyone will find great inspiration in her story. This is 16-year-old Pamala Baber now attending Wilmer Amina Carter High School. The school was the first high school in the Inland Empire named after a living African-American in the city of Rialto. Wilmer Amina Carter is an American politician who served in the California State Assembly and is a Democrat. Pamala will be entering school in the fall as a junior in high school. I interviewed one of Pamala family members before interviewing Pamala personally. I interviewed her Great Uncle and Aunt, Samuel and Connie Baber long-time residents in the city of Rialto. It didn’t take long for them to speak highly and proudly of their great niece. Her uncle Sam quickly stated that she started playing sports at a very early age. He also interjected that he, at that time, would practice with her
showing her how to pitch and giving her some good instructions and tips. One could tell how proud he was and qualified due to the fact he has supported the young people in sports by coaching for many years. Her aunt Connie began to describe Pamala’s character and personality. She began by saying what she remembers about Pamala when she was just 12-years-old. She described Pamala as having a gentle heart. She went on to say that she is gifted, talented, tough and totally dedicated to her sport. Before I could finish up the interview with them, they informed me that Pamala finished 10th grade with a 3.7 GPA and that her mother, Lonnedra Berry made a deal with Pamala. It seems as everyone in the family knows about this particular deal. Pamala’s mother, now a smoker, made the deal that if Pamala brings her GPA up to a 4.0 that she promised to stop smoking. What a deal for the both of them and everyone in the family is pulling for both of them to be a winner. Finally, I had my interview with Pamala and it was a good one. Appearing quiet and humble she told me that she started playing softball at the tender age of 7. She liked the sport because it was really competitive and it was all girls. She also loved volleyball, but decided to stay with softball. She has never wanted to give up softball, she loves it and wants to always stay with it. She looks forward to going to the 11th grade and is focus on working hard to receive a 4.0 GPA. She also told me
about the deal that was made between her and her mother. She will be working very hard to get the 4.0 GPA, Pamala knows she will win the deal. She also stated that she was very chubby in elementary school and was teased about it by some of her classmates. She was always the last one coming in when running the laps and the teasing never stopped. She discovered softball early on to be challenging and that it took a lot of practice, exercise and running. She decided that she was going to stay with the sport, and in during so, lose the pounds (chubby look) and show those teasing classmates a thing. Now at 16 years of age, I asked her to share some good information for other youth that perhaps would encourage them. Her statement to other young people is “find something that you love and have a passion for.” She stated “there will always be people that will try to discourage you, but don’t let that hinder you from your path to success.” She also stated “taking drugs will hold you back, theres no reason to use drugs, just work hard and it will pay off and get you to where you want to go.” Pamala shared that she has been given a 90% scholarship and that she will receive the 100% full ride scholarship upon graduation upon having a 4.0 GPA. The scholarship is for the University of Texas at El Paso. She has no doubt in having her 4.0 GPA at graduation. The one statement that Pamala keeps deep in her heart is the one that her mother has always taught her and that is, “Whatever you start FINISH it.” Pamala’s last statement was “people who come out on top, stay humble, never forget where you come from and be blessed to be a blessing.”
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