Publisher's Note

Publisher’s note

Dear Young Lady,

Is it just me or is this year really flying by? For most students and teachers June, the ending part anyway is by far the favorite month of the year. Why? It marks the beginning of the idyllic days of summer. Like you, I can hardly wait!

This month marks the 9th anniversary of Girl Talk. Can you believe it? Next year Girl Talk will be in the double digits. In no time at all Girl Talk will be a teenager just like some of you. Like your parents probably do when they look at you I’m now wondering, “Where did the time go?”

Since next June will be GT’s tenth anniversary I will be including one item from earlier issues of Girl Talk in this and the next few issues. Also, hopefully I’ll be able to do a few updates on some of Girl Talk’s past Spotlight Teens.

If you’re a long time GT reader, be sure to check out the story on page 9, you’ll never guess who’s graduating from high school after nine years :). Don’t worry though, it’s not the end, I’m sure they’ll drop in to visit again.

Now back to summer, one of the things I always take time to do during the summer is read a few books. This summer one of the books on my list is Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris, twins who wrote the book when they were 18 years old. I’ve heard so much about it that I decided to read it. I’ll tell you about it in September. Until next time…

God bless,
Bernadine J. McIntosh
Founder/Publisher

Summer Time Tips

1. Drink lots of water. It keeps you hydrated and does wonders for the skin.

2. Use sunscreen if you’re going to be in the sun for an extended period of time.

3. Get out and get moving, don’t spend the entire summer in front of the television or computer.

4. Avoid too much fast foods… remember summer pounds are easy to pack on hard to take off…

5. Relax… turn off the television, read a book…

6. Take a nap, go to bed early, rest... Before you know it September will be here again.

Spotlight on Miss Leria Smith

By Bernadine McIntosh

In a few weeks graduation season begins. Among the scores of smiling faces this year will be this issue’s spotlight teen, the beautiful, intelligent and ambitious Miss Leria Smith. Seventeen year old Leria will be graduating with honors from St. Georges High School on the 17th of this month.

Leria attended primary school in Exuma where she is originally from and transferred to St. Georges High School in seventh grade. She left her parents in Exuma and lives with her aunt who encourages her to always do her best and reach for the stars. Although she misses her family Leria has not allowed that to deter her from doing well because one of her ultimate goals is to make them proud.

During her time at St. Georges Leria has been very much involved in the Interact Club and Junior Achievement. She is also a part of the Rachel’s Daughters Mentoring Group at her church. In her spare time Leria enjoys singing and dancing which she says relaxes her and puts a smile on her face.

This ambitious teen is excited about the future and has big plans on what she wants to accomplish. Leria has chosen the field of Pediatrics to be her life’s work. The fact that she was able to do community service at the Rand Memorial Hospital only confirmed to her that a career in the medical field is indeed what she wants.

Leria has given herself only the summer to relax as she and has already been accepted into the College of the Bahamas for the fall semester. This is only the first stop on the journey towards her ultimate dream. After she’s finished with College of the Bahamas, Leria plans to go on to medical school.

Who do you admire most in life and why is it that you admire that person? I admire my aunty because I’ve seen how hard she worked as a single mother to provide for her and her daughter. Also, she accepted me into her home with open arms when I came to attend high school in seventh grade. She has taught me by her example that it is indeed better to give than to receive.

What are you looking forward to as you leave high school? I am looking forward to accomplishing all of my goals especially finishing my degrees and achieving my dream of becoming a doctor.

What advice have you been given about your future after high school that you will always remember? I was told that nothing is impossible if I just believe in myself.

What are your plans for your first summer as a high school graduate? This summer I plan to relax and enjoy my freedom while it last because soon as summer over it will be back in the books as I start my college journey.

What are some pressures that you have faced as a young lady? I think the greatest pressure I feel is the pressure to do well in school and make my parents proud of me.

What words of advice do you have for those young ladies you’re going to leave behind when you graduate this June? My advice to those I leave behind is to try your hardest to succeed in school. Make your parents proud even though they make you so mad at times. Also, do everything to the best of your ability no matter the situation because that thing which may seem small and insignificant might be something that helps you out later in life.

Finish these sentences…
I smile my biggest smile when… I am dancing
I get angry when… I don't excel in what I want to do
I often dream about… being an outstanding doctor
God is… my refuge and strength
The world would be a better place if… people would believe in themselves
My future looks…. bright

The Freedom to Choose

Rumspringa… have you ever heard that word? I hadn’t until recently when I was watching a documentary about the Amish way of life. Rumspringa, refers to a coming of age period when Amish youths who have reached the age of 16 are given the freedom to experience a different way of life, free from much of the restrictions that they are familiar with so that they can make an informed decision on whether or not they want to join the Amish church. During this time they are also allowed to date with the goal of finding an Amish mate.

During rumspringa, like most teenagers given freedom, some Amish youths make bad decisions and involve themselves in a negative lifestyle. However, according to statistics, 90% of Amish youths eventually join the Amish church. In hearing that I thought, “wow! 90%, that’s impressive!” But, I also thought about the 10% that chooses not to continue the Amish way of life. What happened to them, did they choose what they believe is a better way, or did they get caught up in the lifestyle that they were trying out?

Unlike the Amish, we don’t have rumspringa. However, we can refer to high school graduation as a coming of age. It is around this time that parents begin to allow their children more freedom and responsibility. How are you going to handle it? Do you need to touch, taste, feel what the world has to offer before you decide that the values instilled in you by your parents are what really matters?

Ecclesiastes 12:1 states:
Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” (NLT).

The world has so much to attract your attention and lead you down a path that takes you away from God. However, the days of youth are the perfect time to choose Christ. As you navigate the twists and turns and ups and downs that life often bring what do you choose, a life that embraces Christ or one that doesn’t? What percentage would you be during your coming of age period, the
90% or the 10%?

Photo: Microsoft Clipart

What's Wrong with a Little Conversation?

A Mother's Perspective
by Cleora Williams


Growing up in the ‘70’s we often heard the phrase “children should be seen not heard.” I was not allowed to sit in the company of adults or join in their conversations whenever we had guests. Further, I was not allowed to speak my mind as this was considered being rude. As an adult I can appreciate some of what I was taught but I believe that children should be allowed to be a little more vocal.

Personally, I encourage my children to talk to me and to share their feelings. This at times is quite challenging, while children share to certain degree they seem to always hold a little back, I often wonder if it’s because they (children) enjoy knowing things their parents do not.

I am however, very concerned about children keeping certain secrets from their parents. I am speaking in particular about when a child or teenager is being violated, that is, they are being spoken to or being touched in a manner that is inappropriate and make them feel uncomfortable.

My daughters THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO KEEP A SECRET! No matter how embarrassed or ashamed you may be, remember you did nothing wrong, it is not your fault. Tell someone; your pastor, a teacher or a trusted adult. But I’m sure I speak for all concerned parents when I say, tell us!

My daughters we need you to talk to us, as mothers (parents) we want to protect you. We will not see it as you doing something wrong: if you don’t tell us how will we know? Even if you have been threatened or bribed, you can trust us. No mother wants to know that her beautiful teenage daughter has been violated. I’m sure it must leave a mother feeling angry, frustrated and helpless.

As mothers we are concerned about you and want the best for you. You are a precious gift from God, so please talk to us about whatever is on your mind no matter how small and insignificant it may seem or how huge it may be. Don’t carry the load alone, we love you dearly and want to know what’s going on with you.

As usual ladies I conclude by reminding you that God’s word says that you are priceless and cannot be bought.

Working it Out for My Good

I'm over here today

“I can’t believe I made such a silly mistake! This means I have to pay to do the same thing again and I really don’t have the money."

It was for several minutes that I really let myself have it as I looked down at the hundreds of copies that I would now have to discard...

Stop by Laced With Grace to read the rest of this article

Happy 9th Anniversary Girl Talk

Dear Girls,

Today, June 1, 2009 is actually Girl Talk’s ninth anniversary. I can’t believe it’s been nine years since I started my little ministry to teen girls. Publishing Girl Talk has helped me to grow in so many ways as I write, get feedback and interact with some of the young ladies I’ve met over the past nine years.

My purpose in publishing Girl Talk has remained unchanged. I seek to encourage young ladies to live up to their potential, make positive choices and acknowledge God in their lives. This remains my goal as I continue to publish Girl Talk.

Thank you for your support over the years. Every time I felt like giving up God allowed some of you to send me an email or call me on the phone to encourage me and let me know that you’re still out there and still reading Girl Talk.

Special thanks to those young ladies who have become the faces of Girl Talk. You never complain when I constantly stick a camera in your face for yet another photo. You’re the best!

L-R Kayla, Valene, Stephanie, Bernadine, Wendyann, Twaniqua & LaChante

God bless,
Bernadine McIntosh