Shake Off Your Problems
A man’s favourite donkey falls into a deep precipice. He can’t pull it out no matter how hard he tries. He therefore decides to bury it alive. Soil is poured onto the donkey from above. The donkey feels the load, shakes it off and steps on it. More soil is poured - it shakes it off and steps up; the more the load was poured, the higher it rose. By noon, the donkey was grazing in green pastures. After much shaking off (of problems); and stepping up (learning from them), one will graze in GREEN PASTURES. Smart Goals If you ask most people what is their one major objective in life, they would probably give you a vague answer such as, “I want to be successful, be happy, make a good living” and that is it. They are all wishes and none of them are clear goals. Goals must be SMART: 1. Specific. For example, “I want to lose weight”. This is wishful thinking. It becomes a goal when I pin myself down to “I will lose 10 pounds in 90 days”. 2. Must be measurable. If we cannot measure it, we cannot accomplish it. Measurement is a way of monitoring our progress. 3. Achievable. Achievable means that it should be out of reach enough to be challenging but it should not be out of sight; otherwise, it becomes disheartening. 4. Realistic. A person who wants to lose 50 pounds in 30 days is being unrealistic. 5. Time bound. There should be a starting and a finishing date. Everyone Has a Story In Life A 24 year old boy looking out from the train’s window shouted…”Dad look, the trees are going behind!” Dad smiled and a young couple sitting nearby looked at the 24 year old childish behaviour with pity. Suddenly, he again exclaimed…”Dad, look the clouds are running with us!” The couple couldn’t resist and said to the old man…”Why don’t you take your son to a good doctor?” The old man smiled and said…”I did and we are just coming from the hospital; my son was blind from birth and just got his eyes today”. Every single person on the planer has a story; don’t judge people before you truly know them – THE TRUTH MIGHT SURPRISE YOU! NEVER, EVER GIVE UP….. If you’re struggling with keeping positive amidst the turbulent times we live in, read this….. Sigmund Freud was booed from the podium when he first presented his ideas to the scientific community of Europe. He returned to his office and kept on writing. As a young man, Abraham Lincoln went to war a captain and returned a private. Later, he failed as a businessman. As a lawyer in Springfield, he was too impractical and temperamental to find success. He turned to politics and was defeated in his first try for the legislature, again defeated in his first attempt to be nominated for congress, defeated in his application to be commissioner of the General Land Office, defeated in the senatorial election of 1854, defeated in his efforts for the vice-presidency in 1856, and defeated in the senatorial election of 1858. He later became the 16th President of the United States of America. Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor because “he lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” He went bankrupt several times before he built Disneyland. In fact, the proposed park was rejected by the city of Anaheim on the grounds that it would only attract riffraff. Charles Darwin gave up a medical career and was told by his father, “You care for nothing but shooting, dogs and rat catching.” In his autobiography, Darwin wrote, “I was considered by all my masters and my father, a very ordinary boy, rather below the common standard of intellect.” Clearly, he evolved. A SUH BOB (MARLEY) SEH…. “Live for yourself and you will live in vain. Live for others, and you will live again”. “Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you’re riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts - put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!” “Man can't do without God. Just like you're thirsty, you have to drink water. You just can't go without God”. Students need to understand and use the skill of positive thinking because they set themselves up against challenges every day. They are always pushing beyond their current capabilities to learn more and take on more skills and knowledge. This requires a lot of courage and determination. Without enthusiasm, faith in abilities and optimism, most people would experience fear, discouragement or a sense of futility in the face of this kind of challenge.
When there is no positive thinking it becomes obvious in students who ‘forget’ homework repeatedly; who neglect to hand in their assignments; who are uncomfortable to ask for help; and who get mental ‘black-outs’ in exams; Optimism can pay dividends as wide-ranging as health, longevity, job success and higher scores on achievement tests. Positive thoughts can create real value in your life and help you build skills that last much longer than a smile. ……Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Prov. 4:23) Pessimism not only has the opposite effect but also seems to be at play in such psychological disorders as extreme shyness and depression. Your thinking creates what you experience NOW. We always have the choice of what to focus on…..so CHOOSE WISELY. It is important to have clear goals and to be positive about them. They help to programme your mind that those things are important to you. If you don’t programme, then what you need could very well be right in front of you and guess what???? You MAY NOT see it at all!! Make sure to NOTE your goals and READ them EVERYDAY. Confucius says “the will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential….these are the keys to unlock the door to personal excellence”. Many students experience stress, anxiety and depression while at college mostly as a result of the pressure of getting good grades. These students do not understand that maintaining good health is essential to being an excellent student. These tips are to help students maintain good health while they are studying.
There may be days when you get up
and things aren’t the way you wish they would be, all you have to do is encourage yourself and know that things are going to be better. There are days when you’re discouraged, The courses seem hard and things couldn’t get any worse it’s in those times hold on and remind yourself That things will get better. There may be times when you can’t study and feel like giving up just remember that within you lays possibility That you can do all things through Christ Then you’ll understand that things shall be better. So when the days come that are crammed with frustration and the work load piles up Remember that all things work for good, And it must be better. The Inner Man (Inspired by The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado) Fasting, praying Praying, fasting The routine every Wednesday morning. But the minute moments of joy Echoed depression So I polished and buffed Hair, CHECK Nails, CHECK The right outfit, DOUBLE CHECK Sparkle, glitters What do you think? I could pass any boot camp inspection A breathe of sigh no depression for a day or two Then the shadows return. Refrain, do not open! Then the obsessive need for success Deposited loneliness Thus, I changed my status Facebook, myspace, hi5 More classy and now stylish Yeah, you noticed. Thanks for the approval Then the styles changed, A new era dawns Now, here we go again The stench now rancid, please do not open! So I thought Maybe I just need some amount of pleasure. The adventure of the marital affair Brought guilt and loads of it. Hence, I regrouped Hanging out with you and you and you Oh what peace Flossing here Flossing there The typical “Prodigal’s Son” Then you left And I’m back to square one. Now pungent and revolting, please I beg do not even try to open! You preached on me that Sunday like I’ve done you some wrong Telling the tales of my life through the pulse of the Word What is going on here? I asked with tears streak on my cheeks “Wait, please, not so deep, not there” But You refuse to let go. “You might get tainted” “Why won’t You listen. Stop! Stop!” My screams got even louder. Purging, pruning, pressing My heart exposing You kept on wringing and plucking The muck, the neglect, the abuse, the….the….. The ones I forgot The ones I regret You brought it up, up and out Like a hangover. It gave my heart an embrace Got me flat on my face crying “Father, forgive me, a sinner in my sins” And Your Word flowed Sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. No longer an exterior amend But a heart cleanse from within No longer an outside changed But a heart captivated by Psalm 51:10 I hope you get it, learn from the start Your life can only be change when you allow the Word to change your heart. Give me a little background of yourself.
My name is Judith Stewart, I am a mother of two adult children and have been married for 18 years. I am presently employed as an Administrative Secretary at my denomination’s headquarters office. In 2003 I enrolled at IUC and initially pursued the degree of BA in Guidance Counselling. Not wanting to be limited in my options, in 2007, I made the decision to switch to the BA in General Studies (with a major in Guidance and Counselling) and graduated in 2008 with a 2nd Class Honours in that programme. How did you learn about IUC? At the time, I was a youth leader and also worked with the new converts. These areas allowed me to interface with persons from varying backgrounds with a wide range of challenges. I wanted to ensure that I was adequately equipped to help these individuals work through their issues and so in consultation with my Pastor’s wife she told me about the institution, then ITLD. What influenced your decision to choose IUC? Not only did IUC offered the programme I wanted to pursue on a part-time basis, with flexile payment options, but what made it my preferred choice was the fact that it is a Christian-based institution. What was most outstanding for you at IUC? My year group was the first to be pursuing the 120 credits in the Guidance and Counselling programme, so we were somewhat the guinea pigs. We were a small group of about 20 students and became a close knit family. I thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie, robust discussions and social get together. My group was well regarded as a very disciplined, focused and dedicated unit and we were expected to excel and make the institution proud. Being a part of this ‘elite’ group kept me on my toes and forced me to settle for nothing but the best. In addition, I had some of the most dedicated lecturers you could find anywhere. It was simply awesome. How has your area of study impacted your life? My ‘unique situation’ (Guidance and Counselling and General Studies) exposed me to a reservoir of knowledge which I am able to employ on the job, in my area of church ministry, in family life and in interacting with people in general on daily basis. It was whilst at IUC that I unearth my knack for teaching, which propelled me into the Sunday School Ministry and further led to my involvement in an adult literacy programme, where for two years I taught adults basic Mathematics and English. Also, I had to do literature (which I hated in High School) as a course and surprisingly it was so fascinating that I am not only loved Lit. But I have a great appreciation of history. In my opinion, IUC equipped me far beyond the theoretical and practical knowledge; the hoslitic experiences encountered there have changed my live forever. Would you consider yourself a success story? Most certainly! When I started IUC I was so tentative not sure how things would turn out, more so since the last time I was in a classroom setting was some 13 years back. However with the help of God, my family and all those who believed in and supported me I finished well. Today, I have an insatiable quest for knowledge and for helping others to grow holistically, and I can say wither a doubt that IUC contributed immensely to this passion. Where do you see yourself academically 5 years from now? I want to pursue my Masters degree in Life Long Learning/Adult Literacy. I understand you received a special award at the end of your study. What was this? I received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research (General Studies). Research was another surprising area that I developed a love for. My final research project wetted my appetite for this field and gave birth another talent, which I guess was buried inside.. Since IUC, I have helped a number of persons, both at the High School and Tertiary levels, in this area. Thanks IUC!!!. What words of encouragement do you have for current IUC students? Make use of the opportunities that will present themselves; make your experiences count. Never limit your scope for knowledge and seek to obliterate any obstacle that threatens to thwart your drive to this end. Ever since its inception, the International University of the Caribbean (IUC) has strived to have an edge over its competitors. Its most recent way of doing that is by offering a variety of Tech programmes which will attract even more students. To make it even more attractive, the entry requirement for these programmes is 2 CSEC/CXC subjects and after completing the programmes, students will earn a level 2 Diploma or a certificate. Three of these programmes are Music Tech and Sound Engineering, Media Techniques and Computer Aided Design (CAD). Music Tech and Sound Engineering Computer Aided Design (CAD)
If you are seeking a profession in an Architect Firm, a Manufacturing Company or in Graphic design the Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the programme for you. This programme is geared towards helping students to use draughting and design software packages for technical or design purposes and only for an attractive fee of $80.000. IUC offers something for everyone so whether you have an interest in engineering, business, food preparation or construction, this university is the place for you. Sign up for one of our new and exciting programmes today and get your chance to seek peace and pursue excellence We all know that exercise is good for us as students, but do we all know how good? From boosting our mood to improving our learning ability. You may think that exercise means playing sports, but it is bigger than that. The International University of the Caribbean places great emphasis on fitness and nutrition which have been helping students to perform better academically. Exercise can improve our life on a daily basis within the school environment. It helps students to have more energy, enhance their coping skills and perhaps even live longer. The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore, as it plays a very good role in one’s life.
Exercise not only builds your fitness, it also boosts your brain power which can help you do better in school and improve your grades. Studies show that students who do aerobic exercise such as walking and swimming have bigger brains. Exercise is simply about moving your body -which can be almost anything that gets you active, like walking, throwing a Frisbee, or anything physically. At (IUC) International University of the Caribbean, if you’re not active, you are cheating yourself from all the benefits exercise can bring you. In particular, exercise enlarges your brain's basal ganglia (the part that helps you pay attention), even through another ho-hum chemistry class. One school has shown that 30 minutes of walking on a treadmill improved students' problem-solving skills by 10%. That could bump you up a letter grade! Being active also has other benefits; It can also help you sleep better, feel more energetic, and be less stressed. When you make exercise a habit, you can start seeing and feeling the benefits; even if you don't love it every single day. It can transform from being something you dread into something you look forward to doing for yourself. It's important to find time to exercise, particularly during exams when all you seem to do is sit at your desk and work all day and often into the night. Why should students exercise? Not only is exercise good for your overall health and fitness, but it also boosts your mental wellbeing. Exercise will help keep you calm during exams. You’ll feel more energized and refreshed, and that will help you perform better in your studies. Also, regular physical activity will help to keep you at a healthy weight and lower your risk of major illnesses such as heart disease and some cancers. Keeping active doesn’t require a lot of time and effort. Doing 150 minutes (two and a half hours) of moderate intensity physical activity, such as fast walking or cycling, every week will give you many health benefits. Exercise tips for exam times During exams you may feel unable to take much time out from studying. Instead of giving up on exercise altogether, try taking small, regular breaks to refresh yourself and clear your mind. A 15-minute brisk walk to the library or around campus is a good way of getting some exercise. You could also try to exercise first thing in the morning. You may find it wakes you up and gives you energy for the day. Try swimming, a gentle jog or doing some stretching exercises. Think about what times of day you work best. Some people find revising and completing coursework easier in the morning, whereas others are more productive in the afternoon or evening. Plan your day and fit some exercise around your study plan. Exercise can improve circulation and help students think clearly, improving their academics. It can help students sleep better, reduce stress, provide energy, and help students feel better about themselves by giving them control over their bodies. One study done by Tufts University indicated that students who exercise are generally happier. Another benefit of exercise in college may be that it helps students establish life-long habits that will benefit them for years to come. If you are seeking talent in Jamaica, you need look no further than The International University of the Caribbean (IUC). IUC is simply overflowing with talented individuals from singers to body builders and today we are highlighting three such individuals. Mortimer Mortimer George McPherson, born on June 16, 1993, has aspired to be an artist for as long as he can remember. Mortimer, as he is more popularly known, grew up in the church. Here he honed his musical skills while being a part of the youth choir and later becoming a part of a contemporary gospel group, Euphony. He attended Jamaica College after which, in pursuit of his dreams, Mortimer enrolled in the Edna Manley College of The Visual and Performing Art but he currently attends the International University of the Caribbean where he is pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Media and Communication Arts. He has made significant appearances on events such as Reggae Month, Waterfalls (home of Merritone), Compusure, The Essence Live, The Jamaica Tourist Board Open House presentation, Jamneshia and various other events of note. VP Records recently released his EP on January 23, 2014. He did a collaboration, 'Can't get enough', with Denique which was released in February 2014. At 20 years of age, this dedicated singer/songwriter is firmly on his way to fulfilling his dream reaching out to persons in a positive way. Jodian's name has been on the lips of many Jamaicans ever since she released the Gospel song 'I'll Give My Heart' in 2001 and there has been no stopping her from becoming a bonafide recording artiste. Jody has performed, not only in Jamaica, but also in Curacao and parts of America. She won an EME award for best collaboration in 2008 for her song 'Bed of Roses' with Noddy Virtue. She is currently pursuing a degree in Media and Communications at IUC whilst preparing her debut album. Below is one of her more popular songs 'Mirror, Mirror'. Passionique Weller Actress, singer, model and fitness fanatic, Passionique is a promising young lady who is driven with and by a passion for fitness with the compliment of her discipline in Media and Communications at IUC. She started Bodybuilding at the tender age of 17 and has continued it as a way of staying healthy. Passionique has made appearances in the television drama 'The Blackburns' and was Miss Jamaica Figure in 2011. Presently, Passionique is completing her degree while working as a freelance production assistant, actress and model. In the future, Passionique would like to work behind the camera but her main goal is to become a lawyer. |