Welcoming our Past and Presents Student Associations
SUCCESS/OUR PARENTS/OUR INSTITUTION
My fellow Brothers and Sisters,
Good morning/afternoon/evening.
Where ever in this world or what ever time you discovered this post, you were destined to read and hopefully inspired to part take in these few words of my humble opinion.
I’ve been very keenly observing our OBERLIN site over the last few weeks. I’ve reconnected with both friends and acquaintances, not listed on Hi5 or facebook. Friends who have contributed to my life, in their own little way, lasting memories from I was a itsy, bitsy, teeny boy in primary school.lol Some (if not most of us) have all been through the ranks of great challenges…… nooooooo … let me rephrase …. Great struggles, hardships, disappointments, grief, pain, sorrows, and the list could continue endlessly. At the same time, while experiencing these great challenges, the Lord made certain provisions to ease or yet, better control some of those adversities. He started with our parents, whom (now as adults and parents), we could probably criticize some on there past practices with us. Yes, rough times they were, but, the Lord provided them for us, as the first step, REGARDLESS! Funny enough, after all those years of
“Great struggles, hardships, disappointments, grief, pain, sorrows and laughter”
All we speak of now is our parents and how dem use to kill wi wid lick, and then wi LAUGH! Why, one might ask? Well, behind dem licks, the Lord also provided through them, our uniforms, books, transportation expenses (for those who were privileged....... Let mi correct miself…) BLESSED, to cover that need. Sometimes we were short of one thing or another, mostly lunch money. Nevertheless, short or not, they gave us what they could afford. The funny thing is that, come Saturday evening, we could always look forward to some a dem STRANG COW COD OR BEEF SOUP with our (now north American styled) ORGANIC YAM, BANANA, COCO and SPICE.lol The supposedly investigated banned substances, behind BOLTS dominance in the Olympics. Then comes Sunday evening, di aroma of seasoned rice an pease and deeep fried chicken and/or fish, was always a meal that tested our patience. Pleeaase do not forget di carrot juice, gratered, squeezed and mixed to our likeness. Brings back memories, doesn't it?
Everything,
“Great struggles, hardships, disappointments, grief, pain, sorrows, laughter”
contributed to nurturing us, for these present days. GOD BLESS MAMA, because what we were short of in their parenting, or otherwise, back then; DEFINITELY taught us the survival, creative and educated HUSSLING skills, necessary in our present day. As children, we learnt the questionable teachings, from religion to personal practices, and found methods to GENUINLY control, improve and demonstrate with the highest decree of EXCELLENCE, our SUCCESS.
How successful are we (brothers and sisters), you may ask? Well, take a moment to look in the mirror and tell me if you aren’t looking at a SUCCESSFUL, GOD BLESSED (although some a wi still bad,….. Gods blessings nuh partial), SURVIVOR through creative or educational achievements. Mama bus wi A**, but fed us same way, made us laugh same way. And to think it was ova at home, not at all!
School, our blessed OBERLIN HIGH consisted of EXCELLENT, GREAT and GOOD teachers coupled with GOOD, BETTER and CHALLENGING students. Let’s be real for a moment! I’ve used the word challenging to cover the varying levels of student issues that existed then and now. As you’ve seen, I’ve neglected to use the word BAD in any description within our institution, because WE (teachers and students) were all fighting for the same cause… to reach that mountain of excellence. Our Teachers - OUR SECOND PARENTS, the ones whom we defied and again questioned their practices, views, methods of maintaining our focus on the subject at hand; but REGARDLESS, had to respect their stance. Have you begun to see a similarity with our biological parents yet? They taught many things for which we frowned upon, yet still their determination through various (again questionable) methods of punishment made us ANGRY and MAD, for the whole year, UNTIL you see your mark of improvement at our terms end. MAMA’s and PAPA’s.
At the same time, these were the same inspirers who made you smile at other times, who effortlessly consoled you in your moments of:
“Great struggles, hardships, disappointments, grief, pain, sorrows”, and might I add ……DESPERATION.
Honestly, we have seen or experienced it/some/all, at some point personally or with our friends (brothers and sisters).
Now, your favorite teacher(s) might not necessarily be mine or vise versa. However, it is IMPORTANT, to know that they’ve demonstrated the parental role for FIVE SOLID YEARS and who you may dislike, contributed to some other student(s), the same lesson / advise you’ve received from your favorite teacher. In a nutshell, our teachers, our second parents, picked up where our biological parents left off.
Long winded you may be saying at this time. Where is Leo going with this conversation? Well hear it comes!!!!!!!!!
What is the real difference between our parents at home or at school?
We experienced and questioned, if not, their every method, idea, reasoning. Took what we wanted then, and as we got older, began to identify with their undying passion / zeal, to learn the material, they were instructed to relay to us. Fact is, we never knew which part of that material would lead us into our future/current career. It may not be the material itself, but could have been the discipline required to become SUCCESSFUL, overcoming the past / present and future,
“Great struggles, hardships, disappointments, grief, pain, sorrows”, in this life time.
You have looked in the mirror and concluded that you are a SUCCESS, as a result of your PARENTS (home and school). We can be found in all ends of this earth HUSSLING on some project(s) (personal, creative or educational); a SOLID, DEVELOPED SKILL from your childhood.
Then;
HOW CAN WE NOT FIND THE TIME / ENERGY / MOTIVATION to contribute to a ONCE IN A YEAR REQUEST – MONETARY DONATION ($25US-$50US), from the HUGH SUCCESS you’ve achieved from your ROOTS/FOUNDATION - HOME/ PARENTS/ INSTITUTION – OBERLIN HIGH??????????????????
We are blessed with an opportunity to reconnect again after all these years, with a small contribution. An evening to treat and toast to our brothers and sisters. As our country Motto states - “OUT OF MANY WE ARE ONE” regardless of where we reside in this world.
OUR BLESSINGS AREN’T TRULY MANIFESTED OR BENEFICIAL UNLESS IT IS SHARED WITH OTHERS.
WHERE SOMEONE HAS HELPED YOU TO OVERCOME, YOU CAN NOW HELP SOMEONE ELSE TO OVERCOME.
With your permission, may I propose that you (my brothers and sisters) who reside in North America, please ensure that our support is rendered, and for those in Jamaica, pleaseeeeeeeeee also ensure that your support is rendered…it’s a small price to pay for the SUCCESS we’ve achieved through our PARENTS and INSTITUTION.
Sheldon needs financial support to get this ball rolling. Again, with your permission, may I imply, that even if you are unfortunately not able to attend (as well as those who plan on attending) please forward your minimum (or more if possible) monetary contribution, even if it’s through western union. Sheldon will make a list of each contributor, thus eliminating any future admission issues. This is in the benefits, as listed above.
As an example, I’ll be the first to make my donation via western union today.
.
Please let us feel your support BERLINITES.
TO OUR PARENTS AND INSTITUTION.!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ONE LUV.
one another note, I do believe we need to have another one in jamaica some time soon. I'll comment on that at a future date.
Good morning/afternoon/evening.
Where ever in this world or what ever time you discovered this post, you were destined to read and hopefully inspired to part take in these few words of my humble opinion.
I’ve been very keenly observing our OBERLIN site over the last few weeks. I’ve reconnected with both friends and acquaintances, not listed on Hi5 or facebook. Friends who have contributed to my life, in their own little way, lasting memories from I was a itsy, bitsy, teeny boy in primary school.lol Some (if not most of us) have all been through the ranks of great challenges…… nooooooo … let me rephrase …. Great struggles, hardships, disappointments, grief, pain, sorrows, and the list could continue endlessly. At the same time, while experiencing these great challenges, the Lord made certain provisions to ease or yet, better control some of those adversities. He started with our parents, whom (now as adults and parents), we could probably criticize some on there past practices with us. Yes, rough times they were, but, the Lord provided them for us, as the first step, REGARDLESS! Funny enough, after all those years of
“Great struggles, hardships, disappointments, grief, pain, sorrows and laughter”
All we speak of now is our parents and how dem use to kill wi wid lick, and then wi LAUGH! Why, one might ask? Well, behind dem licks, the Lord also provided through them, our uniforms, books, transportation expenses (for those who were privileged....... Let mi correct miself…) BLESSED, to cover that need. Sometimes we were short of one thing or another, mostly lunch money. Nevertheless, short or not, they gave us what they could afford. The funny thing is that, come Saturday evening, we could always look forward to some a dem STRANG COW COD OR BEEF SOUP with our (now north American styled) ORGANIC YAM, BANANA, COCO and SPICE.lol The supposedly investigated banned substances, behind BOLTS dominance in the Olympics. Then comes Sunday evening, di aroma of seasoned rice an pease and deeep fried chicken and/or fish, was always a meal that tested our patience. Pleeaase do not forget di carrot juice, gratered, squeezed and mixed to our likeness. Brings back memories, doesn't it?
Everything,
“Great struggles, hardships, disappointments, grief, pain, sorrows, laughter”
contributed to nurturing us, for these present days. GOD BLESS MAMA, because what we were short of in their parenting, or otherwise, back then; DEFINITELY taught us the survival, creative and educated HUSSLING skills, necessary in our present day. As children, we learnt the questionable teachings, from religion to personal practices, and found methods to GENUINLY control, improve and demonstrate with the highest decree of EXCELLENCE, our SUCCESS.
How successful are we (brothers and sisters), you may ask? Well, take a moment to look in the mirror and tell me if you aren’t looking at a SUCCESSFUL, GOD BLESSED (although some a wi still bad,….. Gods blessings nuh partial), SURVIVOR through creative or educational achievements. Mama bus wi A**, but fed us same way, made us laugh same way. And to think it was ova at home, not at all!
School, our blessed OBERLIN HIGH consisted of EXCELLENT, GREAT and GOOD teachers coupled with GOOD, BETTER and CHALLENGING students. Let’s be real for a moment! I’ve used the word challenging to cover the varying levels of student issues that existed then and now. As you’ve seen, I’ve neglected to use the word BAD in any description within our institution, because WE (teachers and students) were all fighting for the same cause… to reach that mountain of excellence. Our Teachers - OUR SECOND PARENTS, the ones whom we defied and again questioned their practices, views, methods of maintaining our focus on the subject at hand; but REGARDLESS, had to respect their stance. Have you begun to see a similarity with our biological parents yet? They taught many things for which we frowned upon, yet still their determination through various (again questionable) methods of punishment made us ANGRY and MAD, for the whole year, UNTIL you see your mark of improvement at our terms end. MAMA’s and PAPA’s.
At the same time, these were the same inspirers who made you smile at other times, who effortlessly consoled you in your moments of:
“Great struggles, hardships, disappointments, grief, pain, sorrows”, and might I add ……DESPERATION.
Honestly, we have seen or experienced it/some/all, at some point personally or with our friends (brothers and sisters).
Now, your favorite teacher(s) might not necessarily be mine or vise versa. However, it is IMPORTANT, to know that they’ve demonstrated the parental role for FIVE SOLID YEARS and who you may dislike, contributed to some other student(s), the same lesson / advise you’ve received from your favorite teacher. In a nutshell, our teachers, our second parents, picked up where our biological parents left off.
Long winded you may be saying at this time. Where is Leo going with this conversation? Well hear it comes!!!!!!!!!
What is the real difference between our parents at home or at school?
We experienced and questioned, if not, their every method, idea, reasoning. Took what we wanted then, and as we got older, began to identify with their undying passion / zeal, to learn the material, they were instructed to relay to us. Fact is, we never knew which part of that material would lead us into our future/current career. It may not be the material itself, but could have been the discipline required to become SUCCESSFUL, overcoming the past / present and future,
“Great struggles, hardships, disappointments, grief, pain, sorrows”, in this life time.
You have looked in the mirror and concluded that you are a SUCCESS, as a result of your PARENTS (home and school). We can be found in all ends of this earth HUSSLING on some project(s) (personal, creative or educational); a SOLID, DEVELOPED SKILL from your childhood.
Then;
HOW CAN WE NOT FIND THE TIME / ENERGY / MOTIVATION to contribute to a ONCE IN A YEAR REQUEST – MONETARY DONATION ($25US-$50US), from the HUGH SUCCESS you’ve achieved from your ROOTS/FOUNDATION - HOME/ PARENTS/ INSTITUTION – OBERLIN HIGH??????????????????
We are blessed with an opportunity to reconnect again after all these years, with a small contribution. An evening to treat and toast to our brothers and sisters. As our country Motto states - “OUT OF MANY WE ARE ONE” regardless of where we reside in this world.
OUR BLESSINGS AREN’T TRULY MANIFESTED OR BENEFICIAL UNLESS IT IS SHARED WITH OTHERS.
WHERE SOMEONE HAS HELPED YOU TO OVERCOME, YOU CAN NOW HELP SOMEONE ELSE TO OVERCOME.
With your permission, may I propose that you (my brothers and sisters) who reside in North America, please ensure that our support is rendered, and for those in Jamaica, pleaseeeeeeeeee also ensure that your support is rendered…it’s a small price to pay for the SUCCESS we’ve achieved through our PARENTS and INSTITUTION.
Sheldon needs financial support to get this ball rolling. Again, with your permission, may I imply, that even if you are unfortunately not able to attend (as well as those who plan on attending) please forward your minimum (or more if possible) monetary contribution, even if it’s through western union. Sheldon will make a list of each contributor, thus eliminating any future admission issues. This is in the benefits, as listed above.
As an example, I’ll be the first to make my donation via western union today.
.
Please let us feel your support BERLINITES.
TO OUR PARENTS AND INSTITUTION.!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ONE LUV.
one another note, I do believe we need to have another one in jamaica some time soon. I'll comment on that at a future date.
Views: 3
Comment
-
Comment by InspireWear Inc. on August 12, 2009 at 2:21pm
-
Great Job Leo! Well Done! Well Said! Let us try to come together as Leo suggested and make this happen for the sake of our School. Peace and Blessings
Inspirewear
-
Comment by janet fagan on August 7, 2009 at 11:42am -
With all the great minds that oberlin has produce we will rise to greater and better things as long as we stay strong together.
-
Comment by Christopher "Popeye" Livingston on August 7, 2009 at 10:02am -
Mr Bell you are a fine pitchman. So which news paper do you work for in Canada?.I would like to subscribe in order to read your column
-
Comment by Sheldon on August 4, 2009 at 5:38pm -
One one coca full basket!!! Simple but Powerful thought. If we only realize the strength within and around then we will realize that all we need is ourselves and each other and we have the combination to accomplish anything. We have dreamt it now let us achieve it step by step
-
Comment by Leo Bell on July 31, 2009 at 9:54pm -
Evelyn,
happy to know that you will be making every effort to be at this one in August. Nothing beats the truth girlfren and at time we all need to be reminded the importance as well as the impact we can all make when our small contributions are BUNDLED. "One, One coco full basket" and it about time we start proving this fact. If we wait fo the lumsum cheque, we may never get anything accompliched. ONE LUV
Megan,
These are the thing we should never ever forget. They gave a lot for us to be where we are today, home and abroad. Blessings. ONE LUV
Jacinth,
I know I saw your comment on her some time earlier. I didn't respond as I'm oftain time on this site just for a few minutes. However, ONE LUV.
Ali,
One Luv
Tanya,
This years reunionis in Queens on August 22nd. Sheldon Brown can be contacted to provide info on where to send our contributions. Also, Karen Gayle can be contacted in JA to accept amy donation to the Alumni. ONE LUV BABES.
-
Comment by Tanya Khouri on July 31, 2009 at 4:05pm -
me brother u dug very deep in your thoughts for this one. but every word is true. whenis this reunion? love
-
Comment by Alison wellington-Coleman on July 27, 2009 at 8:41am -
I did'nt do five years at Oberlin, however the bond and lasting friendship that have accomplished in three years leaves me not lacking but gracious for the the type of friends which feel more like family. For me there is no regrets except maybe i did'nt do the five years as some did.I love my Oberlin family and I loved my Oberlin days.I will second you with my support not just to Sheldon who is planning this all while we just sit and wait, but my support to Oberlin itself.
-
Comment by Megan Reid Nelson on July 23, 2009 at 8:37am -
Food for thought Leo. Oberlin was the place to be and to grow. Iwouldn't have had it any other way. A solid education on an affordable budget for our hardworking parents. Be blessed!
-
Comment by Evelyn Sewell on July 22, 2009 at 8:14am -
Leo, I was reading and is like tears come to my eye. There is not another better way that you could put this together. Really, our true inspirations are from our teachers and parents. Sacrifices, struggles you name it parents, teachers all the way. Even if our parents did not have money to send us to school quite amazing we still want to go. WE LEAVE HOME WE STILL HAVE SOMEONE TO TAKE CARE OF US AT SCHOOL.
Definitely, I will make the effort to make it for this one. Berlin all the way
Badge
The Oberlin Alumni NetworkStore
Welcome to our Online Oberlin Alumni NetworkStore. We hope you will have a pleasant experience as we remind you that while you are getting your Oberlin High Keepsake, remember that part proceed will go towards the benefit of our school.
Thank you and May God Bless You and may God continue to bless our School - Oberlin High.
www.goinspirewear.com/Oberlin%20High%20Page.html
Birthdays
Birthdays Today
Birthdays Tomorrow
© 2013 Created by InspireWear Inc..
You need to be a member of Oberlin High School Alumni to add comments!
Join Oberlin High School Alumni