‘Confident ... and ready to succeed!’
On May 3, the women of CedarBridge Academy hosted the third annual ‘100 Women on Campus Day’. As female students came into the school, they were given house points for being dressed for success and wearing correct business attire. The overall theme of the day was “Women Making Choices and Having the Power to Make a Difference”.At 8.30am, a proclamation was announced over the PA system, and then the official opening ceremony, organised by female students, started at 9am. They showcased their talents in dancing, singing, and spoken word. Following that, students participated in career presentations given by professionals in such fields as nursing, banking and social work.Mock Interviews for S3 and S4 females were held in the cafeteria. We were evaluated on dress, communication skills, professional conduct and our interview skills. Along with a power lunch, a game of “What’s My Line?” was played in the library by students and their mothers.For me, the best part of the day was the panel discussion held in Ruth Seaton James Auditorium. The topics of this question-and-answer session related to “Women United in the Fight to End Violence”. We learned that we, as women, have a big influence on young men in the community and that we are often the backbone for boys involved in crime activities. We discussed the importance of family support and the impact of teachers in our lives. We learned that we must think twice about what attracts us to boys and the fact that if we have respect for ourselves and integrity, they will respect us more and they will also make every attempt to reach the level we expect of them.Reflecting on the day, Head Girl, Leanna Hall, said, “It will benefit me as I get to be aware of relevant issues that are affecting Bermudian women today and not only that but I get to learn from women who have been through many different experiences. I feel professional and honoured to be representing my family and school in this attire.”Akeila Richardson, Deputy Head Girl, said, “This experience will augment my professionalism and has taught me valuable life skills that will greatly benefit my future. I feel more confident and ready to succeed”.“I feel that ‘100 Women on Campus’ will benefit me because it will help to prepare me for my future career,” noted S4 student, Ashley Riley. “Also it has given me the opportunity to express myself through clothing. I feel sophisticated”.“It has prepared me to be a better woman,” stated S3 student Manieka Christopher-Smith. “I feel like a boss lady.”The day taught us that we must carry ourselves with pride and it is up to us, who have the power, to make a difference. We came away convinced we are phenomenal women.