By Claudine Housen, Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
A SOFT-SPOKEN and well-mannered young lady with an infectious smile, 16-year-old Teka Ann Brown, a student of Albert Town High School in Trelawny, has already chosen a career path and is now busily working towards making that dream a reality.
She is mindful that her generation, unlike those gone before, will need to have more than one career in today's global economy and as a consequence, she wants to become both a lawyer and a journalist.
"If I am at home and my sister does something and tries to blame it on someone else, I realise instantly when she is lying," said the seemingly perceptive Teka Ann. "So, I thought maybe I am destined to become a lawyer. I also love to write stories, read and talk so I said maybe a journalist as well."
One of five children born to parents, contractor Owen Francis Brown and housewife Jassetth Sibblies, this well adjusted young lady is not only a role model for her younger siblings but is also a model student at her school, where she is a member of student council.
"I am a student council representative," said Teka Ann, who is now a fifth form student. "Different teachers chose persons and then they (all) had a vote, the person who got the most votes was chosen."
Although she admits that her role as a student council representative can be a challenging one at times, Teka Ann is adamant that she would not give up the position for the world.
"At times it is challenging, even scary, being on the school board, and taking the children's problems to the board," she said, further emphasising the importance of her position. "You have to be outstanding, and you have to set examples for others to follow."
"I am a better person now, I was a Junior Prefect in Grade nine and I gave up my position. I just could not hold on to that position. It was just too challenging and it started interfering with my academic performance. Now I am managing better because I have matured over the years and I have learnt to accept my responsibilities," said a smiling Teka Ann.
A member of the Holy Valley Missionary Baptist Church in New Roads area of Warsop in Trelawny, where her mother is a Sunday School teacher, Teka Ann sings on the choir and helps her mother when necessary. She attributes her sense of purpose to the influence of her religious background.
"My religious background has played a major role in my life because Christianity has certain limits. It has made me strong and able to withstand certain things," said Teka Ann. "The school's motto is 'Prayer and work conquer all' and I am a stern believer in prayer."
To emphasise her commitment to her personal goals, Teka Ann's motto is, "No one can make you feel inferior unless you yourself are."
