Welcome to the Miss Virgin Islands Scholarship Organization!

 

The Miss Virgin Islands Scholarship Organization is proud to announce our new Miss Virgin Islands!!! Congratulations to Shayla Solomon!a

Platform:

Youth Empowerment through Extra-Curricular Activities

Picture this, the look on a child’s face when he/she has hit a home run; the look on a child’s face after he/she has successfully completed a performance; the look on a child’s face when he/she has answered a question correctly for a quiz bowl competition; the look on a child’s face when he/she has organized a positive activity/event of interest for a group of his/her peers; the look on a child’s face when he/she has volunteered time to do something meaningful for his/her community. What do you see when you look at this child’s face? Is it a look of pride? Do you see self confidence or a healthy level of self esteem? Do you see empowerment?

According to one source, empowerment refers to increasing the spiritual, political, social, or economic strength of individuals and communities. It often involves the empowered developing confidence in their personal capacities. Another source describes empowerment as the totality of the following or similar capabilities: having access to information and resources for taking proper decisions, having a range of options from which you can make choices, having positive thinking on the ability to make change, ability to learn skills for improving one’s personal group, being involved in the growth process and change that is never ending and self initiated, increasing one’s positive self-image and overcoming stigma, increasing one’s ability in discreet thinking to sort out right and wrong. It also provides an overall summary of empowerment stating that it is the process that allows one to gain the knowledge, skill-sets, and attitude needed to cope with the changing world and the circumstances in which one lives.

There is no doubt that we are living in an ever changing world. Our society has transformed over the years, specifically, increasing the number of obstacles and challenges that youths face. More and more of our young people are exposed to negative aspects that take away their right to experience childhood and adolescence. Decisions and situations that they face, burden them and sometimes prevent them from reaching their true potential. Poverty, crime, youth violence, peer pressure, lack of self esteem and self worth are just some of the many obstacles and challenges that can interfere with one’s empowerment. However, I personally believe that similar to knowledge, empowerment can never be taken away from you.

It is important that we encourage and support our young people. We must serve as positive role models and instill in them that “there are no limitations in what you can do, except the limitations in your own mind as to what you cannot do.” When we guide and provide opportunities for them to spread their wings, they will indeed soar to new heights and excel in whatever they get involved in. Getting involved is where it all begins- it is the first step to accomplishing any goal and fulfilling any dream. Community, civic, social, and school organizations/ extra-activities are great sources for youth involvement and empowerment.

I personally recognize and have experienced the rewarding benefits that can be attained by being involved in extra-curricular activities. I believe that extra-curricular activities are stepping stones on the journey through a youth’s life. I was able to identify my passion for communications by being involved in the Graffiti Street organization; I was able to voice my concerns and opinions on topics that affect youths locally, nationally, and internationally. My love for communications also grew by being a part of my school’s radio spotlight team; Future Business Leaders of America, where I competed in public speaking competitions, and moot court. My involvement in these activities and organizations have opened the door to a world of opportunities for me and allowed me to make a difference in my community. The empowerment that I have gained by being involved in extra-curricular activities is one that I believe all youths should experience. The sky is the limit when it comes to the benefits that can be gained.

Youth empowerment organizations exist throughout America, but it is imperative that each and every community have an organization centered on empowerment. This initiative is one that I strongly believe in and will work diligently to make a reality. The Miss America Organization empowers young women who take the step of getting involved in its phenomenal experience, to serve as advocates for volunteerism. It is not just a pageant, it is a movement; a movement of empowerment. I believe that promoting the platform of youth empowerment through extra-curricular activities falls hand in hand with what the Miss America Organization stands for.