Recognising our icons

Dear Jennifer,

As I sit writing this email I am unsure of how to word it. I find myself in a similar position to that described by Ian Boyne in today's (October 19) Gleaner where he was highlighting the greatness of the late great Alton Ellis, musical icon.

Our positions are similar because for years I have held you in awe. I still read your columns as often as I can, which is every week. I feel so inadequate in my writing. After all, you are an icon in the field of communication and I am a lowly teacher trying to get British to pass their GCSE exams.

I feel quite out of my depth but you have been my biggest inspiration ever. Although I have never met you and may never meet you, you have made an enormous impact on my life. I just wanted you to know that.

In front of me is an article written Sunday, March 31, 2002, by Lolita Long, New York Editor of The Gleaner, which outlines some of your achievements under quite adverse conditions, as well as your subsequent triumph.

Although I had been reading your articles before, and was aware of your excellence in journalism in Jamaica, I was not aware at the time of your plight. It was after reading this article that I became aware of your story and started following, as much as possible, your meteoric rise in your field. This article is with me every where I go. If I'm travelling locally or abroad, I make it a very important part of my travel documents. This article has influenced me in ways that nothing else has over the years, and I have even shared it with a number of Jamaicans who live and work here in the United Kingdom.

Copy your achievements

I have not achieved as much as you have and I'm not trying to copy your achievements, but what I am definitely doing is extracting the lessons that are there to be learned. From constantly reading this article like a reference manual, I have faced many situations that had otherwise seemed insurmountable. I have learned the value of hard work, I have learned that, like the proverbial phoenix, I can rise above challenges that would have otherwise conquered me.

I have learned that it is not enough to sit and wish things were otherwise. I have learned that behind every dark cloud there is a silver lining. I have learned that I, too, can succeed regardless of my background.

This article is getting quite worn and I cannot make out the features of your face clearly any more, but I will keep it for as long as the words can still be read.

Thank you for using your life to inspire me.

Mi dear mam. Walk good.

Stanford A. Clarke

Jamaican teacher of English

Birmingham, England

Adjusting to life in the US

Dear Jennifer,

I really love your columns as they are so humorous, true to life and so reflective of our Jamaican life. I know that in previous columns you have shared concerning the challenges of adjusting to life in the US, I get the feeling that there are people out there who need to have you share even more of this experience to give them courage to continue. Continue to walk in the favour of the Lord and be reminded that you are a chosen generation and a royal priestess.

Give praises to Him. Trust in the Lord with ALL thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding. In ALL thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path.

- Heather

Continue your work, waiting for the book

Dear Jennifer,

How you have inspired me over the years! I have followed your story over the years, and every time I see your doctoral title I can only say, God is Great!

I hope your son has made you proud. You are my role model and your name often comes up in my conversation as someone who is resilient and certainly an 'overcomer'.

When are you going to write the book?

May God continue to bless you and prosper you.

I am a Jamaican living in Barbados and have had to go through some of your 'go throughs'.

I look forward to your articles on Sundays.

Bev Brown

Be blessed