In Her Words - An Advice Column For Women, About Women

Dear Michelle

I need your advice, I am in my senior year of high school and I am dating this really cute boy, but I just found out that he's seeing a girl at another high school.  I know it's true, because I am a virgin and the rumor is rhat the other girl gives it up to all the guys.  I;m scared rhat he's going to leave me for her, because I'm a virgin and I plan to stay that way until I'm married.

                                                                                   Virgin in Bowie

Dear Virgin in Bowie

Niya is the MYGIFT for March!

Niya is our MYGIFT Girl of the month. She's 12 yrs. old. and she just won 2nd Place for the Science Fair at her school.  Niya will represent Prince George's County Public Schools in the Multi-County Science Fair, competing against Calvert, St. Mary's and various other counties. 

Here's what she had to say about the February "Black History Month" Workshop:



What did you learn at this month's workshop?

"I learned about commitments and black history."



One thing you liked about this month's workshop?

"What the world would be like without all the inventions from black people."



Her favorite things:

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite subject in school: Math

Favorite female singer: Rhianna

Favorite male singer: Trey Songz

Favorite rapper: Nikki Manaj

Favorite book: The Bible

Favorite outfit: Skinny Jeans, Jordans and a Hoodie

Rita's or Coldstone: Rita's

Pet Peeve: My cell phone loosing it's signal

"Words of Inspiration" by Oprah Winfrey

"It's up to each of us to get very still and say, "This is who I am.' No one else defines your life.  Only you do."

"Phenomenal Woman"

By Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size

But when I start to tell lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally,

Phenomenal women,

That’s me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them

They say they still can’t see.

I say,

It’s in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I’m a woman.

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed,

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,

The bend of my hair,

The palm of my hand,

The need for my care.

‘Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

My Mentor, My Friend

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to learn from you!
When I was seeking so much knowledge,
when I was asking many questions,
you patiently listened and answered accordingly,
never showing signs of frustration.

Thank you for taking the time to show me the necessary

skills today, that will lead me with confidence into tomorrow!
For believing in me and having enough faith
to share your work, your dreams, and your vision.

Thank you for accepting me as I am, with all my eagerness

and my sheer joy over the little things!... you never tried

to squelch that spirit in me Instead, you have encouraged

that spirit and for that, I do thank you.

I realized the knowledge I need for work can be learned anywhere,
taught by most anyone, but the life skills I needed that go along with it...
well, that would have to be taught by a very unique individual
with a very special gift for giving, a gift of patience and understanding
that someone is you, my Mentor and now, my friend

© Theresa Genter

Mentoring Journey

Confused, trying to unravel, understand
Life's intricate, pictureless puzzle
Through tinted, frustrated, alert eyes.
Outwardly disinterested, sharp listener.
Moody, rainbow emotions, whaddaya know?
Verbal protests mask insecure, fragile.

Awakening seeds of greatness.
Bravado? Adolescence!
Persevere. Walk in their shoes.
Occasional blistering painful experiences
Threaten to derail envisioned images,
Golden, sun-filled days; dreamy sweat-stained
Mountain peaks triumphantly conquered.

A stumble - curses, swears, mutters -
Potentially self-destructing, downward
Spiral rears a tortured head.

Respectfully reach out, take a hand;

Smiling, wise eyes, whisper softly, sincerely,
"I believe in you!"
The nurturing journey continues.

Robin Cox

Mentoring For Success

A mentor is a woman role model from the community. A ‘role model’ is someone whom girls can admire and look up to because she leads a good life. A mentor encourages girls to stay in school and have aspirations for themselves beyond school. A mentor spends time with girls individually or in a group to make sure that they do well in school, are healthy and happy, and are helpful to their families and communities.

A mentor can be almost anyone—mother, young woman, religious leader, community leader, or professional woman in any field. A mentor may have been to a university or may only have primary schooling. A mentor has a real concern for the young women in the community. She builds trust. She speaks wisely and listens closely. She plans mentoring sessions and activities. A mentor is willing to do what she can to help girls succeed.

Mentoring gives girls the chance to spend time with a trusted adult who accepts them for who they are. A mentor praises girls when they do well in their studies. A mentor inspires girls to do their best and helps them to succeed. Girls who know about mentoring may be eager to have a mentor themselves. They may have questions about issues that they would not be able to ask anyone else, such as health, sex, boyfriends, school, work, and future goals and aspirations.

By Academy for Educational Development