BYA Awards 2011 | Page 6

ACHIEVEMENT All of the nominees were required to complete a questionnaire as part of the selection process. Below are a few of their answers. Full versions of some of the responses will be published on the Black Youth Achievements website for you to enjoy, but until then please be inspired… Achievement to me means a positive outcome for something you have personally completed successfully. When this goal is reached, it makes you feel that your efforts have not been in vain and everything you had set your sights on have been fulfilled. ....................................................... Reiss Todd McCarthy The way I look at life now is to not just take every day as it comes, it’s prior planning that will lead to forward movement and success which has broadened my horizons and am no longer boxed into the gang life mentality. ...................................................... Kazeem Tunde Ajobo The advice I would give to any person chasing a goal or dream, regardless of their disposition, is that our dreams distinguish us from our peers and keep the fire in our hearts alive. ............................................................... Tucker Bryant I am pleased to be a role model for other young women and I hope to be an inspiration and show them that anything is possible if you want it. .............................................................. Makissa Gilkes Achieving something is dependent not only on my intentions but how I follow through on them, even when it seems unachievable. ............................................................... Tonica Hunter Achievement means to me something you earn for doing something well. It can also be the pride you feel in yourself when you complete your own goals ....................................................... Jelani Boucher Willie