November 2015 issue

Sista’s Keeper

SuccessIssue

Success For Teens Workbook

Lean Teens Program

Shanice Williams of The Wiz! LIVE

Spotlight: Haley Thompson Bliss Patisserie

Plus: What Success Really IsSuccess ChecklistSuccess QuotesDefining Success For Yourself

Actress/dancer balances school and career

I AM my Sista’s Keeper

November 2015Vol. 4, Issue 2

Eden Duncan-Smith

On The Cover

Photos courtesy of:Nicole Duncan-Smith

(left) Eden Duncan-Smith balances her career with

school to have the best of both worlds.

In This IssueSpotlight:

Haley Thompson &Bliss Patisserie 9

EntertainmentNewcomer

Shanice Williams plays Dorothy in The Wiz! LIVE

16

Success For TeensIn this feature, we go through this great workbook to help

you reach success in life

College Prep Timeline 40

32Supporting Your Sista’s

Success22

November 2015 Sista’s Keeper 3

28

Sista’s KeeperVol. 4, Issue 2

Founding Editor/PublisherLaPorsha Lowry

Managing EditorErik Veal

Creative DirectorYasmeen Parker

PR/MarketingWhitney MartinSurya Swilley

Social MediaStacie Bailey

Contributing WritersEman Al-TaherCamile DanielsAlexis Knight

Yani LongWhitney MartinSha’Myua MilesPatrice Rivers

De’Shauna SelbyJamiya Turns

Special ThanksNicole Duncan-Smith

Jorge & Kalina MartinezLean Teens program

Carrie CookEmpowHERment Inc.

Kelly Leonardt-PhoenixThelma Sanders

Ashley ReidChukwuemeka Anazia

Brittany Salter Jesse Lowry

Trumaine McCaskillEvan Summerville

Greg E. HillDaniel Lee LowryDottie Benjamin

Terri LongDarie Wilson

Antionette Cody

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4 Sista’s Keeper November 2015 I AM my Sista’s Keeper

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Enter to win by answering the following question:

What was the name of Eden Duncan-Smith’s character in Annie?

“Like” our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter (@SistasKeeperMag) & tweet us

your answer to enter the giveaway. Use the hashtag:

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You could win a CD single/download card

from July 2015 cover girl Sharve’!!!!!!

Black Women In HistoryVanessa L. Williams

In Every Issue


22 RelationshipsSupporting Your Sista’s Success

10 BeautyWinter Protective Styles

13

Beauty National Healthy Skin Month14

BeautyWinter Nail Colors

27NdegeHow To Be Successful

18 FashionWinter Fashion

24Furaha

What Success REALLY Means

25Jando Success Checklist

26Maua Success Quotes

17 EntertainmentMovie Preview: Hunger Games:

Mockingjay Part 2

46

Health

Promotions &

Giveaways

4

20

Lean Teens Program

If your black teen girl organization is having an event

that you want to be featured in Sista’s Keeper Magazine, please email

us the information so that it may be featured in the

Calendar of an upcoming issue:

[email protected]

Novembr/December2015

Calendar

For more November & December events & updates, please visit our website:

www.sistaskeepermagazine.weebly.com

6 Sista’s Keeper November 2015

What’s going on and what to do

this month

Event: Journey To Success After High School Date: Saturday, November 7, 2015Time: 10am-1pm Place: Hickory Grove Library 5935 Hickory Grove Road Charlotte, NC 28215

Big Dreamz Inc. is helping teens get a head start on being successful in life after they graduate high school.

For more information or to register, visit:

http://www.myjourneytosuccess.webs.com/

H’ey sistas! When I think about my definition of success and how it relates

to the magazine, I find that any time a new sista comes across it, it means that it’s out there & that’s success.

With every new Instagram like or Twitter retweet, we reach a new teenage girl and if we can inspire her to love herself, her fellow sistas and follow her dreams then that means that we have succeeded.

This is issue that is all about SUCCESS...how to be successful and how to make your own definition of success. It is one thing to go by your parents or society’s idea but when you can decide for yourself, you can be more encouraged and more likely to succeed.

Eden Duncan-Smith (pg. 26) is a great example because she successfully balances her career and education. She can still work on a movie set while keeping up with her schoolwork.

Haley Thompson (pg. 9) is our “Spotlight” feature for this issue because she successfully started her own bake shop, Bliss Patisserie. SHe combined her passion for baking and her determination to accomplish this at such a young age.

In this issue, we share the Success For Teens workbook with you so that you can take the first steps to success in your life and whatever you want to accomplish.

As always, if you want to contact me of have any questions about the magazine,

email me at: [email protected] or visit our website:


Remember the purpose of Sista’s Keeper: to build you up as young women so you can be comfortable enough in yourself to help your sisters, cousins, friends, etc.

I hope that you enjoy this issue and remember:

“I AM my Sista’s Keeper”

Defining SUCCESSFor YourSELF


Founding Editor/Publisher@SistasKeeperMag

Editor’s Letter

Tell us what you think! Join the conversation...

#SistasKeeper

Subscribe to Sista’s Keeper!!!!!

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Receive a “I AM my Sista’s Keeper”

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On September 5th, Haley Thompson opened Bliss Patisserie, a bakery shop in Praireiville, LA. She has the distinction of being one of the only independent bakeries in her community.

Sista’s Keeper: What is your personal definition of success for yourself and your business?Haley Thompson: To me, success means using the will of God in your life and using your God-given talents and abilities in a way that glorifies Him. If you do that, then you can accomplish anything in life that you aim to do.

SK: What was your inspiration behind starting your own bakery shop at 18?HT: I started baking when I was younger. Having the love for it & the creativity to come up with great items and make them inspired me to open it. In my community, this is something that we did not have so it’s great to offer a service that is unique. I get to go in every morning and determine what to make & put out for customers.

SK: How were you able to be successful & what motivated you to do open your business?HT: I have a very strong network of family & friends behind me. The fact that all the people around me felt like I had a talent was great motivation. They helped me determine what direction I wanted to go in and supported me in getting it up & running. Also, my friends and the community were behind me gave me the reenforcement to take a leap of faith.

SK: Where did your love for baking come from? HT: I started baking with my grandfather and picking up a few recipies from him and my mom. Then, I just built onto that with my own.

SK: What are some signature and specialty items that your bakery sells? HT: I have things that I can make on demand for

orders and there are other things that I can make at any time. It varies every day depending on what I want to make & that’s the environment of Bliss Patisserie.

SK: What advice would you give to young girls who want to be successful and start their own business? HT: The best thing I could tell them is to ask God what direction He wants them to go in with the talents that He gave them. Also, find a great mentor who is doing what you are doing.

SK: What is your definition of being your Sista’s keeper?HT: My definition is being an mentor, an example, a role model for your sista so that they can see something in you to keep them going.

Spotlight18-Year-Old EntrepreneurStarts Her Own Bakery ShopHaley Thompson opened Bliss Patisserie in Prarieville, LA in September.


Bliss Patisserie has a program where students can bring in their report cards and get a free cupcake for good grades.

For more information about Haley & the Bliss Patissire bakery, visit:

http://www.blisspatisserie.com/

Connect w/ Haley@blisspatisserie

Beauty Winter Wonderland


PompadourThis hairstyle is perfect for a nice family

dinner or dashing through the snow. The pompadour is sleek, full and fun and can be achieved with very little effort for both natural and permed hair.

For an edgier touch, cornrow the sides into cool designs, add a french braid to the back, or position your pump to the side!

By: Ife Michelle

It is almost that time of year: winter! That glorious time of year for family, vacations, amazing food, great laughs and of course the big question “It’s cold, snowing, raining, out… what am I going to do with my hair?!” Well, never fear, be-cause I am here to present you with 5 fabulous hair styles that will give winter weather a run for its money!

Cornrows/”Straightbacks”Back from the 90’s with no regret,

cornrows are a simple and easy to maintain hairstyle that looks great and is protective too. Spice it up by playing with designs, size, length, and color.

Hairstyles


Beauty

BangsBang, Bang! Bangs

are the perfect way to take your hair style over the edge. They are perfect for a night out with friends and family, and compliment any bun style, hair worn out or down, both natural and permed. Whether you cut you hair or add a faux bang, this style is fierceness at its best! Wraps

No winter is complete without a lazy hair day and when those days are on full effect, there is no better way to spice it up then with funky, bold head wraps.

Whether wrapping your full head or making that twist out last one more day, you can never go wrong with a great wrap!

BunsThe simplest of hairstyles

that can be worn in so many ways, buns protect your ends from being damaged by the harsh weather and low maintenance. Whether you rock the double puff, add hair, or braid/twist the bun for texture, this style is sure to please!

What’s On The Website?

Visit our website for photos, videos, events & MORE!!!!!

Extra content available ONLY online:

Coming in 2016• Education Issue (January)• All Things Valentine’s Day

• American Heart Month• Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

• & MORE!!!!!


Fall Nail ColorsCheck out the latest Winter 2015 collection from

Beauty


Virgin SnowPure. Untouched. Pristine. This icy

frozen lavender is just waiting to be

discovered.

Altitude AttitudeRise to the occasion in

elevated sublime scarlet and scale the heights of fashion without batting a

lash.

Haute TubTurn up the fashion heat and take the

plunge in indulgant jet black with amethyst fi re.

Peak ShowEnjoy the view from

the top. In this scenic powder pink, it’s the place to be, in all it’s

pretty glory.

Apres-Chic

Sport this iconic platinum and go from ski bunny to winter wonderland queen.

Shall We Chalet?Well darling, since you

ask... Why not? It would be impossible to resist this

seductive ruby.

http://www.essie.com/Latest-Collections.aspx

Whether you're feeling luxe or low-key, your ensemble will be completed to perfection with this collection of six wintery wonderland shades. Seductive reds and pretty pastels get metallic allure from iconic platinum to a fi ery jet black. It's a tightly-edited collection sure to melt hearts...and winter's chill.


Winter Skincare TipsBeauty It’s the winter season and you know it’s time for cold

temperatures and lots of getting use to the cold weather.

Skincare Tips

• Know your skin type:oily, dry or combination

• Based on your skin type choose a cleanser and moisterizer that suits

your skin and will not leave you with excessive oils or over-dry your

skin

• Exfoliate your skin on a regular basis that is tolerable for your skin type. Find a scrub with exfoliating beads and use it just once a week.

Not everyone can acheive healthy, clear, glowing skin on their own. Knowing when to consult with the right professional is always key.

We prepare our cars and houses for the winter season; we also have to prepare our skin as well.

Your skin is a very important part of your body. It protects your vital organs and bones.

During the month of November The American Academy of Dermatology has decided to bring awareness to the health of our skin.

There are many ways to keep skin health during the winter months. By striving to keep our skin healthy we can reduce so many issues likes’ signs of ageing and skin damage if we learn to

take better care of our skin. The first thing we need to when

taking care of our skin wear sunscreen. Sunscreen can also be vital for skin health in the winter months as well.

The next key to healthy skin is to eat a healthy diet. We must eat lots of protein like omega 3 and vitamin B to keep our skin glowing. You can forget your lips you must wear plenty of ChapStick.

You must stay cool and keep your composure lots of stress can cause acne. The last thing your skin needs is moisture. Your skin needs moisture stay hydrated and healthy.

By: Jamiya Turns

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Entertainment


19-Year-Old Shanice Williams To Star in The Wiz LIVE!

Success is just a heel click away! On August 5th, it was announced by NBC that the role of Dorothy in their LIVE television production of The Wiz! would be played by a newcomer, 19-year-old Shanice Williams.

Williams, a New Jersey native, had never been on an audition before and went into it just for the experience. What she got was much more, as she will star alongside Queen Latifah, Uzo Aduba, Amber Riley & Stephanie Mills (who originally played Dorothy in the Broadway production).

During interviews with People & The Source, she recalls her reaction when she heard that she would be playing Dorothy.

“At first, I was shocked; that was my first reaction. I was like, ‘is this real?’ After that I felt so grateful.”

She says that she feels she is where she is supposed to be. “I found out (that I got the part) and people would ask me has it hit me,” Williams says.

“Now I can say that it has and that this is where I belong.”

This success is coming quickly for Williams,

who has become an instant star and is on a whirlwind promotional tour. But she doesn’t feel that it is just pure luck.

“I feel like I have been preparing for this my whole life and it’s finally happening. My life since I found out I got the role of Dorothy has been super exciting,” Williams says.

“Everyone’s calling me, saying how much they’re so proud of me.

When asked if she is ready to take on the role, Williams replies confidently.

“This is always what I’ve wanted to do so I guess I’m ready! I’m ready now!”

The Wiz! was adapted from the original “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum and based on the musical turned movie. The Wiz LIVE! airs December 3rd at 8/7c.

For more information, visit:http://www.nbc.com/the-wiz-live

The New Jersey native will play the iconic role of Dorothy.

The fi nal installment of the action franchise is in theaters and IMAX on November 20th.


By: Erik VealM,ovie Preview:

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

Welcome to the 76th Hunger Games! Well that is what it is going to feel like once Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) seeks to takedown President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the fi nal installment of the book turn movie franchise, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2.

But before a sneak peek of what is in store for the Katniss and the Districts, let’s take a look back to how we got to this point.

Flashback to March 23, 2012, when “The Hunger Games” was released in theaters and the world met Katniss Everdeen, the brave and courageous ‘Girl on Fire’ who volunteered to take her younger sister’s place in the 74th Hunger Games.

Through much adversity from the spotlight The Capitol was promoting versus her demeanor of getting through the games, her life was put to the test to either save her own life, risk it for fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta Mallark (Josh Hutcherson) or save them both by playing along with a love story to survive the games in general. At the end of it all, Peeta and Katniss both deemed victors and survived the gruesome games.

Speed ahead one year on November 22, 2013 when the second fi lm, “Catching Fire” hit theaters. Our proud and praised victors are safely home and have to take part in a Victor’s Tour in which they travel to all the Districts to meet the people of The Capitol.

But behind all the glitz and glam, the real challenge is the rebellion against the Capitol erupting. With the rebellion spirit that Katniss showed in the games, it sparked hope for the people that someone wants to change the ways of the Capitol and that someone can lead them into taking charge of their lives and Katniss is the person for the job.

But President Snow is not too happy of her actions that he has decided to place in a new rule for the Quarter Quell (75th Hunger Games) by putting only the victors who have previously won the Hunger Games back in the cycle for a ‘Victor’s Only Battle.’

Katniss is appalled by the decision and her growing love for Peeta has her in turmoil as she wants to save him. But since he decided to volunteer himself over their mentor, Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), the two will be side by side again.

With older victors from the higher Districts aiming for the target on Katniss’ back, she has be careful into whom she claims allies and enemies. While The Capitol was focused on taking her out, others were awaiting for the right time to take her away to continue their work of taking down the Capitol.

The Quarter Quell ended with a black screen, a game keeper gone, the appointed leader of the rebellion vanished with other victors and everyone in shock of “what just happened?” on their faces.

But know that she is not gone, but yet, Haymitch and the leader of District 13 (the lone District that once was a part of the Capitol) has fl own in to prepare their hostile takeover strategy on President Snow. We leave with word from Katniss best friend, Gale (Liam Hemsworth) that District 12 is burned down and

Peeta has been captured by the Capitol and is held hostage. Now that there is some true fi re behind Katniss’ eyes from

The Capitol burning down her home, putting people she loves in danger and the man she loves held hostage, who knows what she will do next. On November 21, 2014, the world wakes up with Katniss in an underground complex of the supposedly destroyed, District 13.

Evolving in this new way of life with her family, friend and allies by her side, she still second guesses her actions moving forward as the leader of the rebellion, which is spreading through the people of Panem and trying to save Peeta from the Capitol.

With countless people who have come to this District to help with this rebellion, Katniss is the face of it all with traveling to various locations to see her old home covered in rubble to defeating drones and planes in hope of saving others in danger. But her focus is the daily interview of Peeta and how every time he is shown, he looks more and more sick.

With the word of defeating Snow continues the people of Panem have sacrifi ced their lives for the betterment of the city. Katniss has taken it upon herself now to be the key to saving the people but in return she wants 13 to save Peeta and the other victors, Johanna (Jena Malone), Annie (Stef Dawson) from The Capitol. The District created a team and was successful in bringing them home but once Katniss reunited with Peeta, everything turned left.

The Capitol abused Peeta with a drug that made Katniss seem a threat or enemy to him, so once she stepped foot in front of him, he attacked her. No one was killed, just Katniss in a neck brace with crushed vocal cords and she just went through an almost death experience with the main she loved doing the almost killing of her.

As the city of Panem continues to strive to take down President Snow behind Katniss leadership and more, what will happen in this last fi lm that will either leave more blood on Katniss hands in essence of victory or defeat?

On November 20, Katniss, Gale, Peeta and many more will take on the ultimate mission, leaving from underground and entering the Capitol, liberate the war-torn citizens of Panem and go forward with assassinating President Snow.

But though, like the games, with mortal traps, dangerous enemies prepped and ready, it will be a task of which they will need the help from millions as the choices in this moment will ultimately determine the future for all. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 will close out the Hunger Games series; will you be there to witness the end of it all?

Put The W-I-N Fashion

By: Alexis Knight


"Oooo, Baby it's cold outside!"

Hit the streets this season in your latest fashion

trends sporting your most comfortable boots and

most chic biker jackets as you head out for school.

There are so many varieties of colors, textures,

and pieces to choose from beginning with your

accessories, down to your makeup looks.

in Winter Fashion Fashion


Fall & winter is one of the funnest seasons to play

around with when it comes to fashion.

Don't be afraid to embrace those funky

colors for a change!

Health Program Helps


Turn to pg. 38 for more photos & for more information, visit:http://www.leanteenprogram.com/

On every Tuesday night around 6:30pm, a group of girls come together to support each other in their weight-loss goals.

Lean Teen Program, Inc is a great initiative in Charlotte, NC that is helping teens lose weight & eat healthy. Also, they provide a support system for girls by offering group discussions to talk to other girls who are going through the same challenges.

It is also helping to improve self-esteem, especially in the teen girls. Participants range from age 8 to 18 and the program has helped almost 200 teens so far.

Jorge Martinez, founder & president of Lean Teens, says that there has been a great impact that he has seen on the programs’s participants with their self esteem.

“When it comes to self-esteem, the program really helps them from the support group,” he says.

“They discuss bullying and body image with each other so that they become more open. Their social skills improve and they get the confidence that they need.”

Kalina Martinez, Lean Teens program director, agrees that the girls’ self esteem improves dramatically.

“The girls feel like they can achieve more with their goals and dreams,” she says.

“The program has made many of them more confident in what they want to accomplish. Their body language improves too because

they don’t hunch over anymore. Some even improve in their grades and do better in PE & sports.”

Yvelynne, 14, of Charlotte, NC has been in the program for 10 months. She says that the program has been a great support system for her in her weight-loss journey.

“The best thing about the program is meeting new people and having an outlet to make friends and relieve stress,” she says.

“I feel more confident and more outgoing than I once was.”

Lean Teens helps young girls with physical and mental health.

Health


Teens Get LeanWith the academic year in the works, this is a

chance to get informed on the facts about the disease and preventive methods so you do not become a victim.

So, what is Obesity? Obesity is a condition of being dangerously

overweight.

How is it measured? Obesity is measure through a system called BMI

(Body Mass Index), which is a calculation of your weight and height. This is charted and compared to others your age which doctors can determine if you are healthy, underweight, overweight or obese.

Why is this important? Did you know that one of every three children are

obese in the U.S.?

Did you know that with teens who are obese, they have a significantly higher chance of developing long-term medical issues such as diabetes?

It is important to know your status so you can prevent further medical issues or catch them before it is too late.

As teens, you are old enough to be proactive in becoming a healthier you and you can also share the benefits with family and friends.

Here are some tips on how to avoid obesity and how to remain healthy:

Eat Clean!

80% of weight loss and leading a healthy lifestyle is contingent upon eating right. \

Become more conscious of the foods you consume on a daily basis and try your best to balance more good foods than bad.

As teens, it’s very difficult when you still ultimately depend on your parent/guardian to nourish you and not all parents do so on a healthy platform.

Because of that, it is important to share your interest in being healthy and the benefits of it and they, too, may join you on the journey.

Stay Active!

Now the 20% is about exercise. Although that is not much, it makes a significant difference depending on specific goals. If you are trying to lose weight, that 20% of exercise can measure like it is 50%.

Now if you are more concerned with managing your current weight or toning, then that 20% can measure accurately.

It is recommended that even 30 minutes per day of exercise can be essential to remaining healthy and contribute to healthy weight loss goals.

Pay Doc A Visit!

Aside from your annual check-ups, visit you doctor when you feel or see an abnormal change in your body.

Ask questions about healthy diets and what nutrients you may or may not be missing so you are aware. The more you know, the better.

Recap of Childhood Obesity Awareness

For more information, visit:http://www.strong4life.com/

Relationships


Why supporting your friends’ success is the remedy

Cheers To You: Celebrate By: De’Shauna Selby

At a time when good friends are very far, few and in between, supporting the ones you do have should be a no brainer.

Yet, often times when we have the opportunity to show support, we tend to treat our friends and family like our worst enemies.

If you have not stopped to ask yourself why, just keep reading because the answer is simple….. It’s because of you!

Some may call it jealousy or envy, I call it insecurity. As I take a moment to reflect back on my own experiences, a lot of why I had a hard time being supportive to the successes of both family and friends was because I was insecure about my own life.

When I graduated undergraduate school, all I could do was celebrate the fact that I graduated.

Even that was short lived. I had no job (at least not one to be proud of) and I was struggling to live independently.

My friends had jobs and had been accepted to Graduate School but little ole’ me was just hang on to life by a string that could barely hold my weight. I remember my boyfriend at the time had so much going on!

Being a new graduate, he had a job and a nice house to go with it. He was even making strides towards getting his non-profit off the ground.

I remember a time he wanted me to attend a “meet & greet” with some people that would potentially get his new app off the ground and I just could not do it. I used every excuse

in the book only to realize I was jealous and angry. It seemed his life was put together and mine was not. Even though I stop supporting him, he continued to support me until he became drained and I became the bitter angry black woman.

Looking back, I realized that I spent all my energy being mad at the world for my short comings that I blocked so many of my blessings.

Somehow, I threw this huge pity party that no one wanted to attend. It meant no one wanted to save me and apparently, I did not want to save myself.

I pushed friends and family away, made them feel less than and eventually filled myself with more angrier when they decided to step

Relationships


Your Sista’s Successto being your best self in life

back and let me “figure things out”. Ever heard Theodore Roosevelt’s quote, “Comparison is the thief of Joy”?

Well, that was my truth. I was my own worst enemy and the moment I realized the monster I created in me needed to die for the real me to surface, my life took a turn for the better.

The more I loved, the harder the world loved me. The more I supported others, the more they supported me. The more positive I became, the more blessings came my way.

My story may not be yours but I can bet you have experienced a time when supporting the successes of the ones you love was hard because of your own reasons but I am here to tell you why doing so is your best remedy for your life!

Build Stronger Bonds

When you support a friend unconditionally; no matter the circumstance, a stronger bond forms and your foundation becomes solid. Because of your actions, you both are secure in knowing that you will always have a friend in one another. This includes family also.

You Get What You Give!

We are all familiar with the saying “Treat people how you want to be treated”. If you truly desire to be supported by your family and friends, you have to give it to receive it. Now, let me be the first to say that they may not

give you what you give them. But, in doing so you set the foundation for a solid, supportive friendship. If you are in that weird space where you want to support them but you don’t feel genuine about it, do it any way! Fake your way into a positive, supportive and loving life for yourself and your friendships. I promise you will thank me later!

Thou Shall Not Be Selfish!

When you make a decision to not be supportive to the ones you love, that is an act of selfishness. Not a good recipe for good relationships. As hard as it may be, you sometimes have to step outside of yourself and be there for others. Any relationship requires it and you cannot always be on the receiving end of it! So, quit being selfish and give a little bit of love and support!

Grow In Spirit!

The spirit feeds off your mind and your actions. If you feed it with positivity, you will be more positive in spirit. If you feed it negativity, then… Well, you know the rest! Your spirit is your vehicle through life. It can keep you going or hold you back if you let it. Being a positive force by simply supporting a love one could fuel your vehicle and keep you moving forward. And you thought you could not encourage yourself… Hmph!

Hello! My name is TaNisha Fordham. I am a 28-year-old, African-American woman, starting my second creative space for theater and film in Phoenix, Arizona.

I have a Master’s degree in Professional Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications.

Over the past 8 years I have written, directed, produced and starred in over 25 productions all of which were expressed through different mediums. I’ve done plays, short films, web-series, audio projects, radio, television a national tour and I have spoken at all kinds of engagements.

I have been blessed with all of these opportunities and accolades and yet I still find myself questioning: is it enough?

Can you believe it? Is it enough? It blows my mind… IS IT ENOUGH? The question is so absurd that it demands an unmistakable response.

Ladies, we better start defining success for ourselves. When I look within and ask myself, “Why don’t I feel successful? Why don’t I feel like I’m doing enough?” The answer is obvious: I have allowed other people to determine the worth of my contributions.

In a world of Facebook likes and Twitter retweets and loves on Instagram and comments on YouTube it’s super easy to reduce our successes. We judge ourselves based off of the modern indicators: am I popular, did someone Tweet about me, do my successes look like the successes of others, do I have a large following on Instagram, am I making a lot of money, does my YouTube video have a lot of views, am I progressing as fast as Person A or Person B? These indicators, unfortunately, are not sound measuring tools.

The butterfly effect is a theory that deals with action and reaction. Look up the butterfly effect and you will find a bunch of huge words that will basically leave

you with no more information than you had before doing the research.

Be that as it may, the butterfly effect was named to illustrate -simply- the overwhelming effect that every little thing has on this world. Imagine a hurricane that blows through a town sweeping clean everything in its wake.

According to the butterfly effect this hurricane could have been caused, in part, because of a small butterfly flapping its wings weeks earlier.

See girl; you are powerful. You are strong. You are a tremendous, irreplaceable, hurricane of a success.

We may never know the greater implications of our contributions be they large or small. We may never see the hurricanes that blow through this universe because we have decided to flap our wings but we

What SuccessREALLY Means

FurahaBy: Tanisha Fordham

Making your own definition of success will help you feel better about your goals.


Continued on page 45

JandoSUCCESS Checklist


Have A Plan For The Day

Knowing your schedule will keep you focused.

Take these tips as a stepping stone to start you on your way to success & check out pg. 27 for a detailed description of each tip & how to apply them.

Success (noun): the accomplishment of an aim or purpose

Read or Watch Something That Inspires You

Read An Inspirational Quote Out Loud

Your thoughts affect your actions...keep them POSITIVE!

Think Positive Your thoughts affect your actions...keep

them POSITIVE!

Act As If You Cannot Fail

“Can I create inspiring visions?”

Work Harder Than Anyone Else

Push yourself & don’t worry about competing.

Pick One Thing That You Want To Accomplish

Each Day

Dare To Be Different

Visualize What You Want

Finish Something You Started

Believe In YourselfThe first step to success is believing you

can do it.

Smile :-) & LOL

Ignore The Haters

Don’t Give Up!

Maua Quotes on SuccessWe highlight sistas who are leaders in their school and community.

“Behind every successful woman is herSELF."

-Anonymous

“Success doesn’t come to you...you go to it."

-Marva Collins


“No matter where you come from, your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude."

-Michelle Obama

“Don’t settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had."

-Angela Bassett

Everyone has their own preference when it comes to success and as young teens, you should start thinking of a master plan that will really blow your mind. You have only one life to live so why not go all out and be the best that you can be?

Here are some great tips on what you can do to become successful on a daily basis. As you practice some of these success tips, apply them to your everyday life. Practice is the ultimate key to success!

Have A Plan For The DayWake up every morning with a purpose! You

should always have it written down somewhere; whether it’s in your organizer or in your journal, plan out your entire day.

You don’t ever want to waste a good day not doing anything productive. If one of your plans is to walk the trail, put the time of day to walk. But always have a plan in mind every day.

Pick One Thing That You Would Like To Accomplish Each Day

The purpose is to achieve one of your goals on a daily basis. After it is all said and done, you will real successful.

Act Like You Cannot FailIn life, we are sometimes scared of failing but the

best way to get over that fear is to speak positive affirmations to yourself and trust in yourself.

Think PositiveThis is the most important thing of being successful.

I look at the world of being two different kinds; the positive world and the negative world. You want to always be a part of the positive world. Negativity doesn’t add anything to your life except for misery, stress and drama. Learn how to remain humble and think positive. Positive thinking equals positive results!

Read An Inspirational Quote Out LoudOne of my favorite ones in the Bible is “I can

do all things through Christ that strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13”. You can get quotes on online on www.brainyquotes.com or search other quotes online. Also if you have a smart phone, there is an app called “Pin Quotes” which is filled with all types of inspirational quotes.

Read Or Watch Something That Motivates Or Inspires You

Having motivation and inspiration is what will keep you going. Each and every day, you want to keep motivated and not allowing the negativity to consume you. If you enjoy reading books, then I suggest that you buy an inspirational book or poetry that’s inspirational to give you encouragement.

Believe in YourselfWho else is going to believe in you besides you?

Nobody! Instead of saying what you CAN’T do, start telling yourself that you CAN! Believe that you can do anything. It’s very important to have an open mind for positivity.

Finish Something You StartedA lot of times we start on things, work on it for

a few weeks, and then stop. Then we work on something else and do the same thing. Try finishing up one thing at a time and focus on it.

I will give you a great example. As an author of three books, I want to publish my fourth book next year, but every time I start on a story, I stop then start on a different one. The point is I never finished what I have started. Once you start something, try to finish it.

Visualize What You WantIn life you have two options: Make it a great life by

accomplishing what you want out of it or waste it by not achieving your goals. Thoughts go through our

NdegeHow To Be SuccessfulBy: Patrice Rivers

November 2015 Sista’s Keeper 27Continued on page 45

Being successful isn’t just looking the part or talking the part, but it’s about putting in blood, sweat and tears as well as action to what you are saying.

Eden EverAfter


Annie actress & dancer Eden Duncan-Smith is balancing a rising acting career with school and loving every minute of it.

W hen we talk to Eden Duncan-Smith on the phone, she is in the middle of dance practice at the Alvin

Ailey School. She is currently in a production called “Up In The Air”.

The 16-year-old dance major and honors student at the Professional Performing Arts High School in Brooklyn, NY, recently celebrated her “Sweet Sixteen” and also got to meet one of inspirations, ballerina Misty Copeland.


Not So Hard Knock LifeDuncan-Smith says that working as

“Isabelle” on the set of Annie was a great experience and she enjoyed working with other young girls.

“It was like we were sisters. We got to hang out and talk to each other so it helped us be better foster sisters in the movie,” she says.

She also enjoyed working with veteran

actors Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz.

“Jamie was great to work with because he was like big brother who helped us on set. Cameron was very nice as well and she was

like a mom to use in the cast.”

She still keeps in touch with Quvenzhane Wallis, who played Annie in the movie. “She’s a great girl and I still talk to her on social media to see how she’s doing.”

Balancing ActDuncan-Smith has the luxury of combining

school and work because she attends a performing arts high school.

“It’s not a problem for me to be gone for a movie role because I can get my work sent to me to complete,” she says.

“You have to be focused so that you don’t fall behind while being away from school and working.”

Support SystemDuncan-Smith says that she could not

maintain her career and staying humble without the support of her family.

“My mom is my acting coach and she’s friends with my agent so she’s there every step of the way,” she says.

“My dad, grandmother, and great grandparents are all there for me when I need them.”

Staying FocusedDuncan-Smith says that you have to stay

focused and have the drive to keep moving if you want to be successful.

“If you stop the drive then you will stop the focus and that’s the worst thing you can do,”


Eden Sanaa Duncan-Smith

Connect w/ Eden

@impossipuzxle

@edenduncansmith

she says.

“We all want to be great and succeed but you need that drive along with your education to keep moving towards accomplishing your goals.”

Angels In the SkyDuncan-Smith started a non-profi t

organization called Angels In The Sky, but sge doesn’t just advocate for the main issues that everyone else does.

“I like to stand up for my people and the people who really need it,” she says. “I like to support causes that I relate to.”

She also has been a guest at the United Nations to speak about the 500 girls taken in Africa. She stood up against any governemt that displayed a lack or emphasis or empathy in getting the girls back who were kidnapped.

Success TipsDuncan-Smith says that in order to be

successful, you have to keep pushing for what you want no matter what. “You have to remember to not stress out and don’t stop, even if you fail once or twice.”

Being Her Sista’s KeeperDuncan-Smith says that her defi nition of

being her sista’s keeper is to take care of the people who mean the most to you, including sisters, family and friends.

“You have to push them to succeed as much as yourself and encourage them as well,” she says. “Don’t degrade their accomplishments and downgrade them based on their body types or looks. We have to put ourselves up as sisters.”

Eden Duncan-Smith is currently in the movie Meadowland and fi ming the web series “The Times Jannette”.

About Eden

Full Name: Eden Sanaa Duncan-SmithAge: 16Birthday: October 28Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Favorite Food: Macaroni & cheeseFavorite Color: GreenFavorite Movie: Stuck In Love

Hobbies: Dancing, drawing, reading (she has a large personal library

What’s on your iPod? All types of music; her favorite is rock & roll

SUCCESS


Sometimes one message can make all the difference in your life. We are sharing the book SUCCESS for Teens with you to give you a resource for making the transition from passively waiting for life to happen to actively pursuing your dreams. it is our hope that the principles found in it will provide you with similar “magic” for thinking big in your life.

One of the best tools for achieving this is the slight edge philosophy. The

Little Things MatterWhat does success mean to you? What does success mean to

you? To find out, start with these questions: What’s important to you? What do you like to do? What do you care about? What things mean the most to you? After you’ve thought a while, jot down your thoughts in the spaces below.

What are five things you’re good at? List them here.

1.___________________________________________________

2.___________________________________________________

3.___________________________________________________

4.___________________________________________________

5.___________________________________________________

Now, what are five things you love to do, whether or not you’re especially good at them?

1.___________________________________________________

2.___________________________________________________

3.___________________________________________________

4.___________________________________________________

5.___________________________________________________

What are five things you would do if you could, no matter how outrageous they are, even if you think you’re no good at them?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

This gives you a pretty good idea of how you define success. But how are you going to get there? By taking small steps.

So let’s take the next step. Success starts with little steps Think of little things you can do that could lead to success in areas of your life. Then write them down below.

For Myself:

____________________________________________________

For My Friendships:.____________________________________________________

For My Health (physical, mental, and spiritual):

___________________________________________________

For My Education/Career:

___________________________________________________

For My Footprint on the World (what I want to accomplish or how I want to be remembered):

.___________________________________________________

Which of these steps can you take today?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

For Teens


foundation for it comes down to this: You can create any life you want, no matter how difficult it may seem, by understanding how small, positive steps make a difference over time. It’s the things you do every day that don’t even seem to matter…that do matter most.

You will come to understand that little things do matter, the choices you make are important, and you can make dreams come true.

Attitude Is EverythingIf you could sum up in a few sentences how you see yourself

and the world, what would you say? Are you pleased with the way you see yourself? Are there things you want to change? What about the way you see the world?

Here’s how I see myself:

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

And here’s how I see the world:

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Why do you think you see yourself and the world that way? Where did your philosophy come from?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Are you pleased with what you wrote? Anything you’d like to change?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Whatever your philosophy looks like, the key to getting what you want, to creating your dream life, is to make your philosophy work for you and not against you.

But before you can use your philosophy to your full advantage, you have to know what parts of it are working for you and what parts are holding you back.

What parts of your philosophy are helping you achieve success?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Are there ways of seeing the world or yourself that are holding you back or causing problems in your life?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Try to remember a time when you were successful at something that was new or really hard. What did you say to yourself after you accomplished it?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Now, think back to a time when you tried to do something really hard and didn’t do well. Can you remember what you told yourself?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

How are your philosophy and the way you think related to each other?____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Are your philosophy and way of thinking mostly positive or negative? Do you tend to put yourself down?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

How would you like to change your philosophy and the way you think?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

www.SUCCESSFoundation.org.


Use the MomentLet’s try an experiment to show you two different ways your

mind works. First, take a comfortable, seated position and look down at the floor, at a spot right between your toes. Take a few deep breaths, and then, staying in that position, take the next two minutes or so to think about your life. Anything and everything in your life—it doesn’t matter what, just whatever comes to mind.

What did you think about? Jot it down here.

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Now, clear your mind, get up and walk around for a minute, then come back and do the second half of the experiment. This time, take that same comfortable, seated position, only tilt your head up so that you’re looking at the ceiling. Take a few deep breaths, and then think about your life over the next two minutes or so—again, it doesn’t matter exactly what you think about, just focus on whatever comes to mind.

What did you think about this time? Jot it down here.

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Now, how did those two experiences compare? Did you think about pretty much the same things both times, or were they different? For example, during the first part of the experiment, did you find yourself thinking about the past? Did any regrets come to mind? Did you find yourself thinking about things you could have or should have done differently?

During the second part, when you were looking up at the ceiling, did you find yourself thinking about the future? Were your thoughts and feelings more positive?

If so, you’re not alone. Most people find it’s pretty hard to not start thinking about the past when looking down. And when looking up, it’s hard not to think forward into the future, about hopes, ambitions, and aspirations.

It just seems to come naturally. The point is this: Looking behind you will cause you to feel and act much differently than if you look to the future (and make plans to make it the best).

How do you view your present circumstances—your family, school, friends, neighborhood, and state of mind? What’s going

well? What’s holding you back?Think about each part of your life listed below. For each, do

you tend to see yourself as at the mercy of what happens (not taking action), or someone who is in charge of what happens (ready to take action)? Be as honest as you can with this—and if you don’t like any of your answers, don’t worry: We’re going to show you how to change them!

For Myself:

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

For My Friendships:

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

For My Health (physical, mental, and spiritual):

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

For My Wealth:

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

For My Education and Career:

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

For My Footprint on the World (what I want to accomplish or how I want to be remembered):____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Perhaps this exercise helped you see where you need to take action. Lots of times we wait for a lucky break. But good things will happen if you start to take little steps to achieve your goals.So let’s start taking those steps.

November 2015 Sista’s Keeper 35Continued on page 42

There’s No Such Thing As Failure

Think about something you had to do in the past that seemed impossible. It should be something that you thought you couldn’t accomplish but did.

Describe how you felt when you first thought about tackling this big thing in your life.

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Now, looking back, think about the small steps you took to tackle this challenge and how you felt afterward. Describe those steps and feelings here.

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Previously, we asked you to describe three steps you could each area of your life to reach your goals. Now you can narrow it down even further, what is one simple thing you can do that would help you reach your goals in the following areas:

For Myself:____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

For My Friendships:___________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

For My Health (physical, mental, and spiritual):____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

For My Wealth:____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

For My Education and Career:____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

For My Footprint on the World (what I want to accomplish or how I want to be remembered):____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Everything Starts with Small Steps

Let’s look at your own life. Think back to something you failed at (or thought you failed at). It could be a test in school, the first time you tried a new sport, or anything else that didn’t go as you expected.

Describe what happened here.____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Think for a moment about what you’ve written and answer this question: What did you learn from that experience? Did anything positive come out of it, no matter how small? Write your answer here.

____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Now ask yourself: What did I learn from this experience that I can use in the future? What can I do differently next time, either in the same situation or a different situation?

Write it down here.

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Do you look at your “failure” in a different way? Do you see positive ways to use “failure” in the future? Write down your thoughts:

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________


Breast Cancer All the breast cancer talk may scare you if you don’t get the right

@glamoroustml

October is a month known for many things including Breast Cancer Awareness.

The various pink ribbons and different organizations bring attention to the disease with events.

All this awareness can make any young lady more conscious of the disease and maybe even concerned that she too may also develop it.

The good news is that anyone of you young ladies reading this and you’re in your teen years will highly unlikely develop this disease right now due to your age alone followed by what your level of puberty.

Yet, even knowing these two pieces of information can still trouble someone more so out of fear and not a complete understanding of the facts behind breast cancer so now it is time to break it down.

So it all comes down to what your particular situation may be. Regardless of how you may have been introduced to the disease it is best to remain as calm as possible.

If you know anyone with the disease the best thing that you can do is to be there for them. It can be as simple as a hug, a kiss or even a prayer. Sometimes even a smile can brighten someone’s day.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the talk around the disease or feel as if you’ve been bombarded with information there are a few things that you can do.

• Breast cancer is NOT caused by situations such as an infection, tanning, drug use or even an injury to the breast

• In most cases, the chances of having it may not occur until sometime in your 40s


Mythsinformation, especially about the statistics of who gets it.

@bresimone

@kortomomolu

The first one is to stop talking about it. Take a break and change the topic of conversation.

Allow your mind some time to get away from it all and spend your time and energy focusing on something else, something a lot more positive and plain fun.

The second suggestion is that if you have questions seek out someone who may have a good understanding on the subject matter such as an adult woman that you know or someone who has a medical background and understands the disease but explains it in a simple way.

Breast cancer can is a scary thing but it can be a little bit easier to handle if the right information is put out and is properly understood.

As young and healthy young women it can be scary to know that such a disease exist but it does.

The best way to handle it is by taking a step back and only focusing on it with the right mindset.

One final suggestion is to try and find books that explains the female body during puberty to see that you have nothing to worry about.

While you should know about it, you don’t need to focus on it so strongly right now at such a young age.

If you know of someone with it just try to be as supportive as you can without stressing yourself out in the process.

• It can be genetic if it runs in your family but there is testing now to know for sure

• If it doesn’t run in your family then your chances are slim like a 1-in-8 scenario.

38 Sista’s Keeper November 2015 38 Sista’s Keeper November 2015 38 Sista’s Keeper November 2015

Program Helps Program Helps Program Helps Program Helps Program Helps

For more information, visit:http://www.leanteenprogram.com/


Teens Get Lean

November 2015 Sista’s Keeper 39November 2015 Sista’s Keeper 39

Getting Ready

In 9th & 10th Grade

This college prep timeline provided by Minnesota Offi ce of Higher

Education Feature


Want to go to college?It’s never too late to prepare...

For more information, visit:http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.

cfm?pageID=1176

7th & 8th Grade• Begin thinking about the

high school classes that will prepare you for college. Take the most diffi cult classes you can handle.

• Ask your parents or teachers to help you develop good study habits.

• Practice setting and reaching goals.

• Volunteer in your community.

• Take interest and skills assessments to help you think about possible career options.

• Talk with your school counselor and parents about careers that interest you want to explore.

• Create a tentative high school class plan.

• Enroll in a summer enrichment program.

• Take interest and skills assessments to help you explore careers options.

• Talk with your school counselor about career options and the education required for those careers.

• Talk with your parents about saving and paying for college.

• Talk with friends, teachers, counselors and your parents about college.

• Check if your school requires 10th graders to take the PLAN to prepare for the ACT.

• Participate in extracurricular activities.

• Review your high school class plan. Take the most diffi cult classes you can handle. Stay focused on your schoolwork.

• Sign up for classes that will earn college credit during your junior year through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Postsecondary Enrollment Options or College in the Schools.

• Explore internships and apprenticeships.

• Enroll in a summer enrichment program.

For CollegeIn 11th Grade

Education Feature

Education will show you what you need to do to get ready for college.

In 12th Grade


• Attend college and fi nancial aid events.• Mentor others and have a mentor for

yourself.• Take the PSAT in the fall to prepare for the

SAT, and to identify areas where you need improvement.

• Consider possible career options and investigate the type of education that is needed.

• Request materials from schools that interest you and visit their websites.

• Arrange campus visits to those schools that interest you.

• Participate in extracurricular activities.• Request admissions and fi nancial aid

forms.• Sign up for classes that will earn college

credit during your senior year through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Postsecondary Enrollment Options or College in the Schools.

• Register for and take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring.

• Review your high school class plan. Take the most diffi cult classes you can handle. Stay focused on your schoolwork. Make sure you are meeting your high school graduation requirements.

• Enroll in a summer enrichment program.• Get a job to earn and save money for

college, or explore your skills through an internship or apprenticeship.

• Research private scholarship options.

• Stay focused on your schoolwork and take the most diffi cult classes you can handle.

• Take career interest assessments and determine the education needed for careers that interest you.

• Participate in extracurricular activities.

• Volunteer in the community.

September-November

• Arrange campus visits to those schools that interest you.

• Meet with your school counselor to review your high school class plan.

• Select the schools to which you will apply & make a list of deadlines for each school.

• Create a resume of your academic, athletic and work activities as well as other

achievements.

• Ask for recommendations (if required) from teachers, counselors and others who can comment on your abilities and talents.

• Attend a fi nancial aid event. Review a copy of Paying for College.

Now start pursuing your dreams TODAY!

You Can Make Your Dreams Come True

Make your dream into reality. To reach the specific and realistic goals that make up success, there are some steps you need to follow.

Picture It Vividly. Choose a dream you have, any dream; an accomplishment, a

triumph, your dream house, dream car, dream job, the relationship of your dreams. Choose five & write them down here.

My Five Dreams

1.____________________________________________________

2.____________________________________________________

3.____________________________________________________

4.____________________________________________________

5.____________________________________________________

Create a Dream BoardAnother way to make your dream vivid is to find a bunch of

pictures that represent the things you want to accomplish and make them into a collage. You can cut pictures out of magazines, print them off the Internet, or take photos of things you want & place them on a poster board.

Look at It Every DayWrite out a list of declarations that you can say to yourself

every day about each of your five dreams.

Start with a PlanYou have to start with a plan. Whatever you can dream, you can

do. So do it! Write out your plan for each dream below, being as specific as you can.

My Plan for Reaching My Dreams

1.____________________________________________________

2.____________________________________________________

3.____________________________________________________

4.____________________________________________________

5.____________________________________________________

Small Steps I Can Take Every Day to Reach My Dreams

Think about your five dreams. Now, for each dream, think of small steps you can take each day to begin making them come true.

You’re Always LearningTake Advantage of Opportunities

What new skills or new opportunities would you like to have? Write down your thoughts here.

___________________________________________________

Find a MentorA mentor is an adult who can help you learn a skill or gain a

certain kind of knowledge. Is there an adult who can help you achieve what you want? Who is that person? What would you like to learn from him or her?

___________________________________________________

Adjust Your CourseAre there ways you need to “adjust course” in your life—to

change the way you see things or do things? What are they?

___________________________________________________

What steps could you take to adjust your course?

___________________________________________________

Habits Are PowerfulWhat Are Your Habits? Think about the habits you have.

Don’t judge whether they’re good or bad habits—that’s not the point right now. Merely describe below the habits you have in doing your schoolwork, relating to friends, deciding what to wear or eat, what music to listen to, or in any other area of your life.

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Now, are there any habits you want to change? Again, don’t judge them or put yourself down. Just list below the habits you’d like to try to change.

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Workbook, Continued from page 24


Resources• Bliss Patisserie

http://www.blisspatisserie.com/

• Essiehttp://www.essie.com/Latest-Collections.

aspx

• The Wiz! LIVEhttp://www.nbc.com/the-wiz-live

• The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2http://www.thehungergames.

movie/#/?lang=us-en

• Lean Teens programhttp://leanteenprogram.com/

• Success For Teenshttps://successfoundation.org/media/wysi-

wyg/SuccessFoundation/eS4T.pdf

Sista’s Keeper Crossword Puzzle


ACROSS

2 Shanice WIlliams’ character in The Wiz! LIVE 5 The college prep timeline says to ask for _____ from people 7 The name of Haley Thompson’s new bake shop _____ Patisserie

8 Black Women in History feature ______ L. Williams

DOWN 1 The fi nal Hunger Games movie: _____ Part 2

3 The theme for this issue

4 November issue cover girl _____ Duncan-Smith

6 Charlotte-based program getting teens fi t: _____ Teens

Like this issue?????Let us know

what you think...• Follow us on Twitter: @SistasKeeperMag

• “Like” us on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SistasKeeperMagazine

• Email us your comments to: [email protected]

Butterfly, Continued from page 24

must flap on anyway.Success isn’t some elusive, unobtainable, goal

that we must strive to touch or reach. Success isn’t a destination. Success is not a goal, at all. Success is committing to flapping our wings -every day- because we are butterflies.

Success is stretching our wings to the sky with grace and gratitude because, whether we know it or

not, because of us the world will never be the same.We are butterflies; we were created to spread our

wings and fly, but it is easy to feel discouraged, especially while pursuing something as elusive success, especially in a world that is completely consumed with social media and staying ahead of the latest trends.

For these reasons, it is imperative that we begin to define success for ourselves! We are powerful. The power in our wings alone can change the world.

mind at least one million times a day. Whatever you are thinking that can benefit you in the long-run, write it down and next to them, write down how you are going to achieve these goals/dreams/visions. Creating a vision board is always helpful.

Dare To Be DifferentNever try to be like everyone else because that

would be boring. Do something that will make you stand out because you were born to stand out!

Ignore The NaysayersDon’t worry about who talks about you behind your

back or who always have something to say, those are the ones who aren’t going to get anywhere in life.

SmileSometimes this is hard to do, but smiling is good

for the mind, body and soul. It will make people think that you are friendly and have a good personality.

Laugh Out LoudA good laugh once in a while cleanses the soul, so

don’t forget to laugh!

Do Not Give UpI live by this one a lot, because life is going to

throw you bricks and stones and sometimes you may want to throw in the towel, but the best encouragement is to never give up! No matter how hard things may seem in life, try to face every obstacle you have and continue to run in the race of life.

Being successful may seem like a lot of hard work, but with good morals and every day practice, you will feel great after completing each task. Also remember that life isn’t a competition, but still continue to run in the race with high hopes and positive outcomes!

Success, Continued from page 24

Black Women In History

Vanessa L. WilliamsHistory-making actress and singer who

overcame scandal to have a successful career


• 1963: Vanessa Lynn Williams was born on March 18th in Bronx, New York

• 1964: Moved to the upscale suburbs of Millwood, New York

• 1973: Devoted herself to music and dance; studied classical and jazz dance as well as theatre arts; excelled at French horn, piano, and violin.

• 1980’s: Landed the Presidential Scholarship for Drama at graduation and gained entry into the Carnegie Mellon University theater arts program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; attended Syracuse University in upstate New York instead; took a job as a receptionist and makeup artist for local photographer during the summer of her freshman year; posed for photos but was not satifi ed with the product & asked for the pictures to be destoyed

• 1983: Participated in the Miss Greater Syracuse pageant and won; went on to be crowned Miss New York; made history when she was crowned the fi rst African-American Miss America

• 1984: Involved in scandal from photos she took which had not been authorized by her for publication in an adult magazine

• Resigned her position; was allowed to keep her crown, her scholarship money and the offi cial title of Miss America 1984; was asked not to attend the coronation of the 1984 Miss America

• 1987: Landed a legitimate fi lm role in the The Pick Up Artist

• 1988: Signed a recording contract with PolyGram; released her 1988 album, The Right Stuff ; the album went gold, and

three singles—”The Right Stuff ,” “He’s Got the Look” and “Dreamin’” all made it into the top 10

• 1991: Released her second album, The Comfort Zone; sold 2.2 million copies in the U.S., eventually going triple platinum; he single “Save the Best for Last,” on the album jumped to No. 1 on the pop charts, staying there for fi ve weeks

• 1992: Played Motown executive Suzanne de Passe in the TV movie The Jacksons - An American Dream

• 1994: Her third album, The Sweetest Days, went platinum in the U.S., and garnering two Grammy Award nominations; recorded “Colors of the Wind,” for Disney’s Pocohontas animated fi lm and earned another Grammy nomination (16 Grammy nominations total in her career)

• 1996: Starred in Eraser, the action fl ick starring Arnold Schwarzenegger

• 1997: Starred in Soul Food, a romantic comedy for which she earned an Image Award

• 2006: Began a starring role as demanding boss Wilhelmina Slater in Ugly Betty and a recurring role as Renee Filmore-Jones in the drama Desperate Housewives (2010)

• 2013: Joined the cast of the Tony-nominated play The Trip to Bountiful, playing the role of Jessie Mae Watts

• 2015: Williams returned to the Miss America pageant as a celebrity judge; performed her song “Oh How the Years Go By,”; received a public apology from the executive chairman of the pageant for being forced to resign her title in 1984

“Success is the sweetest

revenge.”-Vanessa Williams


By eighth grade, only half as many girls as boys are interested in math, science, and engineering careers. If each of us gives a girl our time and support today, she can find the courage, confidence, and character she’ll need to build a better tomorrow.

November 2015 issue

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