Miss TEEN Jamaica admires the pole vault

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http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazine ... __TEEN.asp

KAYDIAN JONES: BEAUTY QUEEN, ATHLETE, TEEN
Nasha-Kaye Virgo
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The society we live in today is troubled. The world is experiencing economic crisis and we are all faced with widespread violence, corruption and disease. Locally, there is a debate over the negative social impact of lewd lyrics on the minds of the people in the society, especially TEENs. Many people believe that almost all of the current generation of TEENs is immoral and indecent beyond remedy.

Amita Persaud-Webb (left), Kaydian Jones and Tashaine Morrison pose after their crowning at the Courtleigh Hotel, Sunday, August 10, 2008 . (Photo: Observer file)
TEENage does not believe this is so and is ever-ready to put the positive things TEENs are doing in the spotlight. One person whom we acknowledge as setting a positive example is Miss TEEN Jamaica, Kaydian Jones (KJ). She is a multi-talented TEEN with an effervescent personality and admirable qualities that could make her an important figure in Jamaica's future.
On being Miss TEEN Jamaica
As for the experience, it's not really there, as the competition is lacking in title sponsors. So the expected exposure has not been reality. The little I received, however, I am extremely grateful for.
TEENage: What was it like during the competition?
KJ: The competition. I can't say it was nerve-wrecking, because I'm not the type to get nervous. I think I was the most excited contestant there. On the night, I couldn't wait to get on the stage. I even ran on when it was my turn!
TEENage: What drove you to enter?
KJ: I like the competition because it doesn't just focus on beauty, but on talent and intelligence. I could have entered other competitions, but I like the fact that's this one was about inner beauty and a sense of self which a lot of TEENs nowadays lack.
TEENage: What did you learn from entering?
KJ: I learnt to be punctual because I had to get to a lot of meetings on time and I also got a major boost in my leadership qualities, as when the organisers weren't on hand, I would take things into my own hands and ensure everything was ready for when they came.
TEENage: Many people have this impression that pageants are extremely fake, malicious girls. Did your experience show this?
KJ: (laughs a moment) I found a lot of friends, but there was one girl there who you could say fit that "mean pageant girl" description. At the end of it, however, the pageant and the overall experience is what you make it.

Kaydian Jones training at Stadium East three weeks ago. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
On being a student
Stress, stress, stress!! And more stress! Boy school (silence) school, school, school. For me it's a new environment (at St Andrew High School for Girls', she went to Camperdown previously). At first, it was like the first day of high school or primary school all over again. Not knowing anyone; where to sit for lunch; how to choose friends? But now it's getting along well. Right now, my greatest challenge is meeting deadlines.
TEENage: What is your favourite part of going to school?
KJ: Lunchtime! Definitely lunchtime.
TEENage: Do you miss Camperdown?
KJ: Honestly, that's a 50/50 question. It's one of those things where your mind has a feeling but at the same time your heart has a different one.
TEENage: After sixth form what are you intentions for school?
KJ: I want to be a broadcast journalist, so as for further school, it's too early to decide right now because of the whole Olympic fever. It's hard to know if 'yaad' or abroad is better, since I have to consider my athletic training as well.
TEENage: Describe your ideal day of school.
KJ: My ideal day of school would be one where I spent the entire day doing art.
On being an athlete
Hard work! Major hard work but at the end of the day hard work leads to easy winnings.
TEENage: What's your least favourite part of training?
KJ: I particularly hate Monday training! And I miss Mas Camp every Friday! Really it hurts my heart to have to go to bed on a Friday because I have a track meet in the morning.
TEENage: Who is your favourite athlete and why?
KJ: I like Sherone Simpson. I have always been a big fan of hers through her ups and downs. We have a similar build and no one expects much from people our size in the sprints so her achievements inspire me and give me hope for the future.
TEENage: If you could be good at an event you do not do which would it be?
KJ: Pole vault. It's not the average track and field event. It's not a jump, a run or a throw. It involves great technique and seems exciting.
TEENage: Do you like any other sports?
KJ: Swimming. If only it weren't for the negative features it give. I don't want to be shaped like a triangle! (laughs)
TEENage: What's your biggest concern about training whilst having your title?
KJ: At times I wonder if the public will accept me because I'm not exactly the pageant type in season I look quite muscular.
On being a TEEN
Parents! Where does it end? It's like you're getting older, but to them you're getting younger. Peer pressure is one of those things you can't avoid as a teen but at the same time we need to know how to deal with those situations when they arise. It is even more severe having a title. It makes it even harder because even eyes that were not on you before are watching you. So, it's really hard.
TEENage: What is the best part of being a TEENager now?
KJ: At one point I was afraid of going on the roads (due to the spate of kidnappings taking place last year) being a TEEN, especially a female TEEN today is frightening. You can't go around pinpointing all males because that is being marginalising and you can't even trust females today.
TEENage: What is the worst part of being a TEENager now?
KJ: I'm getting older making the transition into womanhood. Not being able to do things I could have before. Also for me it means getting older, which means I should be getting closer to achieving my life goals.
TEENage: What is your advice for TEENs out there?
KJ: With all dreams there's hope and never say never. You can achieve whatever you put your mind to, and you're the winner you make yourself to be.