A Beyond Labelz(TM) Special "About Us" Update

We thought it would be a good idea to do a quick "station identification" and give our supporters and YOU an updated "About Us".... as our website, www.beyondlabelz.com, undergoes a fresh and exciting makeover.

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BEYONDLABELZ™.COM is designed to engage teen visitors in an innovative, fun and interactive experience that will inspire self-love, courage, and quest for learning. It aims to evoke healthy and appropriate action over labels and stereotypes teens face in their daily lives. Our definition of the term “label” is: a word or phrase used to describe or identify the recipient with the intention to harm the recipient.

Quelyn Purdie, entrepreneur, educator, author and producer, founded BEYONDLABELZ™ in 2007 in response to the alarming increase in bullying and fatality amongst youth.

The mission of  BEYONDLABELZ™ is to inspire teenagers to develop an individual and collective intention to 1) be judged by how they handle adversity and not by their physical appearance and 2) become highly innovative contributors to the advancement of humanity and our planet through their passion or talent.

Quelyn’s work as an educator for over 20 years includes teaching at The Bridges Juvenile Center (formerly known as Spofford Juvenile Detention) in Bronx, New York, substitute teaching in New York City schools and serving as a caseworker for teens living in foster care. She was also volunteer advocate with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for youth in foster care) New York City.

As an entrepreneur, author and producer Quelyn provides tutoring for at-risk students in her community. She wrote her memoir, Validation Denied, Grace Bestowed:somewhere between the ghetto and God was something called foster care… which is a portrait about a teenager's struggle to defy the labels and stereotypes of living in foster care. Quelyn also executive produced and directed The Task, a short film that won Best Short at the 2007 Philadelphia Film Festival.

Quelyn holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from SUNY at Oswego and will pursue an MBA in New York City.

 

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Thank you very much for taking the time to read the update.  We will keep you posted on our exciting progress!   Now back to our regularly scheduled May Blog, below.

~ Quelyn

Order Validation Denied, Grace Bestoweed online at

 iUniverse, Inc (www.iuniverse.com), Amazon.com, BN.com or wherever books are sold.

Ace The Finals: Making It Happen, Together

Congratulations! You made it to the finish line – can’t leap over it just yet  BUT, you are all right there, together, to ace the finals!  Oh he tried to quit; she was going to give up....but the crew was not hearin' it.  'Cause you all came too far to stop now, right?

So, what to do, at this point?  Study….. together.  Sometimes we need cheerleaders in our corner to release some ot the stress of test-taking.  Whether it's comic relief or just being in each other's intellectual company, we need support.  Besides, unless you were absent most of the school year or just not paying attention in class, you shouldn’t have much to worry about.  Actually, at this point in the ‘game’, you should really be reviewing…not cramming, or doing intense studying.

Here are a few tips to ease the anxiety of taking your upcoming finals:

♪Study Together – at least a few times. Everyone could use a cheerleader in their corner.  Plus, it helps to hear the insight from others who are doing well in the subject you are studying.  Go to a park, Star Bucks®, someone’s home and have ice tea (no not the alcohol version!), review and enjoy your company!

♪Surf The 'Net – I tutor students in my spare time and I can’t tell you how helpful AND fun it is to research a topic on the internet, especially when the student and I come across videos that explain the subject better.  Example:  Need a refresher on graphing quadratic equations?  Click here for video! http://www.mathexpression.com/graphing-quadratic-equations.html  Check out this link on cloning and learn about other cellular activity!  http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/videos/biology/cloning.html

♪Attack! - embrace the challenge.  YOU take the test, don't let it "take you"!  Now of course you’re going to experience ‘butterflies’ which is great because it humbles you and makes you want to bring your A game.  So IF you completed all of your assignments and have been performing well (80’s and above) on chapter tests, quizzes, etc. and you participated in class, you shouldn’t have much to worry about.  The finals are a culmination of what you were taught (hopefully) and learned (hopefully) during the school year.  Were you paying attention?

♪Set A Score Goal – and visualize that score on your exams.  Be realistic, though. For most of high school I was on the honor roll (except in math even though I loved it.  I was good in algebra; geometry was another story). So, I had set a score goal of 85 and above in all regents classes and performed well, except for geometry.  I had set a goal of about 70/75. I got a circle-65 (a 65 with a circle around it).  This means I passed by a 'breath'.  I had attended my teacher's extra study session (which I highly recommend as you will see below) where he drilled us on the formulas/theorems of geometric figures.  One of the problems was on the test, I believe it was a triangle, and I knew exactly how to solve the problem.  To this day, though, I feel I could've aimed higher, like 85!

♪Special Study Periods or Sessions With Teachers – GO!  Look, most (great) teachers could give a ‘rat’s tail’ about whether or not you like them.  They just want you to excel.  So when your teacher/s offer extra study sessions, GO!

Besides, if you do like your teachers, why not spend the extra time with them?  They may not be back next year….on the other hand, if they’ve been really good (and you all haven’t gotten on their last nerve LOL), they just might be back!

Ace the finals.....together.

Next On Q’s B-Spot:  The Second Most Important (and Proudest) Walk Of Your Life

Teen Task

1. Give yourself a chance.  2. Discuss this blog with your parents or with those you feel safe sharing your thoughts.
 
Read our special updated Beyond Labelz(TM) "About Us" on Q's B Spot, available NOW.

Thank you,
~ Quelyn, www.beyondlabelz.com
 

Copyright©2011 Quelyn Purdie

No.......Yes!

“It’s not that they don’t want to learn, can’t learn or too trifling to seek a better life for themselves…the problem is, they’ve experienced so much distrust and instability – NO’s - in their lives, they give up; and that’s where the attitude comes from”, I’d argue, on behalf of our troubled teens when I chat especially with members of the public. They think (way too many of you) “won’t amount to anything” as the saying goes.


Recently a co-worker and I had a conversation about why today’s teen seems to ‘have an attitude’. I stated that I used to have an attitude, growing up in foster care, and carried my attitude into college and young adulthood (I will share how I learned how to deal with NO in a few moments). Anyway, I told my co-worker about how my social worker would routinely setup family visits for me and my brother to see my biological mother, NEVER showed up. No matter the reason it was still a big fat NO. “What was I supposed to do with that?” I asked my co-worker, rhetorically.

Now, I’m not talking about the “no’s” your teacher says when you ask to use the restroom (but really just want to get out of class) or when your parents say “no” to your request to go to the party because of a bad report card, or when your friend takes your car keys instead of letting you drive home drunk. And who hasn’t experienced their enemies or hatuhz saying “you can’t” or “you’re just not good enough”? Note: the intention behind a negative response is what makes the difference between encouragement and hurt.

Here’s another real-life example of “no” I experienced as a little girl who lived with her brother and grandmother, in a beautiful Brooklyn brownstone. Even though I truly believe the intent of the “no” was harmless, the delivery still cut like a knife:

        I was upstairs playing when grandma called me downstairs to the kitchen. Daddy was there, looking sad. I knew this time he wasn’t going to say something to make me feel as though I’d be meeting God in person. Daddy gingerly sat me on his lap. I thought what he was about to say had something to do with grandma, but definitely not me. Basically, he said that grandma was ill and could not take care of me anymore and that I would stay with “someone else” until he could come for me. my face looked like a reflection of his, although there were no tears. I guess I was too shocked to be emotional at the time.

I promised to tell you how I deal with no’s now, right? So fast forward to a few decades later, after college and finally returning to New York City as a young adult woman. I attended a rare event in Manhattan. The speaker, a world-renown meditation master, spoke about self-love. As I grew to accept and love myself I was able to forgive my past. I no longer sought validation from others and I learned to say “yes” to MYSELF FIRST. I learned to give myself a chance FIRST. Even today, when I feel let down or I experience a “no” I resolve to keep it movin’. Of course sometimes I felt disappointed but I don’t allow myself to stay in that state of mind. Understand?


So even though my biological mother said “no” to her duties as a parent, my foster family said “yes”. I was given a second chance to grow into a productive woman. No’s have produced the greatest amongst us. The next time someone say’s “no” to you, don’t trip. Really. You don’t need the drama….unless you’re a drama queen…but most of us can go without the habit – no what I mean?

Believe in your own greatness. Give YOURSELF a chance. Your positive energy will not only attract more yes’s you could ever dream of but you will develop the strength to know who you could trust to guide you in the right direction.

Today, I’d love to be able to sit on Daddy’s lap so he could see the YES I’ve become. But I know in spirit, he’s proud of me.

Teen Task: Discuss this blog with your parents or with those you feel safe sharing your thoughts.
Fun Fact: Quelyn is author of memoir, Validation Denied, Grace Bestowed:somewhere between the ghetto and God was something called foster care….

Thank you for reading. ~ Quelyn

Copyright©2011 Quelyn Purdie

Tha Nerve of You....

.....to raise your hand to answer that question
(do you even KNOW the right answer?!)
there are no books, just handouts, remember?!!

ceilings got psoriasis
toilets are broken, doors falling off
and you sit there plottin’ quads on
the x and y axis
you ain’t ashamed of all this?!


you’ve got some nerve!
who told YOU to
suggest the auditorium
for classes
like college
to educate the masses?

we’re squished like gumballs in a bubble
how dare you have study parties at
your place, Starbucks® or meet at the NYPL
…then ace the test the next day?!
you make me sick!

no more music or dance classes or
supplies for art
and never mind prom night, or a decent celebration
you’ve got the audacity
to mastermind a fundraiser; all hail the inspiration!

oh, and i guess you now have
a ‘respectful and supportive’ relationship
with your teachers, huh?
tee-hee-hee-hee….better late than nevah!

for real though, i heard
they may not be back next year
(after years of serving the largest school system In the
U
ny
ted
States of
America)

but the ‘cuts ain’t got nothin’ on you
‘walkin’ across that stage™
pretty soon
in June

hey, wait up! what should i tell
class of 2012?


Fun Fact: The New York City public school system is the largest in the US.


Thank you for reading.   ~Quelyn
 
Copyright©2011 Quelyn Purdie

Ordinarily Extraordinary

Ordinary – common, average, routine, usual
Extraordinary – amazing, exceptional, special, incomparable

We all have something in common: we breathe the same air, we eat, sleep, drink, blink our eyes, we laugh, cry, walk and talk. We were born from another human being. ‘Common’ is good because it gives a sense of togetherness, solidarity, relationship. We need these factors of life to survive. ‘So (why) isn’t that enough’ you ask? No really, I have heard people, especially young students like you, who want to do just enough to “pass” and live a “normal” life. Ok, this would be fine except….

….. too many of us who choose or have chosen to settle for ‘ordinary’ have become envious of those who recognize that there is something more to them, and strive to express the “extraordinariness” inside.

All of us – regardless of financial status, culture, skin tone, family background, gender - have that extraordinary gift or talent to share with others. Furthermore, I think you and I can agree there are countless stories of (ordinary or common) human beings who do extraordinary things. I am thrilled we can easily name three; go ahead, name three…wasn’t that easy?

And if we examined those we feel are extraordinary, we would discover a few things they have in common: 1) clarity of personal talent and purpose 2) they don’t quit, they give themselves a chance 3) they don’t waste your time 4) they produce results 5) others say they’re great. Extraordinary people also seem to be happy, don’t they?

Give Yourself A Chance
One of my passions is teaching. I believe that teachers along with parents are the most powerful external sources of education and human transformation. I teach middle school and high school students here in New York City and I tutor students in my community. Through several decades of teaching I have sharpened my skills and learned so much about myself as a teacher. Many times I was challenged by students in ways that would make others quit. But time and again I’d give myself a chance because I believe in my talent and I believe in the intelligence and greatness of youth.

According to others, I am really good at what I do. I’m best known, amongst clients and others who know me, as an educator. I’m also an entrepreneur, author and filmmaker (who is starving to direct another project!), but those things came years later.

The point is, the moment you give yourself a chance, not only will you attract the support you need but you will have blown the lid off your inner extraordinary just waiting to express itself for you. It’s never too late and you are definitely not too young! So how can we start the path of extraordinariness?


Teen Task
1. Give yourself a chance. 2. Jot down about 2 or 3 things about yourself that you feel make you extraordinary. For example; “I’m an extraordinary (dancer, math student, peer counselor, etc)” 3. Give examples of why you feel you are extraordinary, for example “I’m an extraordinary math student because I get 90’s and above in math; I’m on the honor roll, I tutor/help my classmates who ask for my help. 4. Discuss this blog with your parents or with those you feel safe sharing your thoughts.


Fun Fact: I first heard the phrase “give yourself a chance” from Tiger Woods who would use the phrase to describe the mental stamina and persistence necessary to win or excel. Such a simple phrase from an extraordinary human being.


Thank you for reading.     ~ Quelyn

Copyright©2011 Quelyn Purdie

L.L.…..

No not LL Cool J (sorry ladies!).

I'm talking about 2010. LEARN from it, and then LEAVE IT behind. You know the saying: ‘Don’t dwell in the past, let it go!’

For years I have made it a practice to do meaningful things, other than partying, to close out the old year so that I could 1) be free from the anxiety and uncertainty that change may bring 2) get excited about yet another opportunity to create an even better year for myself.


The way I would make peace with the previous year was, and still is, to first check myself for anything I did to hurt or diss someone’s feelings or a situation I could have handled better.  I don’t beat myself up but I trust and am honest with my self as I reflect and journal my thoughts ….then I let it go.


Let me interject something about the phrase ‘let it go’; I’d be remiss if I didn’t: Letting go is one of the most powerful and yes, difficult, principles of life BUT with right guidance and intention, it frees us up to truly experience the joy, health and creative expression that is our birthright. Ok, moving on….

Next, I recommit to building or revitalizing the major areas of my life that need a makeover, including appearance, personal finance, business, friendship/relationship and education (I’m currently studying for a major test coming up in June. Will keep you posted!).

So what have you LEARNED about yourself, event or situation you experiened in 2010? What are some things you can DO to make peace with it all and LEAVE IT behind...or let it go?


Teen Task: 1. Give yourself a chance. 2. Take a moment to contemplate (deeply reflect) each question above then jot down whatever comes up naturally for you for each question. Tip: Write non-stop for about 60 seconds for each question. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar, just write, get it out. You can proofread and edit your response later. 3. Discuss this blog with your parents or with those you feel safe sharing your thoughts.


Fun Fact: Remiss = negligent, inattentive, careless, lax.


Happy New Year!  Check back for Q's B-Spot 2011!    ~ Quelyn


Copyright©2010 Quelyn Purdie

Kanye West's RUNAWAY, The Film

The intent of this blog is to briefly discuss how to watch a film like RUNAWAY, vs. a critique of  the film. As a matter of fact, Kanye West makes it very easy for us in his interview with Sway for MTV. West breaks down the creative process and his vision as executive producer of RUNAWAY. The interview includes a discussion about topics such as stereotypes, the effects of bullying and how West used past faux pas which lead to vilification by the media and others, to create, what many in the industry have considered, a game-changer and an ambitious work of art in RUNAWAY.

Click here for Sway's interview with Mr. West >>>>> http://www.mtv.com/videos/kanye-wests-runaway/1650620/playlist.jhtml

Laced in colorful art and symbolism, RUNAWAY is a 35-minute portrait of attachment, loss, fear, pain, freedom and revitalization (in my opinion or '2 cents'!).  RUNAWAY challenges us to elevate how we watch film: with a more intellectual, inquisitive eye that will evoke lively yet intelligent dialogue…or compels us to take appropriate action.

Click here to see RUNAWAY >>>>> http://newsone.com/entertainment/newsonestaff4/kanye-west-fans-call-runaway-film-hands-down-amazing/

The following are some things to think about while watching a movie.  You will have a more thoughtful yet lively conversation with friends after the film, especially art films such as RUNAWAY:

1. Relatable – Can I relate to the film/filmmaker’s voice? (how they feel/express their opinion about the topic). What was my favorite scene and why?
2. Message – What is the message of the film?
3. Symbolism - Are there allusions (references or suggestions) to historical events, other films, famous people, etc. that would give us an idea where the filmmaker is coming from?
4. Music – Music, when used appropriately in film, is a critical part of filmmaking. How ws music used in the film? Was it necessary?
5. Cinematography - Is there anything interesting about the lighting, camera angles, the sound, colors chosen for costumes, sets, etc.?
6. Attitude – What is the film’s attitude toward humanity, love, men, women, children, animals, global justice, etc.?

Remember: There is no right or wrong answer, even though the filmmaker will have their own vision and intention for the film.

RUNAWAY is the prelude to West’s new, critically acclaimed album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. My favorite cut is Lost in the World.

Thanks for reading.    ~ Quelyn

Next on Q’s B-Spot: 2-Eleven

Teen Task: 1. Give yourself a chance. 2. How do YOU channel your own pain into passion? What makes YOU stand each time you feel knocked down? Jot down your thoughts in your journal. 3. Interested in making a film? In addition to tons of websites, books, and classes to choose from, there are hands-on opportunities to such as internships so you experience what it takes to do a film. For starters check out the following links! www.nycastings.com, www.mandy.com  4. Discuss this blog with your parents or with people you feel safe sharing your thoughts.

Fun Fact: RUNAWAY was shot in Hawaii, USA and Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC.


Copyright©2010 Quelyn Purdie