Do you like your job?” Many times we squirm and seriously hesitate in answering, worried that our reaction may be misinterpreted or that our response will not be truly affirming. We have invested a lot into our education and our choice of career has been guided by many factors. Far too often many of us are drawn toward high salaries, yet are frustrated with the bureaucracy that exists in the execution of the task.

Since human beings spend a significant amount of time at their jobs (far more time than we spend with family and friends!), it is important that we strive for job satisfaction. How frustrating it must be for the person who just bides time until retirement.

What many of us forget to address, however, is the overall impact of our career on our spirit. Your job should leave you refreshed more often than disgruntled. It should have you eager to get there in the morning and not resentful for staying a little late in the evening to get the job done. Your entire being should tingle at the completion of a project or when you see a client satisfied.

The knowledge that you would still choose the same career even with a meager salary – if given the option – should resonate in your being. It is a shame to drag out of bed every day, hating the thought of what lies ahead. This only serves to make work environments dreary and uncomfortable for all concerned – and those we love most often have no choice but to share in our job’s joys and frustrations.
Make certain that your personality, values and spirit connect with your career if you wish to find ultimate fulfillment in your work environment. Here’s to many enjoyable working days ahead!
—Cherrylee Pinder is a Guidance Counsellor at Aquinas College. She is also a member of the Screening Committee of the Lyford Cay Foundations

For as long as Malik Riley can remember he has wanted to be a chef. He began his culinary career at the Bahamas Hotel Training College. By the time he had completed his apprentice program at Sun Inter-national, he had achieved many gold and silver medals. In fact, in 1994, he graduated Apprentice of the Year. He enrolled at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island and applied to the Lyford Cay Foundation for a scholarship; the Foundation granted a two-year award and Malik excelled at Johnson & Wales, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Malik has served as personal chef to the Ambassador of the United States to the Bahamas, Arthur Schechter and Mrs Schechter.
He begins his Master’s degree in Food Service Administration at the University of Houston in the fall of 2001.

…With God all things are possible

By Nicole Andrews
“And with God all things are possible… For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…”
These statements have guided, shaped and encouraged me to remain focused and believe in my dreams. One of those dreams was to complete college abroad and attain an excellent education.
I now hold a Bachelor ’s degree in Chemistry from Union College, Schenectady, New York and a Master’s degree in Health Systems Management from the Graduate Management Institute at Union College.
Perhaps my most challenging college experience was my Resident Assistant position. I planned and organized social, community service, and educational events for residents and served as a resource for problem-solving.
Last year I was a Management Trainee with Doctors Health Systems and have recently assumed the exciting position as the Administrative Coordinator at the hospital’s Western Medical Plaza, a health, fitness and wellness facility, opening soon on Blake Road.
I would like to thank the Lyford Cay Foundation for assisting me in achieving my educational pursuits. Not only did I receive an excellent education, but I was also able to expand my horizons through travelling at college, meeting individuals from various walks of life and embracing unique and exciting opportunities.

Again, many thanks.