Resiliency in the U.S Virgin Islands

       Resilience in the U.S Virgin Islands comes within many shapes and forms, but sadly not all forms receive the audience it should. With our economy staggering it would appear pertinent for us to remind businesses and owner's that there is 'still money to be made' here. But what about those who've exhibited resilience socially and academically? Resilience is illustrated in the strength of a baby in the womb of a mother who abuses alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. It is shown in the everyday live of men who became productive members of the society, who furthered their education and used it to better the community instead of contributing to it's stagnant state. Where are their stories, opinions, insights, and monthly publications? I know where there not, in the schools, programs, and community centers where they should be; to show children of this day and age that while peer pressure does exist not all are 'subdued' by it and resilience is real. It is the key to success, academic or otherwise. The ability to exhibit resilience (Masten & Coatsworth, 1998; Rutter, 2000; Werner, 2000) is associated with a series of protective or opportunity factors that counter the impact of the risk factors in a child’s life. The risk with risk factors is that they have a tendency to multiply, like problems at home affecting school or problems with peers affecting a child's behavior, making it challenging. By facilitating protective factors for those children, encouraging them, engaging them in progressive learning activities we can help them to build resilience. By building a relationship/bond with the child we could help them so much more simply by empathizing genuinely. Through this bond, and showing them that you truly care, the child is more engaged and aware of his development and progressions, as such, they become more inclined to 'accelerate' their own progression/development. Because of lack of adequate schools, funding, personnel, and pressure has caused many of our educational institutions and programs to fail our children. I urge all to promote resiliency, spread the word, real stories to real people in real situations that genuinely need real help.

Rasminsky, Barbara Kaiser and Judy Sklar. Challenging Behavior in Young Children: Understanding, Preventing and Responding Effectively, 3/e for Ashford University, 3rd Edition. Pearson Learning Solutions.