Letter from Kenrick Mark (70th edition)
Letter from Kenrick Mark
Dear Esteemed Readers,
It was our final session for Foundations of Public Relations and Corporate Communications, for this semester. This was the only class which continued into the second semester. From September to December, 2015, this was the most intricate, enduring course. While I learnt oodles, I always had to review (sometimes more than twice) the PowerPoint presentations, articles, discussion papers, et al to fully understand.
I woke up early, relaxed for a bit, and watched BBC news. I also checked emails and social media. I remember meeting some very good, hardworking Belizeans via social media. I actually selected a few for official interview features with my charity — The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation. I remember having marvelous conversations (while pursing post graduate studies in London) with Betty Jean Usher Tate, Miss Belize Queen of the Bay 1991, and Rossana Briceno, Wife of the Prime Minister of Belize.
I think the first time I knew of Betty Jean, was in 2004, when she was a commentator (with the Love FM crew), for the Queen of the Bay Pageant. She was providing the details of the pageant quite passionately. However, I didn’t know she won before. It was until Karen (of the Love FM crew) asked Betty Jean to share her experience when she won the pageant in 1991. That was only part of it, as Betty Jean hails from the linage of Usher Queens of the Bay. Actually, the same year she was a commentator, her cousin, Sherima Usher, won the pageant (2004). I believe five ladies from the Usher’s family won the pageant (1955, 1991, 1993, 2004, 2009). They also chaperoned candidates for the Queen of the Bay, Miss Belize, and other pageants, and have produced many winners and runner-ups. I was honored to meet Betty Jean (via social media), and even more, selecting her for a prestigious interview feature. Her interview was phenomenal! She is now Dr. Betty Jean Usher Tate. I spoke to her in 2018, and she graduated then (I sincerely believe).
I met Rossana in 2015 too, while I was in London. Over the years, we shared momentous conversations about education, career development, life (struggles and triumphs), inspiration and of course, desserts (smiling). She is the Principal at St. Peter’s Anglican School. Her contributions to education speaks volumes! I was truly delighted to select her for an official interview feature with my charity. Her feature was full of enthusiasm! She spoke about her career in teaching, her struggles and triumphs, advice for aspiring teachers, and so much more. Both Rossana and Betty Jean’s interview are featured/re-featured on my official platform on medium. I encourage everyone to read them, understand their stories. I am positive you will be inspired!
I went to university around 830am. Professor Mark enlightened us on more theories in public relations, examples of scenarios in the PR industry in the UK, and European PR development and perspectives. Honestly, I lost focus sometimes. Thus, I always re-read my presentations in the evenings/weekends. This was actually our final class for the week, as our Thursday class was dedicated to the commencement of our final assignment (for that course). My classmates and I exchanged good-byes, and Christmas greetings. However, we still communicated during the holidays. Serena, Luna, Amy and I always kept in touch (well, more frequently).
I went to the school cafe. It was always crowded (this wasn’t my cup of tea). So, I bought some muffins to go (one of which was a Chocolate Orange)! That was amazing! I walked around campus, enjoying the view of the beautiful blue sky, the cold weather, the ‘Palace-like’ Campus buildings, and, of course, fellow students walking, talking, laughing, taking photos. I went to the library later to begin my Thursday final assignment.
I went home late that night. It was very cold. Many people were still on the high street and at the pub downstairs my student halls.
I just had crisps and a chocolate, and water for dinner.
I went to sleep later.
I’m quite exhausted for tonight. I will continue my journey in a next edition of Letter from Kenrick Mark.
Sincerely yours,
Kenrick Mark
