Reema Carmona’s advice to young women

Addressing the second annual student conference for young women hosted by Junior Achievement at the Central Bank auditorium last week, Carmona said that while social media is exciting and fun, they must be aware of dangerous, irresponsible posts.

“We live in a digital age and it is a beautiful form of self-expression,” Carmona said.

“But you must be aware of the responsibilities that come with that freedom. It is now the norm for potential employers, colleges and universities to screen you, not only through the traditional interviewing process, but as well your social media presence. Your social media profile can very realistically stand between you getting that job or acceptance letter from a university, or a door being ajar or shut in your face. Be responsible and alert - once it’s in cyber space, it’s there forever, no matter how many times you press ‘delete, delete, delete’.” She urged the young women to start building the total woman in them on the path to adulthood.

She said they should go to school and strive for excellence but they also need to lead healthy lifestyles, and also engage in at least one physical sporting activity.

“Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease are ravaging our young people brought on by our penchant for eating junk food, saturated fats and hugging up the Siamese twins - salt and sugar.

Encourage your parents to eat healthy and tell them that the revolution for a better quality of life in Trinidad and Tobago begins in the kitchens and the lunch bag.” She called on them all to be child advocates to change their homes if there is strife there. She added that they could also be the mediator in their communities, their classrooms and could be game changers. “Do not underestimate your power to change the world as a 14, 15 or 16 year old. You are the change that we seek. Look at Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani activist, who was viciously attacked because she decided she wanted an education