By JAMAAL CHARLTON
Twenty-three years ago (I was in 11th grade), I walked into a room at the then College of Bahamas, not realizing how much my life would be impacted by the people within it. The room was filled with other young men who were exemplary in their studies. The conversations were minimal — kinda intimidating — but my cousin was there with me. Ten minutes later, a group of men – all wearing Royal Blue and White – entered the room. A much younger Phenton Neymour was one of them. That day marked the beginning of my journey to Sigmadom.
Sigma Beta Club – where the motto is “The Next Generation of Leaders Accepting the Responsibility and Loving the Challenge.” – was where I met Phenton. Phenton took it upon himself, along with a few other Sigma men, to begin the mentorship program in The Bahamas. By the end of my 12th grade year, Phenton had already played an integral part in my crossing into adulthood and becoming a respectable man. A leader. He helped groom me to take-on the world. He made such a huge impact in my life, I had to prove to him that I’d become a Sigma man he’d be proud of — one like him.
When I finally crossed the Burning Sands, Phenton was the first person I called. Though he was extremely happy that I achieved that goal, he was more interested in my GPA and graduation date (like a true mentor would be ). However, as promised, I have become a mentor to other — as he was to me. I hope that I’ve impacted the lives of my mentees as much as he has impacted mine.
“Culture For Service, and Service For Humanity”. You’ve dedicated your life to Service and it’s time to take your rest, my brother. Rest in Power!
