Kudos to Jade Rasif

In the report "Proud of who I am" (TNP, Oct 23), The New Paper New Face first runner-up Jade Rasif is shown to display tremendous courage despite facing adversities in her life.

When we are faced with huge challenges in life, we can either throw in the towel or we can learn to build our inner strength to overcome the odds stacked against us.

Jade has done exceptionally well in turning her life around with sheer determination and tenacity. She needs our support.

The alleged wrongdoings of her father, David Rasif, should not in any way put Jade in a bad light.

DEMEANING

In cyberspace, I have seen nasty comments used to humiliate, demean and hurt innocent people.

If we are going to build a gracious and caring society, this is not the way to go. Instead, we should use e-mails and the Internet for all the right reasons - to lift the human spirit.

Coping with disabilities is really tough and although Jade suffers from dyslexia - a reading disorder - the undergrad has turned her disability into a strength and is hoping to pursue a master's degree in clinical psychology.

Most certainly, having gone through the trials and tribulations of her dyslexia, this gung-ho lady can make a healthy contribution in the field which she has opted for.

They say love conquers all, and the love her mother gives her will pull her through any crisis. For love, understanding and support can easily transform lives.

I wish Jade all the very best in her studies and everything she hopes to achieve. Perhaps one day, she could write a novel to give encouragement and hope to those who are struggling with disabilities.

Because every one of us has a book inside us.

Raymond Anthony Fernando, Reader

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