A.K.A. "Granny"

Name: Natalie Rhone
Age: 20
Place of Origin: St. Catherine, Jamaica

On January 6th, 1983, I was born to parents Jennifer Blake and Carl Rhone at the Linstead Public Hospital in St. Catherine, Jamaica. I now reside in Harkers Hall which is a small farming community located in the cool hills of St. Catherine. We have many rivers flowing lazily down there paths and many beautiful landscapes.
In Harkers Hall I am actively involved in two of the community based organizations. They are the youth club to which I play the integral role of secretary to both the cricket and football team. The other is the school's past students' association program to which I am the treasurer.
At home, I live with my mother who is strong and vibrant; my grandfather who is jovial and courageous; and my brother who is the adventurer of the family. In my spare time I enjoy taking photographs, watching scenery, reading, playing volleyball, swimming and tending to my garden because I have an addiction to plants.
In 1999 I graduated from St. Mary's College with seven CXC subjects. The following school year I moved on to the St. Catherine High School, where I did a two years sixth form course. From here I graduated with two GCE A' levels and two GCE O' level subjects. While at school I was the editor and photographer for the magazine committee, the treasurer for the peer counseling club and a member of the school's choir and environmental club.
After leaving school, I joined the National Youth Service. In this program I did voluntary work as a clerical administrative asst. at the primary school in my community for eight months after one month of boot camp training. Ever since I joined the NYS I wanted to go on their exchange program. Lucky for me my good work paid off and here I am a JAMNET participant.
I am really enjoying this experience. My IT skills have been improved, I have experienced another culture and I am apart of a group that is making a difference in the lives and communities that we touch.

Hobbies:
Taking photographs, watching scenery, reading, playing netball, swimming and tending to my garden.

Favorite Sayings:
“Mek mi si it nuh.”
“Yuh tink mi a beg yuh nutten.”

Favorite Songs:
“We've got Tonight” by Kenny Rogers
“Brown Eyes” by Destiny Child

Why did you join the program?
I wanted to travel, learn about different cultures and help to make a difference in people's lives through volunteering.

What did you achieve?
My IT skills have improved. I have experienced another culture and I am a part of a group that is making a difference in the lives and communities that we touch.

What was the funniest thing that happened on the program?
Going out in the snow in my bathing suit, although I was freezing to death. Smart, huh? The Canadians watched and were amused, but I was just having fun. Marlon got sick at Blue Marlin when we had Mid-project although he said that wasn't possible for him.

What are your future plans?
I plan to study Social Marketing in Mass Media and Communications at UWI or get a teaching diploma at Shortwood Teachers College. I also want to establish a Community Access Point (CAP site) in my community. It's my way of giving back to my community and sharing my IT knowledge from this program.

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