The love for poetry motivated the author to compose this book entitled Reflections. I have been a trained graduate teacher and principal at the primary school level for over thirty-five years, and there were times when poems were composed for patriotic programs during our independence and graduation celebrations. Furthermore, assistance was provided to children in the church when they performed at various functions. As a graduate of the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Cave Hill, Barbados, with a bachelor's degree in educational administration (upper second-class honors), I felt joy in witness the pleasure and learning experienced by children and adults as performances were done. One of the highlights experienced with students was when our school won in all three categories of an elocution competition for the twenty-fifth anniversary of our nation's independence celebration. It is hoped that this anthology would motivate persons to appreciate and write poems on any topic or issue.
About the Author: Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean is the island of Nevis on which Mrs. Ermileta M. Jeffers-Elliott was born. Her formal education began at the Combermere All Age School after which she then advanced to the Charlestown Secondary School. Upon completion of her secondary education and having great admiration for teachers, she embarked on a career in the teaching profession in 1977. She pursued a two year course at the St. Kitts-Nevis Teachers Training College (now the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College from 1982-1984. In addition, Mrs. Elliott pursued and successfully completed a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Administration (honors) at the University of the West Indies (UWI) - Cave Hill Campus, Barbados 1998 - 2000. Having spent twenty six years as a classroom teacher, Mrs. Elliott also served as Head Teacher for nine years, 2003 - 2012 and Education Officer from 2012 - 2016 in Nevis. Her love, passion and enthusiasm for poetry prompted her to write this anthology. She has assisted in training many students to enter elocution and other poetry competitions. One of the many highlights which Mrs. Elliott recalls as Head Teacher was when her team assisted students in being victorious in all three categories of an elocution competition to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Independence in Nevis for Primary School students in 2008. It is hoped that those who read will be motivated to encourage others to use the art form of poetry more to convey their thoughts and observations in order to inspire others.