After my graduation, I was a bum for about 5 months. But I got tired of the idle times and wanted to focus and have a career in everywhere possible. I really wanted to enhance and practice what I have been learning from school. It was in the late October of 2005, I have decided to apply for the position of Information Analyst to a conversion process company. And lucky did I passed the exams and interviews. But somehow, I felt reluctant on some things and some guidelines of the company. One of it is the dress code. Prior to the signing of contract, the Human Resource manager warned me about my dreadlocks.

I reasoned out and ask as to why the company won't allow me of having my dreadlocks in spite of making it neat as possible but needless to say, I didn't get a good answer. But due to financial reason, I have come across the conclusion that I really have to cut it in spite of being downtrodden and having a heavy heart. It was in November 2005, a month after I signed my contract, its still fresh in my mind how I cut my 3 yrs old dreadies in exchange of my employment. I feel pity for myself and annoyed likewise. I am very much angry how other people are stereotyping at times. But I am the one who wants the job so I reckoned and let the feeling of bitterness pass by.

Day by day, months after months, years after years, I feel envious to other dreadhead in the place. But I painstakingly said to myself that one day, these dreads on my mind will flow positively and the people will know the truth behind those false assumptions about dreadlocks. Lucky did I have the chance to talk to the HR manager again. But because we do know each other for quite sometime due to company band competitions and stuff, and because I'm in a band playing ska reggae music, I have gotten the chance to talk to him about the dread thing again and let him know and understand that its not merrily a hairstyle but a lifestyle stolen from my whole being.

Then the right time has come. Its been 4 solid years of wanting and urging of having my dreads, and now I am in so much thankful that they (my company) have let me do and wear my dreadlocks. The agony of waiting has paid off. Its been an awesome 6 months of having my dreads done now.

Lessons learned: Patience is a virtue. Know, Stand and Fight for your right.

Having my dreadlocks is not just about a hairstyle but its about a lifestyle. A lifestyle of positiveness creating a positive outlook on life. How about you, what do you think are the reasons why your getting your locks? Anyhow, I salute to all thecourageous bredrens and sistrens of this wonderfull site! Much love and respect. Jah bless InI

I have been raised up by a musician father. From the moment on that I had my first grip of a drumstick, I knew in my heart that I belong to a certain group where drumming is an integral part of existence. I've been playing different kinds of music but I have grown up to love reggae music for the profoundness of its lyrics, its rhythm, vocalization and its skanky style.

The lyrics may vary from a never ending love story, blatant socio-politcal issues, marijuana legalization and decriminalization, of course, but what caught my ears most is the spiritual message that lies within that reggae beat. This is where I started to question my faith and as to what lies behind those spiritual realms. I started to dig in deep and overstand how and what reggae music all means, and for that, I am being led to research on its roots. Reggae and Rasta Belief goes well together. With every positive vibrations that I hear through that kind of music, I have come to overstand and accept that Rasta is not about a religion nor it is a religion but it is a Way of Life. A simple kind of life where equality is essential, wombmen's and childrens rights are important and most of all, the love of nature and the love of Jah dwells well together.

I am in so much love and joy to express how I trully feel on the way my life is leading me. Thanks to Jah the most High for enlighten up my mind and my life! Bless InI Irie Highs!