Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation 
Dear Gen Y,
November has officially wrapped up and has ushered in the cool breeze of the holiday season. While we sip more bush tea to steady the suddenly chilly nights and prepare for the festivities by stringing yards of Christmas lights over porches and rooftops, there’s no better time to pause and reflect on the year gone by.
We know we’ve been emphasizing “growth” a lot lately—but that’s because it matters.
2026 is almost here, and every activity, achievement, great moment, and not-so-great moment deserves a moment of reflection. This isn’t just for creating New Year’s resolutions—it’s for charting the course of the future you truly want.
One area that often gets overlooked is reputational damage.
In this social media age, anything can go viral in minutes, and we all know negative news spreads the fastest.
Doesn’t it sometimes feel like fewer and fewer people care about reputation?
Between the questionable Instagram videos and TikTok virals, not much thought seems to be given to the R-word in the pursuit of popularity. But dear friends, we’re here to remind you that keeping a good reputation is not old-fashioned. It is still extremely relevant—and here’s why:
A good reputation is indeed better than gold.
These days, many people are on the money chase. It’s all about being as rich as your favorite celebrity or rap star. But money isn’t everything. Reputation matters. You can chase the bag all you want and you might even get it—but remember: wealth without integrity is fragile, and a strong reputation can open doors that money alone can’t.
Who you are now is not who you’ll always be.
Youth is a major experimental phase. You may feel sure about who you are or where you’re heading, but trust me—time, experiences, and life’s lessons can shape you in ways you don’t expect. A good reputation protects you from being judged too harshly for the missteps you’ll eventually outgrow.
It builds trust and respect.
When you’re known for honesty, responsibility, and consistency, people feel safe depending on you. Trust like that lasts a lifetime—and it becomes part of your personal brand.
It follows you everywhere, like a shadow.
In a world where social media never forgets, your actions stay visible. A good reputation helps you avoid unnecessary barriers later—whether in school, careers, business, or relationships.
So the next time you’re tempted to “go viral,” pause for a second.
Life is so much more than likes and follows. Every post, every choice, every moment is shaping who you are becoming.
Guard your name.
It is one of the most valuable things you’ll ever own.
Written by: Dilma Bastien
For: Generation Y Dominica
Generation Y Dominica 