Official Yo! Magazine

Keeping up with Xenia: Carnival Queen, Author, Health Enthusiast!
(Photo by ; slightly edited by YO!)

Xenia Douglas is a vivacious 26-year-old, born and raised in the community of La Toc Castries. Growing up as the eldest child in her family of four, she watched her parents and family members scale their small business initiatives, yet still make time to be family oriented and make their health and fitness a priority. This attributed to her passion for business, healthy living and entrepreneurship, and propelled her to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, where she developed a love for Marketing & Communications during her studies.

After graduation during the pandemic, she found it difficult to obtain a stable 9-5 job amidst the uncertainty. This propelled Xenia to begin her own entrepreneurial endeavours, and she became popularly known as the founder and spokesperson of her blog, Thrive Alive – a health and wellness Instagram blog which teaches young people the importance of eating healthy, and how to successfully lose weight by adopting a plant-based lifestyle.

Xenia is also the co- founder and assistant florist of Bouquets and Beyond, a flower arrangement delivery service, and the co- founder of Listwa Publishing, an international book publishing service, for which she is now an author of what is described as the #1 Best Seller in Afro Caribbean & Latin American Literature on Amazon.

Outside of her entrepreneurial pursuits, Xenia can be found dancing her life away with the Silver Shadow Performing Arts Academy.

On July 7th, 2022, Xenia officially won the title of National Carnival Queen.

Since her win, she has obtained her Health Coaching certification in Health & Nutrition over the last six months and has decided to take the year off to work on a community level to promote the importance of eating for wellness and promoting the importance of developing better eating habits among Saint Lucians in a tangible way.

She has spent the last few months speaking in schools and community centres about health, wellness, and chronic diseases. She also now offers online group coaching through her Facebook and Instagram blogs, Alive (available on Instagram and Youtube) and is currently working on a plant-based weight loss programme to help women lose weight, which will be published in December.

She has also launched a video podcast called Xensations Conversations, in which she interviews young trailblazers from different industries, educating men and women on topics surrounding self-development. Xenia is also using her podcast to highlight young local entrepreneurs; individuals who are talented and that she believes need to be brought to the forefront.

Xenia is also the official Brand Ambassador for Bank of Saint Lucia.

Keep up with Xenia: Facebook - Xenia Douglas - National Carnival Queen, Instagram: , YouTube:

Setting Trends with ENE:
Emlin Nandy Emery

At 26, Emlin Nandy Emery is at the top of her game, and there’s no doubt in my mind that with time, she’ll only create bigger waves. The 26-year-old has been a fashion designer for nine years now, and according to her, it’s absolutely rewarding.

When she decided to pursue her love for fashion at her alma mater (the designer attended the Leon Hess Comprensive Secondary School), she never predicted that she would be in this position today.

But Emlin who’s now the owner of ENE (Emlin Nandy Emery) Fashion, intimated that it was fate. And, she noted, she couldn’t be luckier.

I interviewed the young entrepreneur back in 2016 not long after she’d opened her doors to the public. Emlin was full of hope and laughter, and she was certainly on the right track.
When I met up with the designer at her boutique last week, she eagerly provided me with an update and one thing was clear: A LOT had changed.

“In February it’ll be seven years since I’ve been here,” Emlin stated.

>> Starting a Business at LHCSS
Emlin’s ‘aha moment’ came when she saw an opportunity, (one that was rather alluring), and she knew she couldn’t miss it. She started working on her idea (one that quickly proved to be fruitful) shortly after.

“I started sewing because I wanted to attend an event. I always wanted to go to it (it was a popular teen’s event), but I couldn’t afford to get what I wanted. At the time, there was this top that had just come out and everybody was wearing it. It was shaped like a bow. One day I was like ‘let me see if I can make it’ because my mom had a machine at home, so I tried it. After I tried it, I went to the (event), and people started asking me where did I get it done. I started doing it for people for $10.00. They bought the cloth and I was only charging $10.00 to sew it,” the young designer stated.

Naturally, her business grew after.

“I was just leaving Hess to go to Sir Arthur when I started. I actually got the award for clothing and textiles when I graduated. I left Hess in 2013 and then after I did the tops for $10.00 I realized I could make a little money for myself and it just took off from there,” she said.

According to her before, “I used to do my little drawings in my book but at the time I never really thought there was any money in that (designing). When you look at people who are sewing, it’s always more mature people so it wasn’t something that I felt until I started seeing a little money coming in.”

>>Expanding ENE
When she opened her shop in 2016, Emlin only had a few items on her shelf. Today her business has grown considerably—she is now one of the most sought-after designers, and she couldn’t be more grateful.

“I was just opening so I had to put a lot of money into the shop. I was like ‘you know what, sometimes it’s better to open and then in time you can add little improvements as you go along’,” she said.
“Originally, I only had two (sewing) machines— I sewed at home and then when I came down to work in the morning I’d bring the clothes to the shop, but now I have three sets of machines so (that’s) six in all so I can sew in the shop. I also did other things; things I couldn’t do in the beginning, I was finally able to do,” Emlin added.

>>Always be Prepared
Whilst being self-employed is thrilling, it undoubtedly comes with many challenges, Emlin noted.
“When I just got the place there were so many expenses that I did not know about. Expenses always pop up. Recently my cameras went bad out of the blue and I had to (fix) it. Since I have been here for a while I learn to always have that emergency fund because you never know (what can happen). I have experienced coming down to work (only to discover) my glass was broken,” she said.

Further, she noted, it’s also important to save “because today you’ll see everything coming in and then the next month, you’ll just see it slowing down a bit. Also, always invest in your business.”

Whilst Emlin is immensely talented, according to her, her greatest strength is recreating clothing, something she’s mastered over the years. (She has four employees by the way).

“Just the fact that I can watch something and sit down and find a way to make it (is incredible). Although I could have done it in the beginning, it was not to the level that I can now. I have come a long way from when I started. For example, I can watch something on Fashionava and it would be easy to remake it,” the designer explained.

Despite this, Emlin noted, “I always try to be different.”

The future certainly looks bright for this young designer, and though she’s doing incredible things, make no mistake, as successful as she is, Emlin is only just getting started.

According to Emlin, she wants to own a clothing factory, amongst other things. And “maybe have one store in the north and one in the south.”

In the meantime, however, “there’s a factory that I partnered with so from December into the New Year I will be able to offer a wider variety of clothing.”

>>Want to Start Your Own Company?
For those who are interested in starting their own company, take it from Emlin: “be consistent and don’t give up. I know it’s easier said than done, but try your best to weather the storm and just be consistent; invest in yourself, invest in your brand and have faith in what you are doing. Put out a good product and stick to it.”
“Before I end, I just want to take the opportunity to thank all my customers because for me to have that amount of people supporting me every month, to be able to pay my bills and take care of the people that are around me, I’m really grateful,” she added.

Sylvanie Anatole: BSS’ La Wenn Kwéyòl

Babonneau Secondary School’s La Wenn Kwéyòl Pageant certainly stood out this year, and in our opinion, the pageant was amongst the best for 2022. The event was memorable in every way, and BSS clearly pulled out all the stops for the pageant, which made a comeback after being on pause for three years.

Although the event took place after Jounen Kwéyòl had ended, in no way did it seem like it came too late—in fact, it seemed like just the thing patrons needed: a moment to relish Jounen Kwéyòl once more—and they embraced it fully.

Amelia Duval, Kayla Mc Lawrence, Sylvanie Anatole, Ayla Alexander, Vivika Joseph, Markesha Charles, Farilla Cadette and Darla Dupres all participated in the event, and they (without a doubt) caught the attention of attendees.

The contestants appeared in various segments and thankfully they did not disappoint.
“We believe in keeping our culture alive and educating our students on our history as our past ultimately makes us who we are. We don't want our students to forget the way of life of their ancestors,” pageant coordinator Alice Medard told YO! in an interview, adding that BSS wants “to keep the creole culture alive.”
“Throughout the month of October the school had numerous creole activities: (a) creole speaking competition, (a) creole cookout (and a) creole fair; the La Wenn Kwéyòl Competition was the final activity,” she noted.
Whilst the La Wenn Kwéyòl Pageant “was on a pause for the last three years due to the pandemic, we were indeed delighted to bring back the pageant. Both teachers and students were eagerly anticipating the event. In the past we have had Wenn ek Wa Kwéyòl but this year none of our male students signed up for the pageant. We are hoping that next year the young men (will) join us and we can have (the) Wa aspect.”

Sylvanie Anatole captured the top spot at BSS’ La Wenn Kwéyòl event, and the news definitely came as a surprise to the teen who “didn’t expect” to win the pageant.
But it was a well-deserved victory for Sylvanie who was showered with support after she was declared winner. (There was only a one-point difference between the winner and the first runner up, however).
“Everything went well with very few hiccups. Overall, we think that the audience was pleased with the level of the production. I have been the coordinator of this pageant for the last 15 years; Miss Melissa Paul (another teacher) assisted me. We are indeed happy with the production,” Miss Medard said, adding that “we are keenly looking forward to next year's event.”
Further she stated, “we are thankful for our sponsors, Blue Waters and the Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries and Culture. The Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries and Culture sponsored our entire month of creole activities. Our gratitude is certainly extended to them.”

Babonneau Secondary School’s La Wenn Kwéyòl Pageant was held on Friday November 4th at the Babonneau Multipurpose Centre under the theme ‘bagay bagay ki fèt’.

Wéyòm Kwéyòl: BSS (Bocage Secondary School) Style

Genevieve Duval and Caiden Poleon have one more thing to be thankful for after winning their school’s Kwéyòl Pageant—a victory that came as no surprise as the two students stole the spotlight last week Friday at Bocage Secondary.

By the end of the last segment, it was clear that the two would walk away with the coveted Wéyòm Kwéyòl title and ultimately, they did just that.
The pageant was a fun-filled one, and though it was held on a small scale, the event is certainly worth talking about.

“Today was a jam-packed day, it was filled with activities. We started with assembly; we (also) had a live cook off (and it was by all accounts a success) and a Creole word game. We decided to end the day with a pageant,” Emmanuella Louis, teacher and member of the Jounen Kwéyòl committee told YO! in an interview.

According to her, “the pageant was aimed at giving the students exposure and trying to foster an appreciation for the Kwéyòl language and culture but in a modern (way). We recognize that culture is ever-evolving, and we wanted to (give) the students a chance to mix what they grew up with and what we grew up with—so a bit of the new and a bit of the old.”
Whilst some of the students were shy initially, the teacher noted that “it was amazing to see them be brave and come off and show their talent on stage.”

The contestants appeared in three segments: Introduction, Talent, and Interview. And though only a few students participated, the Wéyòm Kwéyòl pageant turned heads nonetheless. But it was Genevieve and Caiden who truly shined.

They were both confident and the latter certainly caught the attention of attendees in the talent segment where he perhaps was the strongest. He also shined in the first segment (the introduction) and received the full support of his peers.

Likewise, Genevieve seemed like a natural, and she caught the attention of the crowd instantly.

The students walked away with a handful of prizes and were in high spirits when the event ended.

SJC Goes All Out for “Miss Jennés Kwéyòl”

Alivia Providence walked away with the “Miss Jennés Kwéyòl” title Wednesday at the St Joseph’s Convent, and it was undoubtedly a well-deserved victory for the teen.

Although it was her second pageant, Alivia easily won the hearts of attendees. The 14-year-old went up against four other students (Mikalah O’Reily, Kayannah Fanus, Jalanie Jules and Tamara Constantine), however, this was no deterrent for Alivia, who “knew” she’d emerge victorious.

The pageant was a success. Students turned out in large numbers to support their peers, and participants were greeted with ear-piercing screams (a sure sign of devotion) whenever they graced the stage. The contestants appeared in various segments ( Kwéyòl
Wear, Interview and Drama amongst them), and they all performed heartily in an attempt to win the judges over. Each contestant had a strong command of the Kwéyòl language and that of course, certainly wowed the audience.

Though they all tried to capture the hearts of the judges, one girl stood out more than the others. Alivia was a cut above the rest.
“The competition was tough, but in the end I came out on top. My experience was a good one,” Alivia told us in an interview shortly after she’d won.

“I want to participate in more pageants. Also, I would really like to build the culture in my community. Our Queen of Culture is from Mon Repos and I’m from Mon Repos, so it just makes sense to build upon that legacy. I intend to do that by educating the little ones about the Creole dances, songs, etc. I also want to build groups,” she added.

SJC’s Kwéyòl pageant started many years ago.

According to the school’s principal, Sister Rufina Donat, “we were looking at something to develop culture and to bring that consciousness so we decided on the Jennés Kwéyòl show which has grown over the years.”

“When we just started, there were fewer children participating and coming to view but now we’re seeing a full house. During this month I think what helped was bringing about that awareness of our local culture. (We had) the Creole Spelling Bee, we played Creole songs before school and at lunch time, and I think all of this planning has made this day the success that it is,” Sister Rufina told YO! in an interview.

“I’m very happy with how it turned out. I think the children learned something new, whether it’s to spell a word or to name a Creole song or to learn a proverb or a phrase, and I’m happy with that. I’m just hoping that as we organize our Creole Heritage Club, that most students will see the need to be part of that club so that the culture doesn’t die and it will grow among the young people,” she added.

SJC’s “Jennés Kwéyòl” pageant was held under the theme “Mété Kò’w An Kilti-A”. And though there was only one winner, all of the girls were rewarded for their efforts. It was a lovely event and already many are looking forward to next year.

Results:
Best dressed: Jalanie Jules
Best interview: Kayannah Fanus
5th place: Mikalah O’Reily
4th place: Jalanie Jules
3rd place: Tamara Constantine
2nd place: Kayannah Fanus
Winner: Alivia Providence

Kwéyòl at SJC. More in Saturday’s YO!

Lovonne Mitchell: Mortician, Fashionista, Game Changer!

Although she spent most of her childhood in a funeral home, Lovonne Mitchell never predicted that she would follow in her father’s footsteps. But the latter perhaps, was inevitable.

As a child, she’d watch curiously as her father performed his duties, and when she was old enough, she joined the family business. Despite this, however, Lovonne always imagined that she’d work in an office—enjoying a regular nine-to-five, and never saw herself becoming a mortician.

But of course, life doesn’t always go as planned.

“I have a background in (business), I never saw myself doing this,” she revealed.

“My siblings and I spent a lot of time around my father when we were growing up. I can remember (him) dropping us off at school on the hearse. My childhood was very interesting,” she said in an interview with YO! last week.

Whilst growing up in a funeral home might seem unappealing to most and especially terrifying, Lovonne said for her it was a perfectly normal experience.

“I don’t have nightmares; I sleep well,” she assured me.

When she became a mortician at Crick’s Funeral Home, naturally, her life took an interesting turn. Some things came as a surprise, however. Others, she expected.

“It wasn’t what I liked when I started. At first it was just a job for me: you go to work, do a preparation (for a burial), and go home afterwards. After a while I started liking it. I think it has to do with the end result of a preparation. I like the fact that (I can help) people look peaceful. It gave me the drive and the push to stay at the funeral home and to carry on with my father’s legacy. He’s been doing this for over 30 years,” Lovonne said.

The 28-year-old started turning heads when she became a mortician and (eventually) a hearse driver. It was totally unexpected and naturally people were stunned. She’s also gained a strong presence on social media. Lovonne has 11,000 followers on Instagram alone, and that number, no doubt, will increase in the future.

Her love for fashion also caught the eye of many. Whilst Lovonne makes the job look glamorous (she often wears fashionable pantsuits), make no mistake, she takes her job seriously.

“I love my job especially reconstructing. I get to bring people’s faces back to what it was prior to an accident, and for me, it’s like helping families during their grieving process. (It’s) my strength,” the young mortician said.

The process is not easy, however.

“Most times when bodies (cannot) be viewed, I work with it, and I try my best to get it back to what it once was. It may not be exactly the same, especially when there’s decomposition, but I try my best to get persons back to how they were looking,” she said.

“At first I started off by doing preparation of the dead where you bathe, towel dry and dress the dead. Upon doing so we (would) do facial enhancement. In due time I learnt how to reconstruct. I learned these skills with the help of my father and my cousin, but I took advantage of it and I mastered it. I also did an introduction to mortuary science (with Wayne State University),” Lovonne added.

Further, she noted, “there’s a lot of work (that comes) with this field. Sometimes I go to pick up bodies with my father. I also coordinate and direct the burial process. We do a lot.”
3
She loves her job, however, and most importantly, it keeps her in check. Being a mortician is sobering, Lovonne admitted, and naturally, it changed her life entirely.

“This job has humbled me very much and it has taught me to appreciate life a lot more. I’m a totally different person now. Being in this field has changed (me) a lot. A lot of things people might dwell on, I don’t. I also don’t hold grudges and I accept everybody for who they are. I don’t judge people,” Lovonne stated.

“There are so many young people being buried every time and it’s sad. A lot of them die because of violence and most of them leave babies behind. We have so many children growing up without fathers, it’s really sad. Sudden deaths make you appreciate life more,” she said.

“The saddest part of my job is having to prep the youth. Half of these people didn’t even get to experience life and it is unfortunate,” Lovonne added.

She’s thankful that she can make funerals a celebration of life, however.

“I don’t want it to be about sorrow,” the young mortician said.

Lovonne has been in the field for almost nine years now. She’s hoping to inspire women everywhere and she wants women to know that the field is not for men only.

“My main motive is to empower women. For years I’ve watched funeral services and not once have I seen a female coordinator or a female driver. You’d get the females in the office and the men in the morgue or the lab. I just want people to know that career is not for males only,” she said.

“The point I’m trying to make is, if I can do it, they (women) can do it too,” Lovonne added.

One of six children, Lovonne is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Marconi International University. The young mortician hopes to become a certified funeral director amongst other things.

Here’s her advice to those who want to follow in her footsteps:

“This field is very interesting, but you have to be prepared mentally. It’s very important in this field. Remember you’re seeing a different dead person every day, not everybody can grasp that. Some people think they can do it, but it’s very challenging, especially if you’re somebody that remembers faces, so you need to be prepared. And of course, you’ll need some form of experience; you can start off by working in a funeral home. It’s very interesting and you learn a lot. Every day is a different experience,” Lovonne said. —Story by R. Marvlin

Benjamin Alexander: Breaking Barriers

>> Losing His Job: A Blessing in Disguise

When Benjamin Alexander lost his job a few years ago, it turned out to be a blessing. Now, he’s the Chief Executive Officer of Optimum Solutions, (an air conditioning and refrigeration company), and according to him, the journey has been nothing short of rewarding.

“I’m a very determined individual. Anything I want I’ll work to achieve,” he said.

Benjamin grew up in a humble household, and as a result, most times, he received the things he needed, not the things he wanted. As a child, Benjamin envisioned a successful future for himself, and as soon as he was old enough, he devised a plan.

“I always knew I wanted my own business and as a child I saw myself working for whatever I wanted,” he said.

“When I was younger I used to rake people’s yards—I scrubbed as well, just so I could make a little dollar for myself. I used to wash people’s vehicles—I did that a lot, especially for my cousins. I’ve never been someone who just sits around expecting to get everything and I appreciate my father being hard on us because that drove us a lot,” Benjamin added.

>> Working in College: How it Benefitted Him

When he started attending the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC), Benjamin’s future certainly looked promising. He started working whilst he was at the college and naturally, he benefitted from the experience.

“I started working with my cousin. Anytime I didn’t have class I’d go to work and when class finished early, I’d (join) him. We worked on ACs. Honestly, me going to school and working at the same time helped me because I was literally doing what I was being taught,” Benjamin said.

“I studied electrical installation at Sir Arthur; electrical work and air conditioning kind of goes hand in hand. I developed an interest (in the latter) when I started working with my cousin, but I always knew I was a hands on person. I worked with him for about two-three years and then I branched off on my own,” he added.

According to him, it’s the best decision he’s ever made. Some things, he could not predict, however.

“I didn’t know I would start a business at 19 or 20,” Benjamin stated.

And although the company is growing (it’s located in Corinth), building it from the ground up certainly wasn’t easy. It’s especially difficult when you’re a youngster, the entrepreneur noted.

>> Young but Able

“The age factor is one of the biggest challenges. When people invest $100,00.00 in equipment, they need to know that they can trust you. I believe if you’re doing something and you’re comfortable, you’re not doing it (right), so I made myself uncomfortable. I went to different people, I (marketed) myself, and I made my work speak for me. At 19, I was already going to meetings and facing ‘the big boys’,” he informed me.

Whilst it was intimidating, Benjamin knew he would succeed eventually. According to him, God has always been on his side.

“My age is a challenge, but it’s not going to stop me. I’m happy that a lot of people around me are seeing that I’m legit. I take my work seriously,” the 24-year-old said.

Further, he added, “I pray a lot and God has helped me (tremendously). I also have a praying mother. Honestly, I get most of my work through customers telling other individuals about me because I try my best to maintain a standard.”

Founded in 2018, Optimum Cooling no doubt (the company specializes in the maintenance and repairs of air conditioning systems), stands out in an already crowded industry. But the company is different, Benjamin noted.

“We’re very efficient and we work with our customers and try our best to (meet their budget). We’re punctual, we communicate with our clients, our work is very neat, and we have good customer service,” he said.

And he intimated, his customers are his first priority.

Benjamin has a small team and according to him, they are all talented. Most of them are young.

“We want to show people that young people can (excel) too,” he said.

Young, ambitious, and determined, Benjamin Alexander, is certainly your “go-to” guy. A resident of Cacoa, Babonneau, he’s aiming for nothing but the best, and the best is certainly not out of his reach.

“I want to be known as someone you can depend on. Someone you can hire, turn your back on, and know that Optimum Cooling will take care of you no matter what,” Benjamin said towards the end of the interview.

His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

“Stop (procrastinating). Don’t say ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’, do it now. That’s one of the lessons I’ve learned: to never take anything for granted. Also, always be observant and communicate with others, and when you do something, do it from the heart, because you’ll do it better. Lastly, just be yourself. Don’t try to be someone else,” he said. – Story by R. Marvlin


For more info visit optimumcoolingslu.com
Tel: 287-6558, 572 6558
Instagram: Optimum Cooling Saint Lucia
Facebook: Optimum Cooling

Female mortician in the house!

Sam Eudovicque: Soaring to New Heights
Story by: R. Marvlin

Sam Eudovicque caught my attention when he appeared in The VOICE earlier this year. After learning that he’d topped a French University in Guadeloupe, my curiosity was certainly piqued, and when I met him in Castries almost a month and a half later (the timing was fortuitous), I was grateful.

I approached him shortly after I spotted him and I expressed my desire instantly. I wanted to share his story with our readers—I had to, and thankfully Sam accepted my offer. There was no hesitation.

“Little Black Boy” with a Dream:
Four days later we met again and this time we spoke extensively. I learned quite a bit about Sam during the interview, who, by the way, is “just a normal little black boy from the community of Boguis.”

He was confident and affable but I wasn’t surprised. When I first met him, he greeted me with a huge smile.

“I’m a youth advocate and educator at heart,” he told me, adding, “I nurture, mentor, and inspire young people.”

“My passion for languages landed me the job of a foreign language teacher in Saint Lucia and as of late I (was) promoted to the (role of) teacher assigned to the counsellor at the Patricia D. James Secondary School (formerly Vide Bouteille Secondary School), because of my rapport with the students and how I relate to them,” he said.

When he was younger, Sam knew he wanted to become a teacher. It was his calling and somehow, he felt it.

“I knew I wanted to become a teacher from (the time I was in) primary school. The mere fact that I was always being called upon to look (after) the class when “Miss” was gone, or to take on leadership positions which was something I enjoyed. When I went to St Mary’s College (SMC), I wanted to be part of the prefect body so I knew I had to do something where I was leading or managing people,” he said.

“While growing up, my involvement in youth activities with the National Youth Council, Red Cross, and the Boguis Football Club meant managing young people,” Sam added.

He developed a love for foreign languages at SMC and when he discovered it, Sam knew he had to pursue it wholeheartedly.

“When I entered the classroom and I heard my teacher speak French and I heard the Spanish I was like ‘wow I want to be this person’ and that’s how it started,” the 28-year-old revealed.
“My teachers Miss Fevrier (at the time and later) Miss Alexander (she was also Miss Calderon) inspired me. Also, someone who (plays) a pivotal role in my development right now (is) the Curriculum Officer for Languages Leonard Robinson,” he said.

Winning Streak: The Recipient of Many Awards:

When Sam graduated from SMC, he walked away with a number of awards. That was expected. When he went to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC), naturally, he did the same.

“I (received) the award for French and Spanish at the end of 2013 and after A-Level I started teaching at the Patricia D. James Secondary School, and from there when I realized that teaching was “it”, I decided to go to Teacher’s College in 2016. When I finished that programme in 2018, I graduated with numerous awards so there was the Professionalism Award, an Award for Contribution to School Life and the Teaching Practicum Award,” Sam stated.

He was also the valedictorian. Sam continued to climb the success ladder and his goals got bigger.

Sam is determined to leave an indelible mark on the lives of his students and it’s safe to say that he’s halfway there.

Touching the Lives of His Students:
“Sam was promoted to the role of teacher assigned to the counseller after several students had experienced an emotional breakthrough during his first Health and Family Life Education class at the Patricia D. James School,” an article from The VOICE read in part.

It was a great victory for him and one for his students too. (When he started teaching he was only 18 years old). He also spent a lot of time with his students outside of the classroom and drew closer to them as a result.

“I decided to interact with them outside the classroom environment so during lunchtime I would sit and talk to them. I also played football and volleyball with them. After school I stayed back with them as well and I gave them extra lessons free of charge,” he said.
Although he’s currently teaching at the Patricia D. James Secondary School, Sam (hopefully) will be leaving the school soon to further his studies.

According to him, “I left last year to study, finished my first year, came back, and I’m waiting to go back to my second year once I get my visa to go to the UK for Cambridge. Then I will return to Guadeloupe to finish my Bachelor’s.”

Making Waves at University (An Incredible Honour) + Making His Country Proud:
“Financial constraints forced him to forgo his university acceptance” in 2018, the article from The VOICE stated. Fortunately, in 2021, Sam was accepted by the Université des Antilles (University of the French Antilles) in Guadeloupe to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Foreign Languages.

“During a year of in-person and virtual classes for 15 courses, COVID-19 restrictions, early curfews, late nights, managing daily learning experiences through the use of three languages, political unrest (and) constant faith, Sam set a new academic record. He attained the highest average ever achieved in his programme in his year and throughout the entire university (both in Guadeloupe and in Martinique): 17.42 out of 20,” the article read in part.

Further, the article stated, Sam had previously applied for an International Mobility Programme that would allow him to spend one semester abroad at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom and the University of Las Palmas in Spain respectively in his second year. The jury, however, upon discovering his outstanding performance, decided that there was only one choice for Sam: to be sent to the University of Cambridge for an entire year.

The latter is undoubtedly a great honour. Cambridge as Sam puts it, is the “crème de la crème” (the best of the best) and “I was lost for words (when) I received the call.”

Sam made it clear that his success would not be possible without Jesus Christ his Lord and Saviour.

“It’s not me, it’s not my teachers, it is God and it’s through Him I’ve been able to reach this far. My goal now is to remain faithful to Him and trust Him and continue serving Him,” he told me.

He also expressed his gratitude to those who assisted him on his journey.

“Government helped immensely and various family members and sponsors around the island also helped me so I’m really thankful for their assistance. (I’m grateful for) all the persons who prayed for me, who assisted financially, spiritually and even emotionally,” Sam stated.

He discussed his aspirations towards the end of the interview.

“When I was promoted to the assistant counsellor position, I realized that the education system here needs many more listeners (not) dictators or teachers and so I’m aspiring to become a counsellor. I’m going to do Child Psychology as my Master’s (so I can) become a clinical psychologist and open a safe space for young persons. Just a space where children can come in and express themselves, have mentors they can talk to and persons who can listen to them,” he said.

As for why he’s so passionate about helping others? It’s simple.

“Because I’ve been helped all my life,” Sam said.