Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine January 2018 | Page 237

they were able to repeat, verbatim, what I had just
taught them. I feel that if we incorporate mental
health into our Health & Family Life curriculum as
early as in Primary School, that will do wonders in
making mental health much easier to talk about,
and lessen the stigma associated with it.
I am hoping to plan a mental health fair in 2018 as
well as continue to go to various schools and speak
about mental health. I believe this is even more
important after the passage of Hurricane Maria.
About where she sees herself 20 years
from now
20 years from now I see myself as someone making
a positive difference in this world, specifically, on
my island Dominica. As a developing country, I see
that we are teeming with potential. I hope to be a
Chief Financial Officer and be an active participant
of a Mental Health Association that improves the
quality of life of the mentally ill.
About young ladies who may be a bit
timid about pursuing their passion
I say to them, emphatically, "Pursue your Dreams".
You will never know your full potential unless
you try. I had many naysayers who discouraged
me and even laughed at me. Instead of listening
to them, I listened to those who encouraged me
by highlighting my positive attributes and being
patient with me as I practiced. I would tell them that
absolutely nothing in life comes easy. I had to work
extremely hard in order to win my crown. My body
ached from exercising, I was exhausted from
walking, talent and speech practices. I had to deal
with unkind people who said many negative and
hurtful things, but I took their negative words and
used it as fuel to work even harder. Also, I would
emphasize the need for a support system. None of
my success would be possible without the support
of my team, community of Gutter Village, my NCCU
coworkers, family and friends. It is necessary to have
people who will urge you on when you feel like
giving up.