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This week we feature Young Professional Derrick R. Varlack Jr

One major challenge Derrick said he faced is the fact that his mother is incarcerated, adding it is something he had to overcome; it made him stronger and independent. (Photo of Mr. Varlack in the Cockpit of a plane) Photo: Provided
Derrick Varlack Jnr has been a Pilot for the last 4 years and is currently employeed with US Airways. Photo: Provided
Derrick Varlack Jnr has been a Pilot for the last 4 years and is currently employeed with US Airways. Photo: Provided
Mr. Varlack encourages the youth to stay focused and aim for what they want, just like what he did. Photo: Provided
Mr. Varlack encourages the youth to stay focused and aim for what they want, just like what he did. Photo: Provided
By Javon Liburd

With something as simple as a dream, anything is possible. Having a passion for flying aircrafts encouraged our Young Professional to go for his dream; with focus, determination and hard work he has now become a successful and accomplished Pilot.
Virgin Islands News Online is proud to present son of the soil and proud Virgin Islander Derrick R. Varlack Jnr.
 
Mr. Varlack, who is currently employed with US Airways, has been a pilot for 4 years. 

His love for flying developed from his early lessons at age eleven at the local Flight School, Clair Aero Inc. (currently VI Airlink), where he dreamt of flying planes ever since. This encouraged him to attend the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach Florida, where he received his Bachelors of Science in Aeronautical Science in 2008. He enrolled at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 2005.

Prior to his Degree, he attended the Alexandrina Maduro Primary School and graduated in 1999. He then advanced to the BVI High School, where he was a part of the graduating class of 2004 and was Mr 5th Form 2004.

He also served as Assistant Bank Manager at Bank of America in Daytona Beach Florida from 2006-2008.

Our Young Professional tells us, that prior to his lessons at Clair Aero he was afraid of flying, but because of his lessons and training at such a young age, he fell in love with it and knew that it was something he wanted to keep on doing.

“I love everything about flying, it is my passion. I love the control, and being the one that many depend on… I love the fact that my day to day job is never the same, and I can never repeat the same day twice.”

Mr. Varlack told this news site, that even though he has his dream job, there are always challenges. He stated that there were a few challenges in becoming a pilot but he overcame them; such as the schedule he has to abide by; added to the fact that he lives in North Carolina, away from his family that lives in the Virgin Islands.

“I don’t see them as much as I would love to, that is an everyday challenge, being so far away.”

Another major challenge, he brought to our attention is the fact that his mom is currently incarcerated.

Former Financial Controller of the BVI Tourist Board, Verna Maduro, who was incarcerated on July 14, 2011, is the mother of our Young Professional.

Regarding the imprisonment of his mother, he stated that “it is one of those obstacles I had to overcome; it made me stronger and a lot more independent. It pretty much forced me to grow up.”

He added that his mom was the one who kept him sane and helped him through everything he has been through to be the person he is today.

Looking back at his accomplishments and challenges he added that there is nothing he would change, everything is a piece that makes up the puzzle.

Other than work, Mr. Varlack enjoys traveling, bowling, skating and reading.

According to Mr. Varlack, being a pilot is very important and plays a huge role in society where you are able to take people from point A to point B.

“One of the things I love about my job is the opportunity to build social relationships, both with your fellow crewmenbers and passengers alike."

He encourages young Virgin Islanders to stay focused and aim for their dreams and for whatever they want to be. He advises the youth to take him as an example. He stuck with his dream and passion and is now a certified pilot.

20 Responses to “This week we feature Young Professional Derrick R. Varlack Jr”

  • Virgin Gorda (17/08/2012, 07:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is such a telling story...We are proud of you Derrick....keep reaching for the stars
  • the rock (17/08/2012, 08:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations sir!
  • EASTender (17/08/2012, 08:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nice! keep striving.
  • Nice (17/08/2012, 09:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Didn't know VI Airlink offers flying lessons. Good going young man! Congrats!
  • qc (17/08/2012, 09:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    what a compelling story another good pick VINO I have always admired this young man!
  • ddb (17/08/2012, 09:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wonderful....just WONDERFUL!!! Congrats...
  • BuhDeh (17/08/2012, 10:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Impressive!
  • BVIslander (17/08/2012, 10:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats! Derrick. Only God know the future and indeed every piece of the puzzle forms the pattern. Keep reaching, keep aiming and continue keep a smile on your mother's face and make her proud.
  • own (17/08/2012, 11:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    see we have local pilots so its time to start our own local airline....kudos derrick the bvi is proud.
  • Celia R. Georges (17/08/2012, 11:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Deryck, you are an inspiration! Your hard work and personal sacrifice have paid off! I'm deliciously proud of you.
  • john brown (17/08/2012, 12:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    anothor great pick vino, i really look forward to these articles.....BAM
  • cousin (17/08/2012, 13:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hey cous, we are so proud of you!
  • look (17/08/2012, 14:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    he looks like Derrick Valack - his father.
    • stupes (17/08/2012, 15:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      duh!!!!!!!! who you want him to look like,,, your father???
    • tortola girl (18/08/2012, 11:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      for real he look like his dad because that is his dad's child. derrick I am proud of you, it has inspired me to fly planes just like you
  • Sherry (17/08/2012, 15:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Watch it now not my lil bro making the papers im proud of u bro I no we both miss mom she surely is 1 of those mothers ain't nobody can begin 2 feel the pain we feel without mom I miss both of u. I love u can't wait 2 see u again muah
  • JJ (18/08/2012, 02:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is good news our people can do well all over the world...keep up the good works D..hope I get a flight soon....
  • Friday (18/08/2012, 16:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    "He encourages young Virgin Islanders to stay focused and aim for their dreams and for whatever they want to be"..this is good advise and I trust that all young people reading this will take notes....
  • best (18/08/2012, 23:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lord, Derrick mehson you doing big things..all the best with your career buddy?


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