Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

This week we feature 'Young Professional' Rekeela S. Turnbull

Rekeela S. Turnbull is the proud mother of a 1-year-old and a Business Executive at HireBVI. Photo: Provided
Rekeela S. Turnbull recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, concentration English, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). Photo: Provided
Rekeela S. Turnbull recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, concentration English, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). Photo: Provided
Our Young Professional this week, Rekeela S. Turnbull aspires to be an Elementary School Teacher in the future.
Our Young Professional this week, Rekeela S. Turnbull aspires to be an Elementary School Teacher in the future.
Rekeela S. Turnbull, 21, a mother of a beautiful 1-year-old girl, is this week’s Young Professional.

Rekeela is a resident of Greenland on the main island of Tortola in the Virgin Islands (VI). She is the third of four children to Reginald and Ermine Turnbull

Our Young Professional is a strong believer that “one is in control of their destiny.” Rekeela recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, concentration English, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and is currently employed as a Business Executive at HireBVI, which operates as the BVI's job board and employment agency.

What she enjoys most about working at HireBVI is her daily interaction with jobseekers and employers alike. Assisting her clients and meeting their requirements provide much joy and satisfaction.

Goals

Rekeela’s biggest life lesson was using the building blocks that were thrown at her to build a strong foundation and a remarkable future. This future sees her persuing her lifelong goal of becoming an elementary teacher in her homeland, the Virgin Islands.

Another mantra that Rekeela holds is, “I aspire, to inspire”, a quote she borrowed from her elder sister Rekeema. As such, she hopes to be a positive influence and role model to the younger generation through innovative teaching mechanisms.

In the past, she was a teacher assistant at four different public schools throughout the territory.

Education

Rekeela S. Turnbull graduated from the Althea Scatliffe Primary School in 2008 and the Elmore Stoutt High School in 2013, both with Grade I Certificates.

Holding fast to her dream, Rekeela later attended the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) from which she graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education, Cum Laude, in 2016. While studying at the said institution, this determined young professional was the Vice President of the Teacher Education Club and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honour Society.

Rekeela then furthered her studies at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and was awarded the St Thomas-St John Federation of Teachers plaque for accumulating the highest grade point average as an Education Major. She was enrolled in the Golden Key Honour Society.

What keeps her focused and balanced

Rekeela was quick to admit that what keeps her focused is her daughter. Everything she does is for her. Over the years, she has been working hard on the life she wanted. When her daughter was born, she was the extra push for Rekeela to be successful. “The picture I’m painting is to help my daughter understand and recognise that despite the unforeseen circumstances life may throw at her, giving up on her goals and aspirations should never be an option. Keep pushing, the sun must shine again.”

‘All work and no play’ would make this Young Professional ‘dull’ so Rekeela ensures to add in some time in her schedule to relax and have fun. She enjoys writing creative stories, going to the beach, spending quality time with family and friends, researching.

Reflections

Looking back at this past year Rekeela explained that Hurricane Irma was nothing like anyone imagined! She shared her experience with us, explaining that her bathroom was the safest place after water invaded, and the doors, windows and other valuables blew out. Despite it all, she is grateful that many of us made it out alive and can now share similar stories.

She noted that she was able to cope with the aftermath of Irma, due to the strong mindset, support and resilience from her family and the community as a whole. She also admitted she was concerned about her tertiary education, whether it would be on halt, after observing the destruction of the US Virgin Islands. Thankfully, she was back in the classroom by October 2017 (a month after Irma and Maria).

Advice

Rekeela’s advice to the younger generation, or people in general is: "you are in full control of your destiny. Stop making excuses and start doing. I will repeat, stop making excuses, and start doing. Avoid setting goals and aspirations if you have no intentions to fulfill them. Keep your eyes on the prize and watch as your destiny unfolds before you."

5 Responses to “This week we feature 'Young Professional' Rekeela S. Turnbull”

  • Gumption. Official (13/07/2018, 08:06) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    As a past young professional I’d like to say congratulations on this article. It was indeed a nice early Friday morning read. It seems to me that your head is on and you’re ready to take on the challenges of the world. Instead of complaining your actually trying ways and methods to get it to work. It seems those ways or methods are working well for you. You’re the perfect example especially for those your age or older than you that have a child/children. The advice you give to both young or old are real life advice. Our community applaud You for your efforts and conditions you’ve made so far. I ask the Lord to keep you and guild your every step. That’s for being a real life superwoman in many ways. Thanks for not being (1) more lose ratchet woman in the place. Many should pick a page of 8 from your book. I purely wish you well...
  • Nice (13/07/2018, 09:17) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Such a nice young lady.
  • Inspiring (13/07/2018, 09:59) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    This article is very inspiring. A young lady with positive goals. Be encouraged and continue to soar Rekeela. Parents Ermin and Reggie, take a bow. Much love
    • blessings (13/07/2018, 13:36) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Congrats young lady!!!
      With God help you did it !!!
      Keep shining
  • Greatness (13/07/2018, 15:32) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rekeela has always proven herself from as early as Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary. I’m happy that she has an interest in the best profession; for I know, she’ll do great things!


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.