Shea O. S. Alexander, who is a proud product of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre in Virgin Gorda, is currently an intern/professional cadet at the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs. Photo: Provided

Shea O. S. Alexander graduated as the top student of the territory at the National School Leaving Examinations in 2013. Here he is seen delivering his address as Valedictorian at the graduation ceremony of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre on July 4, 2013. Photo: VINO/File

Shea O. S. Alexander, who this year graduated with an Associate’s Degree (Summa Cum Laude) in General Studies with a concentration on Humanities at HLSCC, related that he is very excited about going back to studies. Photo: VINO/File

Since then this bright mind has done his stint at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and is now savouring his maiden experience in the world of work...before he pushes off again to higher academic pursuits.

Intern/Professional Cadet

Shea, who is a proud product of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre in Virgin Gorda, is currently an intern/professional cadet at the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs.

“That is a bit of a funny situation right now because I was actually assigned here through the Government Apprenticeship Programme for a summer job back in July,” Shea remarked, adding that he then requested an extension and the Director was kind enough to assist him in that regard.

“Working at the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs has been a most wonderful experience for me. I work closely with my colleagues to achieve various objectives. When I first came I moved around a bit in the field but right now I kind of assist the Director as well as others and perform whatever tasks I am assigned.”

Our young professional admitted he is not where he envisaged he would be but said he enjoys working there and if he was to go back in time he would have not chosen differently.

Shea dreams of being a business owner.

“I do enjoy working in the field of tourism and could see myself working at the BVI Tourist Board or working in the hotel industry as well as online marketing,” Shea said of other work options.

In the meantime, however, this bright mind plans to further his studies in the United Kingdom and has hopes of doing that next year.

He intends to read for a General Social Sciences Degree. “This is something that I can use to branch off into different areas, like Marketing, Psychology or Economics.”

Shea, who this year graduated with an Associate’s Degree (Summa Cum Laude) in General Studies with a concentration on Humanities at HLSCC, related that he is very excited about going back to studies.

Attitude of gratitude

Our young professional had much gratitude to his parents, who he said have been incredibly supportive of him. “More than just telling me that I have done a good job, they offer advice and counsel that are really valuable due to their experience in both the field of academics and work.”

Shea also highlighted how important it has been for him to have his "wider O'neal family."

"They have been for me role models, confidants and protectors when it would seem that everyone else was against whatever I tried to do. And they are the ones to whom I believe I can attribute all of my best qualities."

An active member of the Virgin Gorda Seventh-day Adventist Church, Shea his church has fashioned him into being a confident individual and with the ability to work with others.

“Spiritually, I believe God has played an important role in my life because I try not to do anything without his guidance, and where things have not been going where I initially intended I realise that I just have to sit back and let him do the work. It always works out better than I imagined,” Shea testified.

The young man related that he also has a knack for designing of clothing and homes and “may consider it on the side” in the future.

Motto & Advice

Asked what might be his motto to keep him focussed, Shea shyly responded that his motto might sound a bit “juvenile” because it has been with him for quite a while. “It stuck with me from the Stars Wars film and it came from the character Yoda. It says ‘Do or do not. There is no try.’”

Academically, this seems to be working well for Shea O. S. Alexander and he hopes this same mindset would bring him success as a professional.

As for his advice to youth, Shea expressed his good fortune of being blessed with a number of persons who have been very supportive to him, “from when I was younger and even now.” This he believes is critical in a world that can dish out a lot of negativity.

“Find someone who you can look up to because it is not necessarily a personal journey. I believe you do need someone to emulate, who you can talk to. Sasha Flax, she literally counts as my cousin but she is more than that. She offers great support and wise counsel whenever I need it.”

Despite this advice, Shea believes one should be their own best friend as well.

Shea’s vision for the VI

Meanwhile, Shea shared that one of the things he would like to see happen in the VI is a “more opening of the possibilities” for more young people to become creative business owners.

“Working at Trade Department has allowed me to see the many business ideas that are tossed around and I would love to be a major influence to see more young Virgin Islanders take hold of these ideas and turn them into reality.”

Virgin Islands News Online wishes our young professional Mr Shea O. S. Alexander continued success in both his studies and profession.