At only 17, Aaliyah F. Imran is a rising force- well-spoken, committed, an academic force, and already on the path to shape the future she has planned for herself. Photo: Aaliyah F. Imran

Aaliyah F. Imran is participating in the BVI Finance Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme. She was chosen by MKS Law for her internship. Photo: Aaliyah F. Imran

Born on Tortola in 2008, she migrated to the United States of America at just 7 or 8 years of age for school, returning briefly before leaving for the United Kingdom (UK) at 12, recently finishing college there.

She also credits living in the VI, US and UK for shaping the person she is today. “I feel like I could walk into any room, anywhere, and be able to communicate and get along with others. I feel like it has made me an open person, not closed in a shell…It has just widened my knowledge on how to socialise with people and to accept people.”

The opportunity to attend school in both the US and the UK, she added, also contributed to her early academic successes. “I do feel like that was an extra boost for me. I [also] feel like [I], as an individual, could do what I do in any environment.”

I didn’t miss out on anything

Having graduated from high school just shy of turning 16, Aaliyah will begin studies at Birmingham City University in the UK.

When asked to give her view on the conversation surrounding the effects on childhood those who go through school quicker than their peers, she expressed having no regrets. 

“I honestly don't think I miss out on anything. I feel like you're doing the work now for a better ending in the long run. I don't feel like there's [anything] to miss out on because we're still young. So it's not like I'm trapping myself at home; I'm not going out with my friends, I'm doing school 24-7. I have a regular life… I feel like I'm being pushed forward.”

She also said her academic journey was not challenging. “I pick up things so fast, and I learn fast; but I would say I did have difficulties with exams and studying and making time. But I just kept at it, and I kept going.”

Aaliyah is looking forward to being a young law school graduate at 20 or 21. “I’m going to be early in my legal work. I’m going to start off early.”

It’s important to have balance

While a proven academic, Aaliyah shared that it is important to strike a balance. In today’s world, she said, young people are becoming overwhelmed and stressed with school, leading to dropouts, as they deal with their personal issues and family life in addition to academic stress. 

That balance, she explained, is important to help stay above water.

“I love fashion; that’s Aaliyah for sure. I love makeup, socialising, meeting new people, and I also love taking adventures…hiking, canoeing, jet skiing…I love being on the water.”

Mom’s resilience inspires me 

She credits her mom, who calls her “miracle baby”, for being by her side, adding that her support kept her going the many times she wanted to break. “She has always told me that I was destined to go far and achieve great things. During her pregnancy and my birth, she experienced a life-threatening complication where both of us could have lost our lives…That experience is the reason my middle name is Faith. It serves as a constant reminder to keep believing, even during life's most difficult moments.”

According to Aaliyah, it is her mother’s resilience that inspires her to keep pushing forward, staying hopeful and never giving up on her dreams in the face of challenges or setbacks. 

While raised by a single mother, Aaliyah said her father has consistently supported her. 

Continue to pray & never give up

Aaliyah’s advice to other young people is to pray continuously, follow their dreams and put in the work. 

“Nothing's really going to get added to you nowadays in the world that we're growing up in. You have to put in the work, and you have to believe in God and trust God.”

She further encouraged her peers to always remember where they came from, letting their setbacks and struggles serve as motivation and not discouragement. 

“Some of us have to work twice as much for half of what others have. The privileges I have gotten today have come from many sacrifices from my parents and me. I still did well when all odds were against me. This is just the beginning.”

Aaliyah is participating in the BVI Finance Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme. She was chosen by MKS Law for her internship. 

She explained that this internship aligns with her goals of becoming a Barrister in the future, after which she plans sees herself becoming travelled lawyer, representing her country across the globe. She also aspires to bring financial stability to her family, especially her mother, in the future.