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

Our Young Professional this week, Rekeela S. Turnbull aspires to be an Elementary School Teacher in the future.

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."