Keryn Nelson, a Saint Lucian and recent graduate of Ming Chuan University, had spontaneously decided to sign up for the OECS YES program after coming across a friend’s post on Facebook.
Four years ago the Saint Lucian along with ten others boarded a flight headed out of their home country, their final destination; Taiwan.At the time, Keryn had just begun investing in her then interests; film and music.
By the end of her tenor at MCU, while her interests remained in film and film production the knowledge acquired throughout the four year journey not only expanded her views on the possible contributions she could make but also on the tools she came to have at her disposal. These tools she hoped would make her an asset to such initiatives like OECS (YES) in order to help organizations reach their objectives.
Not only this, but the focus on Youth Empowerment was a major incentive. According to Keryn, we have witnessed several transformations in the way operations take place in the world. “To be a young person in these times means that much of our success would come from an active effort on the individual’s part, as well as continuous investments in our own talents and capabilities. Independent thinkers, initiators and the resourceful can pull themselves out of anything and can establish themselves in any environment. Caribbean youth are resilient and naturally stand out for good reason anywhere in the world, particularly in academic settings. It’s important to convey such messages to young people, reinforcing that they have the tools inside them to be shining lights for themselves, those around them and the world at large.”
Therefore, having Youth Empowerment at the core of the program made the opportunity impossible for Keryn to ignore and she is glad she did not. In her words, “the program has been one of enlightenment regarding issues affecting young people and inspiring initiatives undergone by young persons across the region. It has also provided substantial evidence that young people are willing to work together to make positive changes throughout the Eastern Caribbean.”
