Former Miss SVG urges students to follow their dreams

No matter one’s circumstances, big dreams are never out of reach once you believe.

This was the message given to the female student population of the West St George Secondary School by former Miss SVG, Nikianna Williams.

A section of the persons in attendance during the International Woman’s Day celebration at the West St George Secondary School

“You now live in a world where women have numerous opportunities but more still needs to be done by young women and girls like you leading the way. It will not be easy nor will it be quick but if women before you made such progress, you can  too. Someone is counting on you,” Williams said at the school’s International Women’s Day celebrations.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 each year and celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women but the school staged its programme one day later, on March 9.

This year, celebrations were held under the theme, #BreaktheBias.

Williams, who was crowned Miss SVG 2016, generated some exciting responses from the auditorium packed with students as she began her address with various photos of successful Vincentian women across several fields.

“The question is, what will you do with your freedom? A fun fact is the women you just saw were a lot like you at your age…” she told them.
The former national queen also told her story of wanting to make a significant contribution to society, despite her economic challenges that stemmed from growing up in a single parent home.

Today, she can boast being the first from her entire family to attend university and the first from her community to be crowned Miss SVG.

“Your current situation does not have to be your final destination. Believe in your dreams. Follow your dreams. Live your dreams.

One day your parents, teachers, community, country and of course, me, will get to acknowledge, applaud and celebrate your contribution to society,” Williams told the young girls.

The West St George Secondary School’s IWD celebrations also featured remarks from education officials and Dr Resa Noel-McBarnett, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Tourism.

Tuesday’s programme also included skilled vocal performances by some of the school’s students and motivational videos.

Some students also appeared in a video where they reflected on the women who have made significant impact in their lives. This video presentation was a part of the school’s special session on Tuesday morning which also featured addresses from education officials and successful women in Vincentian society.