Interview with Alicia G. of Caribbean-American Paths Magazine

Caribbean-American Paths Magazine (CAPM):In what country were you born? 

IH: I was born to Anguillan parents and raised in Anguilla (British West Indies) but born in U.S territory.

CAPM: Why did you migrate to the United States?

IH: I moved to the U.S after graduating from high school, in order to further my education.

CAPM: Tell us about your educational background.

IH: I received my foundational education in Anguilla (Preschool, Primary School and High school); I graduated from the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive High School in Anguilla. I then moved to the U.S and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics at the University of the District of Columbia, Washington D.C.

CAPM: So tell us about your path since moving to the U.S.


IH: I am a student and an entrepreneur. I have one semester of college left to complete and so I am currently focusing on areas that I would love to work in. Presently, I am working on research projects spearheaded by local dietitians, as well as the American Heart Association and United States Department of Agriculture.

However, although I am constantly flipping the pages of science books, I could not leave my love for art and craft behind. Therefore, I channel my creative energy towards designing jewelry.

The path that I am on now was definitely destined to be; I am doing things that I love to do and things that define who I am. I know that growing up in Anguilla and having a mother who loves herbal medicines/healing influenced my career choice. I was also reminded that nutrition and food science is something that I’m passionate about when I covered the topic ‘digestion’ in high school in an Integrated Science class; I can remember it like it was just yesterday.

Before I knew what a career path was, I knew that I loved the arts and craft; and being born into a family of artists and artisans allowed me to develop certain skills. I started designing jewelry in 2005 after my first trip to an Arts & Craft supply store, and the rest is history. As of today I have taken part in a number of successful fashion shows, photo shoots, and projects.

CAPM: That is just so impressive! So then what would you say are your most significant achievements to date?

IH: My most significant achievement to this date is being able to maintain my academic status of a High Honors Student while successfully creating and promoting my jewelry designs.

CAPM: Congratulations! Share with us some of the challenges you faced in your journey along your path?

IH: I have experienced a number of challenges and diversions along the way that occurred for the greater good. I have encountered people who are simply not supportive of my achievements, but I am also grateful to have enough genuine support to keep me motivated. There have been many times when my peers have tried to encourage me to change my major from Dietary Nutrition to something else that would generate a larger income.

In addition, one of my greatest challenges is being far away from my family and things and places that I love. There are definitely times when I wake up and I’m tempted to get on the next plane to Anguilla.

CAPM: I’m sure that many of our readers can empathize. But what’s great is that you keep moving towards your goals nonetheless, and that’s an inspiration.  So what advice would you give to someone else wanting to get into the same or a similar profession?

IH: Whatever profession you are interested in, be interested because you are passionate about it. Be sure that it is something that YOU will love to do. You can only give it your all when you are passionate about it and only then will you be successful.

CAPM: Great advice indeed! Any other general advice?

IH: My mother always told me to “love myself because no one else can do it for me.” It is so important to understand and love ourselves and be our own best friend before pursuing anything or anyone.

CAPM: Amen! Do you have a favorite quote?

IH: “Never regret anything you’ve done, because nothing is lost but much is gained through an experience.”

CAPM: Who or what would you say has inspired you to keep pursuing your dreams?

IH: Both my parents as well as experiences have inspired me in many ways and continue to motivate me, but at the end of the day I am the only one who can decide whether to keep pushing on or to give up.

CAPM: Do you have a website, blog or business information that you’d like to share with readers?

IH:Yes indeed. When it comes to jewelry designing I can be found at: http://nanichi.weebly.com/. My ModelMayhem number is: 1979598.  http://www.modelmayhem.com/1979598. Facebook Fan Page: Nanichi. Twitter: @Nanichijewelry. E-mail: empressdesignz@yahoo.com. In addition, I recently started a nutrition website where I will be recording my journeys and sharing information: http://anhannutrition.weebly.com/.

CAPM: Would you be willing to serve as a mentor to another Caribbean-born person seeking to come to the U.S. to pursue his/her path?

IH: I would be honored to serve as a mentor to another.


Source:  http://www.caribbeanamericanpaths.com/archives/1257 

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