Youth in Focus: St. Kitts
Cindelle De Costa
By Claudia Liburd
Nevis Reporter - SKNVibes.com
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Cindelle De Costa
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(St. Augustine, Trinidad) --- “Education is essential since the implementation of the CSME young people need to make themselves more qualified to acquire jobs in a more competitive market.”
These were the words of 23 year-old Cindelle De Costa originally from Upper Cayon St. Kitts but who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in the field of Accounting at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine campus during a brief interview with SKNVibes.com.
Ms. De Costa attended the Cayon High School graduating in 2001 and she then went on to pursue her studies at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College from 2001-2003. After leaving school she worked at the TDC Group of Companies first as a Sales Clerk in the Business Equipment Department and after seven months she was transferred to the Accounts Department as an Accounts Clerk.
“I was motivated to enter such a field as from the time I was small I liked dealing with figures and counting money and I personally find Accounting to be an interesting profession. I learnt a lot while I was at TDC and actually I am still currently employed by TDC and I am on study leave”, she said.
With regards to her experience at UWI, Ms. De Costa described it as being ‘an eye opener’ to the reality of life.~~Adz:Right~~
"So far it has been interesting and an eye opener as I have met new people from many places. However, it has taught me to fend for myself as I grew up with my mommy. So far my classes have been going well. Most of my lecturers are fairly interesting and concerned about us as students and they are very approachable”, she said.
However, she explained that while her convoy to Trinidad came with several setbacks, she finds support in fellow Kittitian students.
“I came to Trinidad on the 23rd of August and when I got here I was so anxious to go back home as getting to the airport was a bad experience. I had missing luggage and I found that the people working for LIAT were very unpleasant and rude.
“Nonetheless, there are three of my friends from St. Kitts who are staying on hall so that has made it more comfortable living here as one is my roommate. So far living on my own has been a bit frightening as I am constantly reminded of the crime in the area so I am constantly looking back hoping and praying that nothing will happen to me. But in terms of finding my way around, cooking and cleaning I found these things to be fairly easy”, she said.
Conclusively, Ms. De Costa offered words of wisdom for other young women out there who are desirous of pursuing studies.
“I would encourage other young women to further their education because since the implementation of the CSME they need to make themselves more qualified to acquire jobs as there is now a more competitive market. Also, it is important to enable them to become more independent so that they can become leaders in society and role models for upcoming children”, she said.
Ms. De Costa is presently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in the field of Accounting. She initially did a year of study in St. Kitts in Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College at the Level One Program and after her tenure at UWI is completed she plans to advance her studies by becoming a part of the chartered board of accounting specializing in the financial aspect of accounting and becoming CPA Certified Professional Accountant.
