Up Close … with Valerie Gabrielle, Polytechnic graduate and President’s Cup winner
‘Never give up on what you want’
Her charming personality was immediately apparent when we met. Sitting on a ledge outside of the Pension Fund office, wearing a sunny yellow top and a bright smile, Valerie Gabrielle was the picture of confidence.
Winner of the President’s Cup at the recent Seychelles Polytechnic graduation ceremony,
“I really was expecting the cup to go to another student from our year,” she said.
“It was only when they mentioned an international trip for peer educators at the Youth Centre that I had a strong feeling they were talking about me.”
The President’s Cup has been a long-standing tradition in Seychelles’ academic circles and is considered one of the most prestigious awards of its kind.
That said, it is no easy feat to be considered for the award as there are certain requirements and criteria attached to the cup. Valerie passed them with flying colours.
Seychelles Polytechnic director Joan Amade said Valerie was among the top 10% of students who did well academically. She was also commended for her behaviour, attendance, punctuality, interaction and overall attitude towards her peers and lecturers.
Another important criterion is a student’s involvement in extracurricular activities at the polytechnic, national and international level -- three areas in which Valerie excelled. She took part in the polytechnic sports and open days as well as national competitions and a forum in Kenya, to name a few.
Valerie also took part in volleyball, athletics, the Creole Festival and the Subios competitions at secondary level. She was an active member of the Polytechnic student committee of which she was appointed chairperson.
A resident of Anse des Genets and the second of four children, Valerie is the only girl among her siblings, and she sometimes finds herself taking over the role of “second mother” to her younger brothers.
“On most days mum works from 8 to 10pm so it is up to me to cook, babysit and clean the house,” she said with a sigh.
Valerie admits she grouses a lot more than she should.
“But I get over it just as quick,” she said giggling.
Valerie began working with Pension Fund in 2009 while on attachment. Later, because of her performance, punctuality and display of responsibility, they called her back to work there on a part-time basis. Now that she has completed her studies at the Seychelles Polytechnic, Valerie works there full time.
“This is my first job,” she told Nation. “I really want to be an accounts assistant but I need all the experience and confidence this job can offer me, so I’m sticking with it until then.”
Valerie’s secondary years were spent at Pointe Larue school where her favourite subject was English – a far cry from her chosen field in accounting.
“I couldn’t stand the sciences,” she said with a laugh.
“However, one of my teachers, ‘Miss’ Rosemary changed my opinions on that.”
Valerie remembers being continuously pushed to study until finally she understood somewhat the ins and outs of science.
“It’s still not my favourite,” she said with a smile. “But at least now it’s tolerable.”
Valerie studied office management at the Seychelles Polytechnic and remembers it being tough. Her first choice however was to become a social worker and study at the National Institute of Health and Social Studies.
“Unfortunately, when the final job availability list was released, social work wasn’t on offer,” she said.
“I don’t regret it though. Even if the course was a bit tough, I always had the encouragement from my mum to keep pushing.”
Her mother, Daniella Chang-Time, wasn’t the only person cheering on the sidelines, however. Valerie remembers a lot of difficulties trying to get where she is now and the many people who have helped her along her path.
“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the help of my secondary teachers, ‘Miss’ Rosemary Auguste and ‘Sir’ Franky,” she admitted. “At post secondary level, it was ‘Miss’ Lisbie Denis and ‘Miss’ Gentille.”
In the future, Valerie hopes she will get the opportunity to attend an international course in accounting.
“I am currently saving as I want to take up some local courses offered at the Seychelles Institute of Management first,” she let on. “I want to move forward – not stay in the same place”.
As all teenagers do, Valerie also had a fairly active social life; although, not in the exact same way as most would assume.
Valerie enjoys socialising with different people from different age groups. She rarely, if ever, goes out with friends. She is active on the district committee and dedicates most of her time to the monthly activities hosted for the youth in the district.
“I thought twice about going out most of the time,” she said.
“I knew that if I started partying hard, I would eventually forget about studying all together and focus on merely having fun; so I simply made the decision to stick to my studies and that was that.”
Valerie mostly keeps to herself and passes her free time at home with a good book or listening to her favourite music.
“There are many substance-related incidents in and around the area,” she said.
“I would much rather stay indoors than get influenced.”
Valerie enjoys community work and wishes she could dedicate more time to the poor and downtrodden of our society; which is why Angelina Jolie is her biggest inspiration.
Jolie, a popular actress and the Global Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, is in charge of many charities and funds for people who need help around the world.
“I wish I could be more like her,” said Valerie.
Many students out there are just like Valerie – striving for success no matter what; and her advice to all those who would like to eventually be the best person they can be and achieve their goals is to persevere.
“Never give up on what you want,” she said. “Once you have set your target, go for it! Even if there seems to be hurdles in your way, do not let anything or anybody discourage you. With perseverance, you will eventually get where you want to go.”
When asked how she felt about Valerie’s achievements, her mother said:
“If Valerie won the cup, she definitely deserved it. She worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices. She has made me very proud.”
By Rebecca Chang-Tave
Source: Seychelles Nation
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