“After hitting the books, I hit the beach…”
Charming and witty are the words to describe 18-year-old Damien Berlouis, winner of the President’s Cup at the recent graduation ceremony for last year’s cohort of students from the Seychelles Institute of Technology.
One of four siblings and the eldest of two sons, Damien began his primary education at La Rosière School. Later, he moved to Belonie secondary followed by the Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT) where he secured the President’s cup.
“The topics were fun to study but were a little hard at first,” Damien said.
“Everything is compulsory the first year,” he said, referring to the SIT’s foundation year.
“I wanted to be an architect but was also interested in quantity surveying. So I studied both design and measurement. You need everything really for what I want to do.”
Damien said he chose those subjects as the third was mechanics.
“I am really quite terrible at mathematics,” he said laughing.
“Although I did take up physics and chemistry at secondary level and back then I wanted to become a pilot.”
This all changed however.
“My parents had a big influence on me and now that I think about it, my dad was the one who got me interested in architecture,” he acknowledged.
“We were building another house and dad took it as his little side project and occasionally on Sundays I’d help out. I guess that’s what got me really interested.”
Damien said his father’s friends were also in that line of work and were partly responsible for his final career choice. He remembers them always being around, voicing their opinions on architecture and engineering.
“It sounded quite interesting and I pretty much made up my mind there and then on which path my future career would take,” he said.
He also decided he would need to shape up in terms of studying if he wanted to get to where he wanted.
“My mother was constantly badgering me to study and both my parents were very strict when it came to my lessons,” Damien said smiling.
“For that I say thank you.”
Just as Damien studied hard to get to where he is now, he also made time for socialising.
“After hitting the books, I hit the beach,” he said chuckling.
As he lives barely three minutes away from the beach, it has become his favourite ‘hang-out’.
“I enjoy surfing or just hanging out with friends at the beach. Maybe a barbecue here and there. I consider myself a great socialite,” he said grinning.
Damien also enjoys sports a great deal.
“I used to play rugby and I enjoy watching football now and then,” he said.
When recalling his days at SIT, Damien said:
“I think everyone would agree that we had the best time the first term. It was a lot of fun.”
At home Damien enjoys cooking and when he can, helps with the chores around the house.
“I’ve even learned to iron my own clothes courtesy of my mum,” he said laughing.
“I really think she’s trying to make us more independent but is struggling in that department.
Damien said he is looking forward to attending university in the future and hopes that he will be just as successful there as he was at SIT.
Source: Seychelles Nation
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