Alison Hinds to girls: "Chase Your Dreams, Put in Work"
November 14, 2024
Soca legend Dr. Alison Hinds urged about four dozen girls and young women Wednesday to chase their dreams in any form and be prepared to face opposition with dignity and strength. She was speaking at a special empowerment session co-sponsored by USM.
Hinds, one of the most prolific soca performers in history, offered reassurance to a crowd of mostly secondary school students and some others during Hinds' visit to St. Maarten this week. She shared with the girls that she had for many years struggled with self-esteem and identity, growing up as a brown girl in England and had to develop her voice through sustained effort and practice.
Tourism Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten welcomed Hinds to the session, which organizers designed to be engaging and interactive, and told the girls they would benefit from Hinds' message and from supporting each other as growing women. "We, as women, are the nurturers and the caretakers," she said.
USM Dean of Academic Affairs commended the crowd for attending, reaffirming the university's commitment to supporting and nurturing talented youth in both academics and arts. "I'm an avid fan of dual paths of development, so that no one suffers," she said, lamenting the case that often gifted performers must make tough decisions between getting degrees or honing their crafts.
Hinds expressed pride in the girls for their deciding to attend and told them they must be willing to endure some struggle to achieve their loftiest ambitions.
"You can't be afraid to put in that work," Hinds said, underscoring the importance of facing challenges in a male-dominated society with poise, grace and dedication.
The event was a collaboration between USM, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and Essence and Mind Foundation.
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Tourism Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten welcomed Hinds to the session, which organizers designed to be engaging and interactive, and told the girls they would benefit from Hinds' message and from supporting each other as growing women. "We, as women, are the nurturers and the caretakers," she said.
USM Dean of Academic Affairs commended the crowd for attending, reaffirming the university's commitment to supporting and nurturing talented youth in both academics and arts. "I'm an avid fan of dual paths of development, so that no one suffers," she said, lamenting the case that often gifted performers must make tough decisions between getting degrees or honing their crafts.
Hinds expressed pride in the girls for their deciding to attend and told them they must be willing to endure some struggle to achieve their loftiest ambitions.
"You can't be afraid to put in that work," Hinds said, underscoring the importance of facing challenges in a male-dominated society with poise, grace and dedication.
The event was a collaboration between USM, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and Essence and Mind Foundation.
Latest News →
