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]]>Moving from dependence to independence; taking responsibility for your own choices; stepping into adulthood and exploring your identity, values and goals – these all serve as a rite of passage from one stage of life to another.
So, how do you build your tribe while maintaining your individual standards? How do you hold yourself accountable while expanding your horizons?
Fitzgerald Williams, founder and psychotherapist at Masc, which offers counselling for men by men, shared advice on the top things to look out for and how to establish your own space.
“College might be your first taste of real freedom, no rules, no one watching,” Mr Williams said.
“It can be exciting, but also scary. Real independence isn’t about saying yes to everything, it’s about figuring out who you are and having the confidence and sometimes courage to choose what’s right for you.”
He warned that navigating this new freedom and friends can be challenging.
“It comes with pressure for acceptance and fitting into the group or maybe even saying yes to things you’re not ordinarily comfortable with,” he said.
Here are Mr Williams’s practical tips to help you navigate and protect yourself:
Your boundaries come from your values and comfort level and not based on what everyone else is doing. Knowing your limits allows you to stick to them.
Here are a few casual options:
* “No, I’m good.”
* “That’s not really my thing or I’m not really feeling that.”
* “I’m calling it a night.”
* “I’ll pass, but let’s catch up later.”
* Check in with yourself. Do I feel safe? Do I feel respected?
* Give yourself an exit time. Deciding ahead of time when you’re leaving the event makes it easier to make an exit. You can always stay longer if you choose.
* Go with someone you trust. A friend who shares your vibe makes all the difference.
* Take a break if needed. Get some air if it becomes too much.
* You’re allowed to leave any situation that doesn’t feel right.
If you find yourself comparing:
* Take a break from scrolling.
* Mute accounts that make you feel “less than.”
* Remember you’re still building your life, that takes time.
* Focus on what’s happening in your real life, not someone else’s posts.
* Ask yourself: is this inspiring me, or making me feel behind?
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]]>You know where to find all your favourite spots, from The Terrace on a Friday night, to John Smith’s Bay and the Railway Trail on a Saturday, to your Nana’s house and Yo Cherry on a Sunday.
But while the jump from our 21 square miles to a big university city is incredibly exciting – so many places to explore, people to meet and adventures to be enjoyed – it can also feel a little intimidating for the islander accustomed to their home comforts.
Here’s our guide to getting out of your campus and embracing your wider surroundings.
Walk with your eyes open and ears peeled
The best way to get a feel for a city – the culture, the history, the vibe and those quirky hidden gems – is on foot.
This is how you’ll find your first café with its friendly staff and homecooked scones and hazelnut latte, or the bar that serves flatbread pizza for under $5 before 6pm.
Just as importantly, you’ll get a sense of the place you’ll be living for the next three or four years.
You’ve got to ditch the earbuds, though. Listen instead to the sounds of the city: the traffic, the birds, the winds, the people with their local dialects. Look out for the small details: the architecture, the nature, the alleyways, the stores that sell artwork, toys, books or weird things like Ouija boards.
Silent walking, as it’s known, is also proven to reduce stress, gives your brain a chance to wander, and opens the door to interactions with strangers – and who knows where that might lead.
Take a bus tour
Many universities or colleges host free bus tours or orientations around their cities during Freshers’ Week.
These are perfect for gaining a quick grasp of the main places you need to know: theatres, restaurants, historic sites, parks and libraries.
They’re also an excellent way to meet people who, like you, are getting to grips with life in a strange city.
Use technology
Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the basics, it’s time to get more specific.
With your cell phone in your hand, you can research where you want to go and get there without fuss.
Websites like TripAdvisor will suggest spots to visit; Google Maps will help you get there – far easier than the student from yesteryear scrambling about with a tourist guidebook and fold-out map blowing in the wind.
If the technology fails, don’t be afraid to stop a passerby. Cities are full of friendly people just waiting to be asked for directions.
Organise a group trip
You know the drill when somebody finds out you’re from Bermuda: yes, I do go to the beach, and yes, sometimes I wear Bermuda shorts, and no, I’ve never got lost in the Bermuda Triangle.
Break that tedium with your roommates by dragging them along for an exploration trip.
It will give you something to talk about other than that what it’s like living on a tropical island. Plus, trying out some of the coffee bars and pubs together will help seal the deal on those early friendships.
Say yes (most of the time)
If one of your fellow freshers wants a buddy to explore the mall, say yes, even if you hate shopping.
If the person down the corridor is organising an outing to the pottery class on the other side of town, say yes, even if you prefer to buy your mugs, not make them.
If the hiking club president hands you a flyer about a walk over the hills at 6am next Saturday morning, say yes, even if you don’t own a proper pair of boots.
If your roommate invites you to The Red Lion to take advantage of the Red Bull double vodka special offer every evening from Monday to Sunday … just say yes on the Friday – even if you’ve got a hiking trip at 6am on Saturday that you don’t want to go to either.
Sometimes, life is about opening your mind and going to places you don’t fancy. Allow yourself to be surprised. You might just like it.
You don’t have to forget about home
Homesickness is all part of the deal when you go to college or university.
Of course, it’s not just your favourite Bermuda places that you’ll miss: it’s the people, no matter how irritating they were when you actually lived with them.
Remember it’s OK to feel homesick. Make video calls a part of your routine. It’s nice to catch up on what’s happening in Bermuda, but even better to share what’s going on in your new world.
And embrace your environment. Even a trip to the local supermarket can take your mind off your anxiety and focus on something practical instead, like what shapes of pasta you’re going to cook tonight.
Take your time
You don’t have to become an expert in the first week.
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]]>The post Beyond the books appeared first on RG Magazines.
]]>This is what the Royal Bermuda Regiment, in collaboration with Bermuda College, offers through a unique scholarship programme.
The blend of academic learning and challenging military training aims to preparing recipients for success in every spectrum of life.
Major Dwight Robinson, the Regiment’s career management officer, said: “This scholarship is primarily targeted toward physically and mentally robust young adults — high school leavers, college students and emerging professionals — looking to develop their cognitive and intellectual capabilities.”
He said ideal candidates were those who were service-minded and able to “thrive in team environments, value discipline and accountability, and driven by meaningful challenges”.
More than just tuition
Catering to Bermuda nationals aged 18 to 25, with a minimum GPA of 2.50, the scholarship offers full tuition for up to two years at Bermuda College.
But the real catch? Recipients engage in a three-year and two-month term of paid, part-time military service, with about 45 training days annually.
“This is about shaping well-rounded leaders who are ready for anything,” said Major Robinson, highlighting the programme’s focus on holistic development.
The commitment moulds scholarship recipients into individuals who are service-minded and driven by solving challenges.
However, he warned that applicants anticipating an easy journey should adjust their expectations. “Expect to be tested, physically and mentally,” he said. Yet, there will be plenty of support available for those willing to push through.
Major Robinson said the scholarship emphasised mental wellness, resilience and critical thinking, preparing scholars for the inevitable challenges of life.
Critical thinking and leadership skills
“Beyond the base military skills and primary subject area learning, recipients will develop critical thinking capabilities being able to execute in high pressure environments, manage time and resources, and adapt and communicate effectively,” Major Robinson said.
The scholars hone skills in “peer leadership, receiving constructive feedback and team operations”, all of which are critical to any leadership role.
The Major emphasised the rigour of training.
“Applicants should expect to be supported through those tests,” he explained.
“The environment demands focus when all around is chaotic, and growth is only achieved through some measure of discomfort.”
This structured yet supportive setup ensures that each scholar learns from every challenge, turning potential stress into a stepping stone for success.
Dual pathway to success
The scholarship aims to integrate academic pursuits with practical military training, ensuring that growth in one supports the other.
“The Regiment provides opportunities for real-life practice of leadership that complements classroom learning, enhancing critical thinking, time management, and decision-making,” Major Robinson said.
The aim is to prepare young Bermudians not just for personal success but for a life of meaningful contributions to their community and nation.
“The Regiment provides structure, mentorship and a close-knit team environment that enhances a student’s sense of belonging and purpose while they pursue higher education,” he explained.
“In turn, students bring fresh perspectives, intellectual rigour and evolving professional skills back into the Regiment.
“This reciprocal relationship builds confident, capable leaders whose academic and service experiences mutually strengthen one another from the very start of their careers.”
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]]>That makes the Bermuda Ministry of Education’s scholarship and awards programme vital as it aims to ensure that Bermudian students – regardless of background, pathway or stage of life – have the financial support to pursue higher education locally and overseas.
The ministry said the comprehensive suite of scholarships, for which applications are now open, reflects its continued commitment to expanding access to post-secondary education, promoting equity and supporting Bermuda’s national workforce priorities.
Government Senator Crystal Caesar, the Minister of Education, said the programme “reflects our unwavering belief that education transforms lives. These awards are an investment in our people and in Bermuda’s future”.
Scholarships and awards
Aside from the named categories, the ministry last year gave to Bermudian students an additional 55 further education awards.
In total, the ministry’s scholarship and awards committee in 2025 awarded $1.77 million to support the further education of 71 students.
More than 500 students sought financial help.
The ministry website at www.moed.bm includes guides with details to help candidates to apply for each individual scholarship and award, as well as details on the documents required to apply for a scholarship or award.
Applicants are advised to carefully review scholarships and awards guides for eligibility and application requirements.
To be considered, applicants must follow the application instructions and ensure that their application is complete and submitted by the deadline.
Applications must be submitted on www.bermudascholarships.com.
Direct any queries to the Ministry of Education at [email protected].
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]]>The post Honouring a trailblazer appeared first on RG Magazines.
]]>Originally, the scholarship was intended for students studying the arts.
“I don’t think many people knew that Dame Jennifer loved to paint,” shared Malika Cartwright, director of the Department.
Now, however, the criteria has changed and is instead awarded to a Bermudian student who has demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential and commitment to public service and community engagement.
“We felt that was a good change for the legacy that Dame Jennifer has had,” Ms Cartwright continued. “As we start to realign our scholarships, we wanted to make sure that there was some sort of connection with people and the funding.”
In her experience, when you connect awards such as scholarships to a name or legacy, it gives the recipients more ownership and pride.
Dame Jennifer enjoyed a glittering political career, during which she led the Progressive Labour Party to its historic first General Election victory in 1998.
Ms Cartwright even has her own connection to Dame Jennifer, having worked with her when she was a Minister.
“For me, personally, it was amazing to see such a strong woman in a leadership role in the community and I definitely appreciated seeing what was possible through her, as a woman and as a leader,” she said.
“Also, to know that you don’t have to be one dimensional in your leadership, or even in what you do. She definitely showed that you can have many talents and interests and still be an amazing leader.”
Like all Workforce Development scholarships, the Dame Jennifer Smith Scholarship is worth $10,000 a year until graduation, and successful scholars must prove they are maintaining their grades in order to keep the scholarship.
The Department checks in with their scholars regularly and if the students are worried about their grades, they offer support to help to get them back on track.
“We are here not just to give you money, but to make sure that you’re successful and part of that success is ensuring that we’re supporting you through your journey in school and then as you enter the workforce when you graduate,” assured Ms Cartwright.
Another transition the DWD has made to all its scholarships is to prioritise applicants studying for careers that are needed in Bermuda. This includes healthcare, hospitality, finance, accounting or a trade such as engineering.
“Those persons who are genuinely looking to come back to Bermuda and utilise their degree and what they’ve learned, to contribute to Bermuda’s economy,” she said.
For the Dame Jennifer Smith scholarship specifically, Ms Cartwright said the committee are looking for students who, like the scholarship’s namesake, demonstrate leadership qualities and are community-focused. To a certain extent, these qualities can be more important than grades.
A grade B student, for example who works hard in school, but also volunteers and is involved in their community, is likely to stand out more than a grade A student who is only focused on their studies and nothing outside of school.
Financial need is also an important consideration: “I don’t believe finances should ever be a reason why someone cannot go to school, to learn,” she emphasised.
“There are many scholarships in the community and I want our young people to know that they should always take advantage of every opportunity there is in order to make their dreams come true if what they want to do is further their education.”
Applications for Department of Workforce Development scholarships open on April 1, 2026, through bermudascholarships.com. The Dame Jennifer Smith Scholarship is one of many offered by the department. It is not a separate application.
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]]>The Bermuda branch of the English-Speaking Union has spent decades encouraging young people to build confidence in front of an audience, not simply for competitions but for life beyond school.
For many students, the first real test comes not in a classroom but in an interview, said Christianna Dakin, an ESU board member and Bermuda Debate Society coach. Scholarships, internships and jobs often require candidates to explain themselves clearly while thinking on the spot.
“So many students are in need of scholarships, and part of that process for many of them involves doing an interview,” she said. “Many people loathe the idea of having to speak in public. It’s terrifying. What if I misspeak, what if I mispronounce the word? What if I forget what I’m saying?”
Practice, she said, changes how students handle those moments.
“The trick is that if you practise the art of public speaking, and all that goes into being a good public speaker, it doesn’t really matter if you forget what you’re going to say, because you’re going to be able to recover.
“You realise that it’s not scary to speak in front of everybody — or actually it is a little scary, but it’s a good scary, because you know that people have chosen to come and listen to you, and what you have to say matters.”
Preparation, she added, is as important as delivery. Public speaking and debate require research, organisation and understanding the audience.
“It’s not just the act of speaking — that is hugely important — but what also important is how you prepare to do that public speaking,” Ms Dakin said.
“You have to structure your notes. You have to synthesise information and figure out what’s the key information.”
She said those skills help students respond thoughtfully in interviews and discussions rather than relying on memorised answers.
The ESU sponsors Bermuda’s annual National Public Speaking and Debate Tournament, with the senior school winner earning the opportunity to compete in the United Kingdom. Students must take part in more than one speaking category, pushing them beyond familiar territory.
“With students who choose to compete, they tend to have one area that they’re really comfortable in,” Ms Dakin said. “But the beauty of this is you have to do at least two, and this forces kids out of their comfort zone. And we all know that when you’re not in your comfort zone, that’s where growth comes.”
Preparing speeches — drafting, revising and receiving feedback — teaches skills that extend beyond the stage, she said.
“You craft and re-craft and practise and tweak, and you seek feedback from your peers, you seek feedback from coaches.
“That’s another key skill that we want our youth to know — that you don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to get it right the first time. That’s the purpose of community.”
Interview panels, she added, often meet applicants with similar grades and activities. The conversation allows students to organise their thoughts and show how they respond under a little pressure.
“Person-to-person communication and being able to listen, being able to respond because you have listened and heard them, rather than just responding because you have a point to say — that is an art form, and I think public speaking helps you hone that art form.”
For students who feel intimidated, she offers reassurance: confidence usually follows preparation.
“Even the people who look like they’re not frightened, they can look like that because they’ve prepared,” Ms Dakin said.
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]]>Aegon, the Dutch international financial services holding company, launched the awards in 2025 as part of its “Live Your Best Life” programme that aims to bolster the local community.
The scholarship, available for up to five outstanding students pursuing education in Canada and the United States, is worth up to $30,000 per year and is renewable for up to three years.
It is open to any student with Bermudian status and aims to help close educational gaps for those who require financial support to pursue their studies
Aegon explained it is keen to support students interested in careers in healthcare, shaping our built environment, the trades and the technology sectors; it is particularly keen to reward people who are committed to returning to Bermuda after graduation to live and work.
The company – which stepped up its presence in Bermuda in 2023 – has a philosophy that they are members of the community themselves, and it is in their interest to help other community members live their best lives.
Aegon said it recognises education as a crucial element for people to achieve their full potential. By doing so Aegon aims to contribute to the prosperity of the entire country.
Tibor Leeuwenburgh, Aegon’s country executive in Bermuda, said: “With our Live Your Best Life community investment programme – with the great support of the Bermuda Foundation – we want to contribute to the growth and wellbeing of Bermuda’s vibrant community.
“We are excited to work together with partners that offer financial and social opportunities to help more people live their best lives. Moreover, we’re inspired by the ambition and resilience of these students and proud to support them in their journey.”
The Live Your Best Life programme is centred around education, financial and social empowerment, and has also included $60,000 grants, through the Bermuda Foundation, to Age Concern Bermuda, Connectech Coding and the Family Centre.
Aegon has connections to Bermuda as far back as the 1970s and established a presence here in 2005 through its subsidiary Transamerica Life Bermuda.
This relationship has been deepened since, when Aegon’s legal seat switched to Bermuda in September 2023.
Aegon says it has a long history of community involvement in the places where it operates and wanted to continue that tradition here with the legal seat change.
This scholarship was awarded in 2025 to Anijahe dos Santos Martin, Paulo Aguiar, Kylie Butterfield, Keiazia Burchall-Busby and Milahn Powell.
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]]>The post Stuck on maths? appeared first on RG Magazines.
]]>You can construct the perfect essay about a Shakespeare play, memorise the things people did centuries ago and speak eloquently in French, German or Spanish – yet find yourself in a cold sweat at the mere mention of the word ‘algebra’.
So, what is it that makes maths such a tough nut to crack?
Ellen-Kate Horton, Nkenge Warren-Swan, Alex Lugo and Daniel Hill, who have decades of teaching experiencing in Bermuda, are now master tutors at the Adult Education School. They shared insight into why so many young people find maths difficult – and offered tips on how to crack it.
Ms Horton said: “Many children can read and understand, but with maths, they see numbers and they freak out.
“What they need is a loving teacher, a patient teacher and one who can assure them they are capable. I believe everyone can do maths, if they give themselves a chance.
“I remember going into a middle school, and the children said to me, ‘We can’t do maths.’
“I told them, ‘We are going to do it, and we will do maths at lunch if we need to do.’ We worked at it, and eventually they realised, ‘Hey, I’m capable.’”
Much of it is down to confidence – but there are ways of improving that.
Ms Horton said: “I find that if you don’t know your tables, it’s so much harder. But if people learn their tables, right away they feel better of themselves. And then they are willing to try other things.”
Mr Lugo said: “Maths has been the subject most of my students needed help with, for many years.
“Unlike some school subjects, it requires more than just memorisation and regurgitation.
“In the spoken language, information must be organised and utilised to achieve goals of communication. In maths, information must be logically and coherently applied to step-by-step procedures to achieve a solution.”
Ms Warren-Swan said many learners fear being judged and are embarrassed if they give the wrong answer.
She tries to build self-esteem by letting learners start at their comfort level and telling them it is OK to ‘fail forward’ – they will learn from the answers that were not correct on the first attempt.
Mr Hill said many people find maths difficult in their late teens because they never grasped it properly earlier in their school lives.
He said: “Many concepts are taught in primary school, and students did not fully understand them, so life and years move on, and they still don’t understand them. There are many loopholes that were never mastered.”
Top maths tips
Ellen-Kate Horton
Find quick ways of learning your tables.
For example, the 9 times table. Everything adds up to 9, and the numbers go up on one side and down on the other.
When some people learn this, they say ‘Wow’. That’s the key – get them to understand tables, and their confidence will go up.
Alex Lugo
Relate concepts to everyday experience and situations.
Be aware of the usefulness of connecting relationships, such as if 6+4=10, then 6=10–4. And if 4×6=24, then 6=24/4.
Once they see these connections, it is less difficult to grasp more complicated equations.
Nkenge Warren-Swan
Practise the 30-second scan for your maths test.
1) Before solving, skim the whole test.
2) Start with the easiest problems to build momentum.
3) Mark harder ones and return later.
4) Protect your confidence and your time.
Daniel Hill
Start students where they can perform capably with confidence.
They will be open for new concepts after being successful with one goal at a time.
Whatever it takes, make sure that tables are correct.
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]]>The post Helping children with healthcare needs appeared first on RG Magazines.
]]>The Edna Watson Committee of 25 Scholarship is for Bermudians looking to study and train for a child-focused career in healthcare or allied health disciplines such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy – all of which are much-needed services for the island.
The Committee of 25 provides financial assistance to families who need help with travel expenses, equipment and other related supports for children with medical, developmental or physical challenges.
Named after the organisation’s founder, Edna Watson, the new scholarship is a needs- and merit-based award of up to $10,000, offered annually, that will support students studying at the associate, undergraduate or pos0graduate level in accredited programmes such as nursing, psychology, medicine, rehabilitation and public health.
“I have found that there’s a major shortage of paediatric speech therapists and ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis) therapists, who are specifically for children with autism, and I think that we need to highlight what children should be going out to study,” explained Nurse Bernadette Wilson – known as Nurse Bernie – who is a Committee of 25 board director, and paediatric nurse at the Bermuda Paediatric Centre.
“Things like special education. There’s lots of courses that you can do that would help those special needs children. So, we’re looking for people who are going into paediatric specialities, who would come back to Bermuda and use the skills to help us.”
Hour of need
Miriam Shaya-King is the Committee’s board chair and an expressive arts therapist, divorce coach and couples therapist at Solstice. Prior to Solstice, she worked with Child and Family Services and connected with a number of organisations that serve children in Bermuda.
“There is such a lack of services needed so we felt that by creating the scholarship, it’s giving back to our community and bringing Bermudians back to work here, and to serve,” she added.
The Committee of 25 helps to bridge the gap when other funding, such as insurance or public programmes, is unavailable or insufficient and families would not otherwise be able to pay for the medical resources they need for their children.
If a child needs treatment aboard, for example, but their family can’t pay for the upfront travel, accommodation or food costs, the Committee of 25 can help. Other examples include covering the costs of prescriptions if a family is uninsured, helping with co-pays for physiotherapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy, if needed, and providing equipment such as wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
“How the economy is right now, there’s a lot of children without insurance, which is becoming an issue as far as children who really need surgery overseas,” Nurse Bernie said.
“We couldn’t help with that surgery, we can only help with travel and things like that, but there’s more and more situations where kids need to go overseas.”
Last year, the organisation provided needs-based assistance to 35 children and their families.
The Committee of 25 was founded in 1952 by Edna Watson, who moved to Bermuda from Canada in 1927 and became one of the first two women to be elected to the Colonial Assembly. Among other roles, she served as chairman of the Social Welfare Board and it was during this time that she became aware of the issues faced by children with disabilities on the island.
To address these, she asked 12 of her friends to invite one friend each to join a committee dedicated to addressing the needs of these children and that’s how the Committee of 25 was formed.
A year later, she also established a hospital in Dockyard for children with disabilities.
“She was a real female warrior,” Nurse Bernie said.
Before establishing the scholarship, Ms Shaya-King asked Ms Watson’s nephew for his permission to use her name and he agreed immediately. “I think she would love it,” she said.
Show your passion
Nurse Bernie said successful scholarship applicants must demonstrate a “passion for what they want to do”, a “passion for the course they want to take,” and a “passion for paediatric healthcare”.
Ms Shaya-King said they need “a passion for Bermuda and wanting to give back to our island and this community”.
Any volunteering experience for related organisations such as WindReach, Tomorrow’s Voices or BASE (Bermuda Autism Support & Education) is also a benefit and applicants must be committed to returning to Bermuda within two years of their graduation to work for a minimum of two years and give back to the paediatric community.
They hope that, each year, someone new will be coming back to the island, trained in a field that helps children. They are also hoping to bring on new members for the Committee of 25 board.
“They also may inspire other students to study in this area and eventually, maybe a few of them can join our board here in Bermuda. It would be nice to bring the new generation on,” said Ms Shaya-King.
Would Nurse Bernie recommend a career in paediatric health?
“Absolutely,” she answered. “There’s so many things you can do between teaching special education, paediatric nursing.
“In the hospital, in the neo natal intensive care unit. There is a children’s ward, but luckily not many children are hospitalised anymore, which is great. You’ve got community based paediatrics, physiotherapy, the allied services, which is great to get into.”
In spite of the need for a number of different child healthcare services, Bermuda’s paediatric community is still a strong one.
“We’ve got several paediatricians who are all excellent and there’s a lot of choices. You pick the doctor that fits you,” she said. “I think we’re very lucky here for our paediatric healthcare. It’s a great job.”
The scholarship application deadline is April 30, 2026 and students must have graduated from high school in Bermuda with a minimum GPA of 3.0. For more information visit bermudascholarships.com. For more information about the Committee of 25, visit committeeof25.org.
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]]>As a child, Ms Burchall-Busby’s rare bleeding disorder was misdiagnosed – meaning her condition was not properly treated, which left her feeling helpless and invalidated.
After her haemophilia was correctly identified and her health improved, she grew into a star student with a passion for medical science, determined to make life better for future patients than it was for her.
Mr Burchall-Busby, now 24, is a recipient of scholarship awards from Bermuda Hospitals Board, the University of West Indies and Aegon. She is studying medicine at the University of Medicine in Grenada.
“From an early age, medicine has been at the forefront of my aspirations, shaped by my experiences as a patient,” she said.
“Throughout my younger years, as a haemophiliac female, I faced the challenges of misdiagnosis firsthand. This opened my eyes to the disparities in healthcare and the importance of staying current with medical advancements.”
Ms Burchall-Busby said women with blood disorders are often overlooked or diagnosed later due to “misconceptions and gaps in awareness”.
She explained: “My initial prognosis was determined due to the overlapping symptoms and longstanding assumptions that haemophilia primarily affects males.”
This resulted in physical challenges such as ineffective treatment and unmanaged bleeding symptoms.
It also led to “feelings of invalidation and helplessness” that are often underrecognised in patient care.
She said: “These experiences motivate me to provide holistic, patient-centred care, to advocate and ensure that every patient’s needs are met with both compassion and expertise.”
Catalyst for care
Navigating the healthcare system during her childhood exposed Ms Burchall-Busby to the consequences of diagnostic gaps and disparities in care, particularly for patients whose conditions fall outside what is typically expected.
Rather than discouraging her, this experience became the catalyst that inspired her to serve others.
She explained: “Those experiences showed me the profound impact that compassionate, patient-centred care can have on patients and their families, inspiring me to emulate my physicians and provide the same care to others facing similar challenges.”
She wants to improve care in our community by incorporating precision medicine to provide care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
It’s been a long journey already. At Bermuda High School, she focused on science-intensive courses, which led her to specialise in genetics at Western University, with a minor in microbiology and immunology.
As a genetics specialist, she was captivated by the intricacies of genetic research and its role in the advancement of medicine.
Pursuing a career in medicine comes with significant financial challenges, however, and opportunities for scholarships in the medical field are limited.
But Ms Burchall-Busby said: “The combined support of the BHB Scholarship, Aegon Scholarship and the UWI Scholarship played a pivotal role in supporting my studies this year by providing both financial assistance and resources for a financially demanding path.
“Beyond finances, these awards represent a reminder that I am not on this journey alone. The internal recognition that came from receiving these scholarships were deeply validating, not only in my abilities and potential, but also the acknowledgement of the effort I have dedicated to my goals and the committees’ decision to invest in me.”
After graduating, she has her eyes on a career in haematology, and she has a strong passion for working with children.
“I hope to return to Bermuda to give back to my community and build a career focused on compassionate, patient-centred care while integrating advances in precision medicine,” she said.
“My aspiration is to be a physician who not only treats disease but also contributes to a more equitable and responsive healthcare system for future generations.”
Embracing challenges
She already has some impressive experience under her belt.
During the pandemic, she worked on the frontline as a laboratory technician through the Department of Workforce Development’s Summer Employment Programme, processing Covid-19 tests and providing results to the community.
“This role allowed me to contribute directly to public health efforts while developing my laboratory skills under high-pressure conditions,” she said.
After that, she dived deeper into the study of genetics with the new Caribbean-based genomics company, CariGenetics, started by Dr Carika Weldon.
She began as an intern under the Department of Workforce Scholarship and later transitioned into the Graduate Trainee Programme, before being offered a full-time position and then promoted to senior laboratory technician.
She played an active role in genetic research addressing the underrepresentation of Caribbean ancestry and biodiversity in the scientific community, with a focus on breast and prostate cancer, and genetic studies of the Bermuda cedar and the Bermuda petrel.
The development of medical science, of course, can have wonderful benefits for us all.
“After spending time pursuing research, I believe that as the medical field continues to evolve, the way we care for patients must evolve alongside it,” Ms Burchall-Busby said.
“Medicine is increasingly moving toward personalised and precision-based approaches, driven by a growing understanding of how genetics, environment and individual variability influence disease and treatment.
“By embracing this shift, I hope to contribute to care that is more thoughtful and tailored to each patient, ultimately improving outcomes and strengthening trust within our community.”
One challenge for this high achiever might be keeping her feet on the ground – yet she’s got that covered through her love of dancing.
She represented Bermuda at Carifesta 2017, and it still plays a key part in who she is today.
“Staying connected to dance in this way allows me to remain grounded, maintain balance and reconnect with a passion that has shaped my discipline, creativity and work ethic,” she said.
“This also reinforces my love for mentorship and working with youth. Even without dancing regularly, the lifelong lessons I gained through dance continue to influence how I manage stress, stay motivated and approach my studies with resilience.”
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