I’m happiest when I am outside amongst the trees and surrounded by natural settings. I am passionate about environmental activism and the sustainable development of our planet. Growing up on a small island in the Caribbean made me very aware of the effects of global warming and I am keen to help make a difference.
I used to work in the service industry and it took a major toll on my mental health, and I now live with depression and anxiety. I took time off to look after myself, during which my father passed away. I lived with friends during this time as I was unable to work and could not afford my own place. The lockdown last year made it even more difficult for me to get back on my feet.
I was introduced to a protest camp that was created to protest a building project that would cause a lot of destruction to the environment; it’s a self-sustaining site that uses renewable energy sources and also grows fruits and vegetables. The structures on site are made from recycled and upcycled materials. Staying there has enabled me to experience living off-grid and doing it sustainably. This completely changed my life; I found a community of people who share my core beliefs about environmental protection and sustainable development. This experience and reconnecting with nature has improved my mental health in incredible ways and has inspired me to consider new ways in which I can help and contribute to more eco-friendly construction.
I want to train as an electrician so I can use my trade to maintain stable work and become more self-reliant. I enjoy working with my hands and solving problems, and I would like to contribute to the development of eco-friendly electrical installations. Working in construction while I train will also help me to learn more about the whole process of building and development. One day, I want to own my own business as an eco-friendly and sustainable electrician.