Full name: Roslenn M. Richardson
Age: 23
City and Country of residence today: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Occupation: Indiana University Graduate Student
Recap your story: Born in 1986 at St. Rose's Hospital, I initially lived in Sucker Garden for the first few years of my life prior to moving to St. Peters. Later at the age of 6, I moved with my family to Point Blanche.
In 2002, having completed my 3rd year at the St. Maarten Academy, my mother worked tirelessly to provide me the opportunity to further my education in New York City.
Once there, I enrolled at Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn where I graduated in 2005 and went on to college at the State University of New York at Albany. However, this path was not as clear-cut as it may appear.
I quickly had to learn the essence of sacrifice and the importance of dedication in order to succeed. In coping with the qualms of culture shock, missing my beautiful island, and most importantly being away from my family and friends, I was forced to grow up and take responsibility for my future.
It was throughout my college experience that I vowed to maximize every opportunity presented to me. My passion for the outside world enabled me to study abroad for two months in Spain and later in China. These were some of the most exciting and humbling experiences of my life.
Pursuing a major in Public Policy & International Relations with a double minor in Political Science and Spanish, I worked tirelessly to attain an internship on Wall Street with Goldman Sachs, a prominent investment bank. Here I served as a Summer Commodities Analyst and gained a wealth of knowledge about trade exchanges, renewable energy sources, and the inner workings of the financial sector.
I later landed internships at several New York State government entities; the New York State Consumer Protection Board, the New York State Assembly, and most recently the New York State Senate Policy Group. Throughout these experiences, I found my true passion for public and international policy.
I graduated from the University at Albany with a Bachelor of Arts degree in May and was given the opportunity to pursue a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) degree with a concentration in Comparative & International Affairs at Indiana University. I have moved once again and am currently enrolled in graduate school.
What St. Maarten district are you from?
Point Blanche
Where did you go to school in St. Maarten?
Jack and Jill Playschool, Methodist Agogic Centre, St.Maarten Academy.
What is your favorite St. Maarten memory?
Routinely going to Mullet Bay Beach; having sleepovers at my best friends' (Angelique and Fabiana) homes; Carnival!!; tamarind trees; hearing the rhythmic sounds of Zouk.
What was your biggest surprise when you left the island?
The lack of investment in education in St. Maarten. As 2010 dawns, education today should be a right, not a privilege. Too often, families are forced to choose between whether to place their children in schools at an early age or instead provide for their basic needs.
Scientific studies have proven that the most critical time in a child's development is during his or her preschool years. Education is the greatest gift we can give to our children and that commitment must start at a very early age. Furthermore, those wishing to advance their studies after high school should be met with a true partnership from the island government.
What are your accomplishments?
We can easily quantify accomplishments to mean academic and professional success. While I have worked to consistently achieve both, my true accomplishments lie in my mentorship and volunteerism. Because of the mentors who impacted my life, I strive to do the same for students I see who may need that individual to believe in them. And undoubtedly, volunteer work has been a huge commitment of mine both in St. Maarten with the Interact Club and here in the US with my sorority (Alpha Kappa Alpha), Habitat for Humanity, and President Barack Obama's campaign.
What are your goals?
My career goal is to serve in an international relations capacity on either a federal or global scale. My personal goal is to one day create my own non-profit organization in St. Maarten that would equip students with the access and resources to further their studies.
What makes you special?
My charisma. I am a treasure!
Where do you get your drive?
My devoted family. My mother Rose is my Queen and my backbone; without her countless sacrifices and support, I would never be on the path I am today. My father Slim and brother Mark both keep me grounded and remind me of their love. Their belief in me drives me to my full potential.
How long have you been gone?
Seven and a half years.
Do you have any advice for the young people of St. Maarten?
Success is not a destination, it is a journey. It does not materialize overnight; rather it is the product of consistent work and commitment. Remember that whatever comes easily, will depart just as easily. Youth, please focus on your education; it is the one thing that no one can take away from you once you own it. Stay committed to your dreams and know that once you possess a hunger to learn and excel, there will be someone to help move you forward.
Are you planning to return to St. Maarten in the future?
I would love to. My heart's desire is to be able to provide an educational resource that would grant our students the ability to achieve their academic goals. That specific timeframe will be determined on my ability to affect true change on the island. Ultimately it is God's will that will guide me home.