Full name: Tiara Rebecca Lopez Penha

St. Maarten Nickname: My friends at Motiance Dance School know me as Pepper. Years ago I got that nickname from a dance teacher and it just stuck with me.

Age: 24

City and country of residence today: Maastricht, Netherlands

Occupation: Medical student

Recap your story: I was born on March 11, 1986, on St. Maarten, as the youngest of three siblings. At very young age, my mother enrolled me into dance classes. Growing up, dance was always a big part of my childhood and adolescent life. This was the way I expressed myself. Not until my high school years, did I seriously think about a professional career in dancing. My parents encouraged me to do what made me happy and supported me fully in this decision. Ultimately, I chose the "safe" route and went to medical school. I moved to Maastricht in the Netherlands in the summer of 2004 to pursue my medical degree. Now six years later, graduation day is nearing and I have no regrets. I still find joy in the movement of dance, but strictly as a hobby. Through my college internships, I have found a new passion: surgical medicine. This past year, I spent doing research and clinical work at the surgical department of Maastricht University Medical Center. The next step after graduation will hopefully be continuing my research program and acquiring my PhD.

What St. Maarten district are you from?

 Well, I think I pretty much lived in every district of St. Maarten. J But my family currently resides in Cole Bay.

Where did you go to school on St. Maarten?

 "Nijntje" playschool, St. Peters Hillside Christian School, Sister Marie Laurence and Milton Peters College (1998-2004)

What is your favourite St. Maarten memory?

 Any memory I have from Motiance is a favourite. I especially loved being on stage and performing with my friends.

What was your biggest surprise when you left the island? Growing up on SXM in a multi- cultural community, we are exposed to different cultures. In general we accept these differences, even embrace them. Moving to Holland, I was surprised at the naïve and closed-minded view some people had towards cultural/religious disparities.

In addition, all the little things I took for granted when I still lived on SXM, like the guaranteed sunshine and 90-degree weather 360 days out of the year. It's amazing the effects the weather has on a person's mood and state of mind. How much I miss going to the beach on Sundays! But most importantly, how hard it is not to have my family and friends at arm's reach.

What are your accomplishments?

 Over the years as a student, I've learned to take care of myself. Not having Mommy and Daddy around to solve your problems will make sure of that very quickly. Even though, I must admit my parents are still the first people I call when I have an issue I can't resolve. Graduating at the end of this year will be my biggest accomplishment so far. But it will definitely not be the last. There is so much I want to do; I don't think there is enough time for it all.

What are your goals?

 Academically, becoming a successful surgeon and researcher; personally, at some point in time I want to do some travelling. There is still a big part of the world I'm curious to explore.

What makes you special?

 I believe I'm a passionate and committed person. The things I find joy in doing, I do them whole heartedly or not at all.

Where do you get your drive?

 The fact that I can't sit still and always need to be doing something productive, keeps me going most of the time. And of course I want to make my family proud.

How long have you been gone?

 This will be my sixth year in Holland.

Do you have any advice for the young people of St. Maarten?

The thought of leaving your comfort zone, St. Maarten, is scary. But in order for you to grow as a person, I think it's necessary to leave the island (even if it's just for a few months) and experience new things. My first two years away from home were hard. Looking back now, I'm happy my parents didn't give into my whining, begging to let me move back to St. Maarten. So don't be afraid of new things, change is good. Set a goal for yourself and work towards it. The path you lead along the way is all the more adventurous.

Are you planning to return to St. Maarten in the future? Definitely! Don't know exactly when I'll be back for good, but I have been coming back every year for vacation since I left.