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Up Close … with Sharon Gerry, a well-accomplished successful young lady |27 June 2017

‘Never doubt your ability to achieve greatness’

 

Born on May 2, 1990, Sharon Gerry has accomplished a lot in her prosperous life so far. She is employed by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change as a legal officer for the past four years.

Success comes in many ways and forms. And what’s interesting is that most successful people like Sharon have very similar qualities. But to be able to climb up the ladder of success, you need to model yourself after people who are living their dream. The more qualities you have in common, the higher your chances of being successful.

Sharon has achieved so many things in her wonderful career and in our Up Close column this week, she talks about her childhood memories, student’s life, career life and family and friends.

She attended La Rosière Primary School until primary three before she was transferred to the La Digue School where she attended primary four until secondary five. Then she spent two years at the School of Advanced Level Studies at Anse Royale after which she was awarded a scholarship for a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Management at the University of Mauritius. After having completed her Bachelor’s degree, she enrolled in an online Post Graduate Degree course in Law with the University of London’s International Programme, which she successfully completed in 2016. In March 2017, she graduated with a Master of Laws degree, specialising in Public International Law.

 

Childhood memories

Aged 27 years old, Sharon was born at the Victoria Hospital (now Seychelles Hospital) and considers herself as a quiet person. She describes her early days as being full of good memories with her mum Nichole Gerry by her side.

“My early childhood was spent at Mont Buxton with my family. As an only child at the time, I spent my time reading books, playing with dolls and most of all with relatives. At the age of eight, I left Mont Buxton to live on La Digue, where my mum went to work as a nurse,” she said.

As she grew up, Sharon developped a passion for the environment and it was on La Digue that she started to love nature.

“It was on La Digue that I learned to love nature, the sun and of course the sea. However, despite my love for the island life, I was always a very good student and was always among the top of my class,” she said.

While she was still a teenager, she took part in so many activities to keep her busy, and wanted to discover more about life.

“Often people see me as a quiet person, but I guess I just like to keep to myself. As a teenager I was quite outgoing, participating in public speaking and quiz competitions, doing some acting in school related plays and at one point, I even joined a dance group. However, nowadays I am more laid back and I’d rather spend a whole day in the house instead of going out. The best quality that I can identify in myself is my determination,” she said.

She learned from her sibling and tried to gather as much knowledge in life when growing up in her pleasant family.

“Growing up, I was quite curious. I used to love asking questions and wanting to learn more about what was going on around me. I grew up partly at Mont Buxton and partly on La Digue,” noted Sharon.

 

Professional life

Sharon wanted to work in international relations, to travel the world and be an ambassador for her country. However, after completing her A-Levels, she changed her mind and decided to study law to become a legal advisor tailored for the offshore sector. After coming back to Seychelles, she got the opportunity to work for an offshore company, but found out that she did not want to do that. Then came a very good opportunity for her to work for the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and this is where she is today.

“I have been working as the legal person for the ministry responsible for environment for four years now. I have grown so much during these four years. I have learned patience, tolerance and most of all I have developed a real appreciation for the environment. The environment has so much to offer us and yet we take it for granted,” she said.

Since she started working for the environment department within the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change as the senior legal officer, she has achieved so many things and for her the sky is the limit.

 

Social life

Sharon is a hardworking and dedicated young lady, willing to go far in life. But what other abilities she has besides work? Does she enjoy other activities to keep her busy and active?

So I decided to find out more about her social life.

“In my spare time, I really enjoy watching sitcoms, romantic comedies and reality TV series. I also enjoy cooking and gaming. I do not have as much of a social life like I used to have a few years back. Work takes up most of my time and every free time I get, I prefer to relax at home,” she said.

Besides being a big fan of TV series and sitcoms she also loves house decorating.

“I love house decorating, something I saw my mum Nichole Gerry doing with so much joy and passion and I ended up loving it just as much. Besides house decorating, I also love travelling. Thanks to my job I have travelled to over 15 countries within the past four years,” she added.

 

Family and friends

Throughout her childhood, Sharon was raised by her mum, who sacrificed a lot so that she could excel in life.

“I would have not made it this far if it wasn’t for three key persons ‒ my mother Nichole Gerry, my late great aunt Jeanne Labrosse who passed away a few years back, and my grandmother Julita Euphrasie. All three of them have played major roles to mould me into the person I am today and for that I will forever be grateful. A very special thanks also goes to Carol Radegonde who has been my best friend for over 16 years now. She was always the sister I never had and despite all the things we have been through, we are still here for each other every single day,” she said.

 

Final thought

“This goes out to everybody, especially the young people. Despite all the difficulties and obstacles that exist in today’s society, never give up. People underestimate the potential and ability of today’s youth, but I believe that the youth of Seychelles have so much potential and many of us are doing exceptional things for this country. No matter if you have a Master’s degree or no degree at all, never doubt your ability to achieve greatness.”

 

By U-Roy Jules

 

 

 

 

 

 

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