An insight into the life of Bryna Felix |05 January 2018

“Being away from home and family, especially when suffering from severe depression, was very hard”

Despite having suffered from depression, today Bryna Felix is a successful graduate working as a Policy Analyst at the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Economic Planning. She is also heavily involved in groups, activities and programmes which aim to empower our youth. Seychelles NATION spoke to Bryna to learn more about this resilient young individual who is managing to prevent depression from taking over her life.

Q: What can you tell us about yourself?

A: I am 27 years old and currently reside at Anse Royale. Following my A-Level studies, I was awarded a scholarship from the government and went to the University of Manchester in UK. I graduated with an upper 2.1 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Social Studies, specialising in Politics and Development.

Q: Why did you choose to study and work in your chosen field?

A: Following some complications to study law, I chose this degree as it covered a myriad of subjects affecting the world we live in. One gets to assess issues arising in the world at a deeper level and not just at face value.

Policy making and analysis is a very interesting and exciting job as one needs to provide solutions to issues affecting the public while considering all factors (socio-economic) simultaneously so that a problem is solved without creating another.

Q: What values do you hold close to you and why?

A: Some of the most basic values I hold close to me are kindness, selflessness, love, patience, forgiveness and respect for others. Empathy for others is crucial if the human race is to progress, for if we do not possess these values, we will be unable to tolerate and communicate with one another.

I also hold my relationship with my family close to me. Families are the first and most significant relationships in one’s life. Loving and caring families give one a sense of belonging. They are the pillar of society and once they fail, the country as a whole will suffer. Therefore, all these values should be encouraged and nurtured in youth, families and society as a whole.

Q: What are some of the happiest moments of your life thus far?

A: Receiving the prize for best student at the Manchester Twinning Programme. I found the programme very challenging and wanted to give up at one point but I remained strong and studied really hard. It was a great achievement for me and I was very proud of myself.

Graduating with my degree - being away from home and family was very hard especially when suffering from severe depression but with God’s help, supportive loved ones and perseverance, I made it to the finish line. My ability in overcoming depression and anxiety also made me happy.

Being elected by the youth to become a board member of the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) from 2014 to 2016 and last year, I was selected to sit on the board of the Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA).

Being selected among thousands of other applicants in the Southern African region to participate in the Young African Leaders Initiative Programme initiated by President Barack Obama to groom young leaders in Africa.

Q: What have been some of your most challenging moments and how did you overcome these?

A: Not being understood, being undervalued and not being respected as a graduate and individual. Facing this in the first few years at work is not easy for a young graduate. I would question why I went to study at university to be treated this way, but I remained positive, kept working hard, talked to friends and loved ones, prayed and read a lot about and practiced conflict management skills. This definitely made me a stronger and more resilient person.

Being engaged in many youth groups and activities while suffering from depression and anxiety with full time employment can be challenging. One has to learn to prioritise time and say no when there are many things going on at once. It is better to say you cannot commit to something than give your word and not deliver. You have to give yourself time to breathe and regroup to be more effective and efficient.

Q: Who inspires you and why?

A: My dad. He is one of the most hard-working men I have ever known. He graduated with a First Class Degree at the East London University and is very meticulous in his work as a land surveyor and produces quality work. He is also very talented – he played in a band when he was younger and was a footballer in the Rovers Club.

Despite all his trials, he does his best to be there for his family. He has always been present in my life, always encouraged me to do well, inspired me to work hard at school and helped me become who I am today.

Q: How do you feel you contribute to society?

A: I provide assistance to others, especially young people in my surroundings by offering advice and support.

I engage in youth activities mainly through my interaction with members of the Global Shapers - Victoria Hub who are exceptional individuals all trying to balance their careers & life goals while giving back to the community.

In the past, I have advocated for Mental Health Awareness through the Global Shapers where we held a forum on the issue in partnership with the Ministry of Health and SNYC. Whenever a youth group needs my assistance, I always do my best to be at their disposal.

Q: What are your views on the problems that the youth in Seychelles are facing?

A: Today a larger percentage of youths are engaged in risky behaviours such as drug and alcohol abuse.  There is greater focus on instant gratification like having the latest phones. In order to obtain these, they engage in criminal or risky activities and become depressed or have decreased self-esteem when they cannot afford these materialistic items. This leads to alcohol/drug intake to numb these feelings of worthlessness or they put pressure on their parents to obtain these items, causing their parents to engage in risky activities.

Increasingly, the new generations are less aware of their responsibilities and civic duties. They only know their rights but with rights come great responsibilities. That being said, there are also exceptional young individuals working towards a better Seychelles.

There are many factors responsible for the problems. One which many talk about today is lack of stricter parenting. However, this is not the only cause and the solution to the problems we face does not only lie there. With development comes social problems and this is inevitable, but we should always be prepared and have preventive rather than reactive measures.

I believe the solution lies with all of us. We all have to live through values and be good role models for our young people. Youths need to see more hard working and honest people, especially other youths being rewarded and given recognition for their efforts so that they can follow the same path.

There are plenty of opportunities for youth in Seychelles compared to many other countries, e.g. access to education and programmes at SNYC. However, there could be improvements especially in services, programmes and activities for youth, especially the social and health aspects. SNYC should definitely be invested in more so that it can better roll out its activities on a greater scale.

Q: What is your advice to other youth?

• Identify your strengths and weaknesses and make the most of these. Do not be discouraged if you find yourself struggling. If you persevere, have patience and the right attitude/mind-set, you will reach your full potential.
• Do not rush to attain materialistic things.
• Not all of us are meant to achieve the same things at the same time and that is okay. Set goals and work towards them.
• Possess values like respect, kindness, empathy and forgiveness and practice them in your everyday life.
• You do not need a lot of friends and distance yourself from anyone who brings negativity in your life.
• When you feel you cannot cope by yourself, reach out to people who will lift you up and if things worsen, seek out medical/professional help.
• Find a cause and work towards it alone or by joining youth groups which share the same values as you. This will give you a sense of belonging, purpose and will develop your leadership skills.

Q: What are your hopes for your future and the future of our youth?

A: To achieve my full potential, keep becoming a better version of myself with every challenging situation and become a leader of quality. To positively affect the lives of those I come into contact with and be remembered as a friend by many. I also hope to be able to contribute positively to my country through my job and youth groups.

I hope that the youth make the most of the opportunities available and where there are none, to create the opportunities themselves; that they become more resilient and great leaders for tomorrow. My wish is to see happier, humble and healthier youths engaged in fulfilling and productive activities in society.The development of our country lies in their hands and the paths they choose.