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Chat with Hazel Waye-Hive – First class honours in Bachelor of Arts Humanities, Environmental Science and English |16 December 2021

Chat with Hazel Waye-Hive – First class honours in Bachelor of Arts Humanities, Environmental Science and English

Hazel Waye-Hive

‘Family is everything to me and it is my support system’

 

Today we have the privilege to chat with young teacher Hazel Waye-Hive who recently graduated with First class honours, top of her class and received the Academic Award English Prize from the University of Botswana. She is a teacher and a mother who fought all the odds to enjoy the success she has today. Let us discover her journey so far…

 

Seychelles NATION: Please tell us who is Hazel Waye-Hive?

Hazel Waye-Hive: I am 29 years of age, and I have a 10-year-old son. I come from a family of three and I am the first born. However, on my father’s side I have two sisters. I am currently residing at Au Cap with my family. I am a Geography teacher at Anse Royale secondary school.

 

Seychelles NATION: Tell us more about your childhood.

Hazel Waye-Hive: I grew up with my mum, my step-dad and my grandparents at Les Canelles. I attended crèche, primary school, secondary school and A-level studies at Anse Royale. At the age of 12, we moved to Au Cap. I had a fun-filled childhood with my brother who is only four years my junior. Back then my mum had only the two of us. My mum and my step-dad ensured that we grew up in a loving and comfortable environment. Memories that I will always cherish are those quality time that we spent as a family. Family is everything to me and it is my support system.

I also spent holidays on La Digue as a child because my family on my father’s side reside there. La Digue is my second home and it is a place that I hold at heart. I have several amazing childhood memories there.

 

Seychelles NATION: What did you study in post-secondary school?

Hazel Waye-Hive: In 2009 I joined the School of Advanced Level Studies where I studied Geography and English Literature.

 

Seychelles NATION: Mother of a young child, tell us the experience of pursuing your studies with a child.

Hazel Waye-Hive: It has not been an easy journey given that I have a child but he has been my motivation since day one. My son was 6 years old when I left to pursue my studies. For me 4 years felt like a life time. I would be depressed most of the time and I would even cry. I ensured that I came home to spend Christmas and his birthday with him.

My family and loved ones took care of him during my absence and ensured that I did not miss out on any important event. They would send photos and videos of him for me. I would like to thank everyone who played an important role in the life of my son while I was away. It means a lot and words are not enough to express my gratitude.

 

Seychelles NATION: What did you study and why?

Hazel Waye-Hive: I did a Bachelor of Arts Humanities, Double Major in Environmental Science and English. I chose environmental science because of my love for the environment. I want to teach the younger generations about the importance of protecting the environment. We need to work together so that we can save our planet. I also chose English because it was my favourite subject in school.

In my third year at the University I had the option of choosing one of the subjects as a single major. I chose to do both as a double major because I wanted to challenge myself. I am so proud that I passed with flying colours.

 

Seychelles NATION: Now what next for Hazel?

Hazel Waye-Hive: My goal one day is to become a lecturer. I am grateful that I got the opportunity to do my Bachelor’s degree. I hope in the future I can do my masters. For now I am teaching at Anse Royale secondary school and I am happy that I can pass on what I have learned and educate the youths.

 

Seychelles NATION: Many girls once pregnant, abandon their studies, what is your advice to them?

Hazel Waye-Hive: My advice is to never give up on your dreams. Your child should be your motivation to better yourself. Being a young mother should not be a setback. Yes, at first it may feel like the whole world is against you but God is above everyone and everything. He has a plan for you just like He had for me. I hope that other young mothers can take my story as an inspiration to pursue their dreams. Today I look at my son and I am proud to say that I did it for him. For those who have abandoned their studies, it is never too late to make a comeback. There is no age limit when it comes to education.

However, I would like to send a message to the youths. Put your education before everything else and remain focus. Having a child at an early age comes with a lot of responsibilities and sacrifices that you may not be ready for.

 

Seychelles NATION: Why is it important to pursue your studies/career

Hazel Waye-Hive: I wanted to pursue my studies so that I can become a qualified teacher. I wanted to broaden my knowledge, challenge myself and unlock my potentials. Education is the key to success. As a young woman I would like to encourage other women as well to pursue their studies or career. Like they say, the sky is the limit.

 

Seychelles NATION: How did this pandemic affect your studies/lifestyle?

Hazel Waye-Hive: For the final year of my studies, which was the most critical, I was in Seychelles due to Covid. I did classes, group work and presentations online. It was not easy but my lecturers were always helpful. I also had to do independent readings to catch up. My classmates in Botswana were very supportive. If in case I had internet connection problems they would record the classes and send me the videos.

I also had to undergo surgery one week before my final exams. Despite the pain and the recovery process I insisted on writing my final exams. I had the chance to defer but I wanted to finish this journey that I have started. I will admit that I felt depressed at some point because I knew that this may have an impact on my final results. I prayed and now I know that nothing is impossible in life when God is by your side.

 

Seychelles NATION: What was your motivation?

Hazel Waye-Hive: I look up to my step-dad, Garry Albert, who has played an important role in my life. I have been a witness of his journey and achievements and he gives me hope. He has always motivated and encouraged me to do more. He would always remind me to remain humble and pray.

I want to thank God for giving me strength and courage. A big thank you goes to my mother Josepha Albert, for supporting me throughout this journey. I am the woman I am today because of you. A special thank you goes to my loved ones and friends who in one way or another played a special role in the life of my son during my absence. Finally, I would like to thank the Ministry of Education and ANHRD (Agency for National Resource Development) for this opportunity.

Seychelles NATION congratulates this young lady and we wish her the best for the future.

 

Vidya Gappy

 

 

 

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