This June, in ceremonies across the island, hundreds of high school students will don caps and gowns, collect their diplomas, say goodbye to friends and teachers – whom in some cases they will have known for 13 years – and walk off campus for the last time as students.
Known as Gen Z, these kids represent Bermuda’s future and face a volatile, uncertain and complex world both locally and globally. But who are Bermuda’s 18-year-olds? What do they think about, what do they worry about and what are they hopeful for?
With photographer Oliver Tucker, we set out to meet some and learn more about what Bermuda’s future looks like.
Madison Virgil Quig
Bermuda High School
Age 17
Most Likely to: Start a flash mob
Favorite Quote: “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations. If you adopt their attitudes, then the possibility won’t exist because you’ll have already shut it out. You can hear other people’s wisdom, but you’ve got to re-evaluate the world for yourself.”- Mae Jemison
As you leave high school for your next chapter, what are you most hopeful about?
As I move on to university, I look forward to participating in advanced research programmes. I am excited about diving deeper into the subjects I am passionate about such as courses related to mathematics and biomedical studies. I’m eager to be taught by and in the company of professors and lecturers who are extremely knowledgeable and excited about their fields. In addition to my education, I know I will learn how to be fully independent and hopefully, I will meet individuals who will continue to expand and challenge my view of the world.
What scares you the most about Bermuda’s future?
The increasing national debt is more than likely going to be a problem with which my generation will have to contend. This issue, coupled with an aging population and what appears to be a shrinking tax base, is going to make it difficult for us to solve.
Increasingly, I hear that young people like me are compelled to go or stay abroad to find work as jobs and opportunities for advancement in our chosen careers are often not available. As a country, we need to ensure that our workforce possesses the technological skills and education to keep Bermuda competitive so that we can continue to attract the type of businesses that keeps Bermuda vibrant, and creates jobs so that we can return home after our studies and earn a decent living.
What makes you proud to be Bermudian?
To me, an important part of being Bermudian is the will and drive we possess in that we always find a way to get the job done, which at times can mean reinventing ourselves to meet the changing global demands. I am so proud to be able to say or to hear that we Bermudians ‘punch above our weight’ because although small, we manage to achieve great feats. For example, when one drives through town, we see very large international businesses, the kind which you would not normally see in a small jurisdiction. I am proud to be part of a community which holds a position on an international stage.
In terms of culture, I am proud of our strong traditions: Kite flying on Good Friday along with fishcakes, cassava pie and hot cross buns, the 24th of May (Bermuda Day) race and parade, our Bermuda Gombeys, and Cup Match as a celebration of emancipation, and of course our friendliness. And lastly, even if we have differences of opinions we always come together in times of need – this we demonstrate time and time again during hurricane season and that is what makes me most proud of being Bermudian.
Conor Sinclair
Mount Saint Agnes Academy
Age 18
Most Likely to: End the Sinclair/Tatem family streak of having an immediate family member attend Mount Saint Agnes after 77 continuous years.
Favorite Quote: “Those who think they can and those who think they can’t are both usually right.” – Confucius.
As you leave high school for your next chapter, what are you most hopeful about.
I am hopeful to further my education abroad in the field of Mathematics and return to the island to make a positive contribution to the economy and society. I am hopeful that I could return to Bermuda and help others the way they helped me.
What scares you the most about Bermuda’s future?
What scares me about Bermuda is if we don’t recognize the need to protect and preserve the eco structure of our island and protect and preserve the delicate balance of nature, we could put the future in jeopardy. I had the privilege to work on a conservation project with Dr. David Wingate and Trevor Rawson. While working with them, I was reminded of how fragile the island is to change. Even invasive species, like the lionfish, are able to influence in a multitude of harmful ways. I recognize that while progress is key to a country, preservation is even more critical to the island.
What makes you proud to be Bermudian?
What makes me proud to be Bermudian is the combination of Bermuda’s rich history and the traditions of the island. I love to listen to stories that my grandparents share about Bermuda and the wonderful people that have shaped the island. I love that the island is a melting pot where so many cultures have contributed to the history, the customs, the architecture and the traditions. Bermuda is filled with natural beauty in it’s people and landscape.
Tylasha DeSilva
The Berkeley Institute
Age 17
Most Likely to: Become a professional entertainer and work with special needs adults and children
Favorite Quote: “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain” – Bob Marley
As you leave high school for your next chapter, what are you most hopeful about?
I am excited about my plans to travel with Up With People and I look forward to being able to experience new cultures while on tour. I am hoping that I am able to stay strong in my faith as I go out into the world on my own. I want to continue to be a positive role model to the people around me and do exceedingly well in university.
What scares you the most about Bermuda’s future?
My greatest concern is the lack of morals and basic respect of Bermuda’s younger generation. Lack of pride in themselves, their families and country. Their focus is on more materialistic things and being respected for the wrong reasons. The quality of public education together with the fact that many students and parents do not see education as a priority is scary. Workload, work ethic and the ability to comprehend information seems to be diminishing to the point where our future generation is not adequately prepared for university and the workforce. As future leaders, it is important that we are thoroughly equipped mentally and academically to create a better Bermuda.
What makes you proud to be Bermudian?
Bermuda is so beautiful. There is no place that I know of around the world where you can say good afternoon to a stranger without them ignoring you or looking at you funny. I love that you can find a church in every parish. Bermuda is so rich in history that you learn something new every day and there is still so much to learn. I also love Bermudian cuisine because it’s a blend of Caribbean and Portuguese influences. The air is fresh and we have the most picturesque beaches.
Jackson Spurling
Saltus Grammar School
Age 17
Most Likely to: Always play the violin
Favorite Quote: “Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” John F. Kennedy
As you leave high school for your next chapter, what are you most hopeful about.
I cannot wait to study at a university in the United States this coming fall. Meeting a variety of new people from across the world, finding a future career I’m truly passionate about, and continuing to pursue my love for music, I’m confident the next four years will be life changing!
What scares you the most about Bermuda’s future?
Bermuda faces critical questions in the healthcare, pension, and education systems. In order to solve a number of these issues, bipartisan and lateral discussion is needed, both in government, as well as organizations and communities island wide.
What makes you proud to be Bermudian?
When I take a step back and look at this 21 square mile island, I’m reminded of the warm, welcoming environment all of us Bermudian’s create. This friendly nature makes me feel at home and it characterizes the distinct sense of community everyone feels here.
Macy Aicardi
Warwick Academy
Age 18
Most Likely to: Work for an NGO and on environmental initiatives
Favourite Quote: “It is up to us to take care of this planet, it is our only home, we must globally warm our hearts and change the climate of our souls, and realize we are not apart from nature, we are a part of nature.” – Prince Ea
As you leave high school for your next chapter, what are you most hopeful about?
I’m most hopeful about my generation coming together to solve the world’s problems. I intend to study geography as well as environment and sustainability at university. I am excited to be surrounded by students who are also inspired to make changes.
What scares you the most about Bermuda’s future?
The attitudes of those on island towards the environment as well as possible unsustainable energy plans. It is easy for us to ignore the issue of over consumption as we simply throw our waste in the incinerator, but people need to start realizing their power as a consumer to make a difference.
What makes you proud to be Bermudian?
I am very proud to be from this beautiful island. On a sunny, warm day, it’s impossible to not be extremely grateful for where you live. It is unlike anywhere else in the world and I hope Bermudians will come together to ensure it never loses its beauty.
Jaire Lawrence-Salaam
Age 17
CedarBridge Academy
Most likely to: Successfully attend a university in Nova Scotia, Canada to pursue a career in Civil/Structural Engineering and to achieve all of my aspired degrees of certification.
Favorite Quote: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Former US President, Barack Obama. I feel this quote is ideal as I use this as a sense of motivation to never stop striving for excellence and for others to be enlightened about the reality that exists.
As you leave high school for your next chapter, what are you most hopeful about?
After I conclude my time at the CedarBridge Academy, I am most hopeful about the new learning experiences that I will engage in and all the different things I will accomplish. Also, I’m hopeful of returning to Bermuda to share my innovative ideas in order to further Bermuda’s development.
What scares you most about Bermuda’s future?
I fear that the youth of Bermuda lack skills, as they are competing with very talented individuals elsewhere. Many say that the youth is the future and I believe that to be true. Therefore, we have to do everything that is possible to improve the circumstances of the youth to make a better Bermuda.
What makes me proud to be Bermudian?
To say the words “I am Bermudian” does not just mean we come from a very small place or that we have a dialect. It means we have heart and that we are proud of where we come from. What makes me proud to be Bermudian is the potential Bermuda has in general. Bermuda has lots to offer the world and I am proud that I can represent this country as it develops into excellence.
Bria Maybury
Saltus Grammar School
Age 18
Most Likely to: Go to law school
Favorite Quote: No beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart. Shanina Shaik
As you leave high school for your next chapter, what are you most hopeful about?
As I leave high school I am most hopeful about new experiences during university. I am excited for the opportunities that I will be able to take advantage of and the newfound freedom.
What scares you the most about Bermuda’s future?
The thing that scares me the most about Bermuda’s future is the closemindedness of some people on the island. I believe that for us to progress we must acknowledge and come to terms with other people’s opinions and differences and if people continue to be closeminded this will not be possible.
What makes you proud to be Bermudian?
The thing that makes me most proud to be Bermudian is our heritage, the traditions that we continue, and the unity within our community.
Conor Hay
Warwick Academy
Age 17
Most likely to: Keep trying hard
Favourite Quote: “Challenges are what makes life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” – Joshua J. Marine
As you leave high school for your next chapter, what are you most hopeful about?
I am hopeful that I will enjoy university, and make new friends, while keeping the friendships I have made at Warwick Academy. I am looking forward to studying law, and gaining skills which will enable me to make a positive contribution to Bermuda.
What scares you most about Bermuda’s future?
I am most concerned about the sustainability of the Government Pension scheme, given the ageing Bermudian population.
What makes you proud to be Bermudian?
I feel proud to be Bermudian when I hear stories of kindness, humility, compassion, and genuine hard work leading to success. Those are things to be proud of.
Shenessa V. Maylor
CedarBridge Academy
Age 17
Most likely to: Become successful in pursuing my career as a Supreme Court Judge.
Favorite Quote: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
As you leave high school for your next chapter, what are you most hopeful about?
Barack Obama once said, “The future rewards those who press on. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I’m going to press on.” These words resonate with me as I leave high school and go on to my next journey. While reaching new heights, I hope to accomplish my career as a Supreme Court Judge. I am hopeful of other accomplishments, such as receiving my bachelor’s degree, earning my law degree, passing the bar and completing my training, for these are some of the triumphs along the way that will help me to achieve my goal.
What scares you the most about Bermuda’s future?
I believe that the generation needs more motivation to go after their goals to be more successful. Too many of our young people are not ‘hungry’ enough and this puts Bermuda’s future at risk. Our mind is a powerful weapon. As teenagers, we have many distractions which lead to us doubting ourselves. As young people, given the fact that we are the future, we need to believe that we can be successful and that we should strive beyond our horizon.
What makes you proud to be Bermudian?
While I am not Bermudian, I am still proud of this country that I have called home for four years. Bermuda is a unique place where the sense of community promotes a friendly environment that you will not find in many places. Bermuda is a peaceful island and consists of its own traditions which make it exceptional.
Seon Tatem
The Berkeley Institute
Age 17
Most likely to: Be Premier
Favourite Quote: “Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it. Right is right even if no one is doing it.” – Saint Augustine
As you leave high school for your next chapter, what are you most hopeful about?
As I leave high school, I am most hopeful about achieving a degree in education then moving on to make a difference in my community.
What scares you the most about Bermuda’s future?
What scares me most about Bermuda’s future, is our people living their lives to impress others instead of focusing on individuality and their own uniqueness and potential.
What makes you proud to be Bermudian?
What makes me proud to be Bermudian, is the fact that there are many supportive Bermudians.
Caroline Amaral
Mount Saint Agnes Academy
Age 17
Most Likely to: Live a life filled with happiness.
Favorite Quote: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss
As you leave high school for your next chapter, what are you most hopeful about?
As I leave high school I am most hopeful about meeting new people, creating memories and learning from my experiences. I hope to continue on my path and remain close to those I meet along the way. I am excited to embark upon a new chapter, find my passion and lead the life I have always wanted to live.
What scares you the most about Bermuda’s future?
What scares me most about Bermuda’s future would be its lack of stability due to climate change. Global Warming is a severe issue that requires immediate action. I am worried about the negative impacts on our waters, beaches and island as a whole that will transpire as a result of climate change. There is no simple solution, however the way our country responds to climate change hereby determines our future. Our future is heavily dependent on the choices the world makes today, therefore action needs to be taken to ensure a prosperous future for the generations to come.
What makes you proud to be Bermudian?
I am proud to be a Bermudian when I see my community working together. As a Bermudian I know that I am a part of a larger family. A prime example of this is after a hurricane. Seeing neighbors, families, friends and strangers working together to clean up debris and ensure the safety of others brings warmth into my heart. I love to see the care, love and support the community shows to one another during rough times or simply every day. There are many instances of solidarity in our community which spark pride within me. No matter who or when it is, when we unite together as a country I feel immensely proud to be Bermudian.
