Keresa Arnold, OutlookYouth Writer

Stefanie Thomas' ambition is to become as involved in her country's affairs as is possible. - Contributed

Stefanie Thomas is a 22-year-old young woman whose ambition in life is to become as involved in her country's affairs as is possible.

"I have one life to live and I am very energised and passionate about change in Jamaica," she disclosed.

Stefanie attended Meadowbrook High School then moved on to Campion College for sixth form. A graduate of Colgate University in upstate New York where she pursued a double major in biology and economics, she is a highly motivated and optimistic person who is currently pursuing a master's in economic development policy at the University of the West Indies. She is founder and president of Future Foundation, which was established to create programmes to motivate children and which currently works with the SOS Children's Village.

In a bid to contribute to the development of her society, Stefanie is a CARICOM Youth Ambassador for Jamaica. In this capacity, she represents the views of young people on a regional level.

"I also help with policy formation and social intervention sessions in Jamaica," she highlighted.

She also expresses herself through dance. "My passion in life is dance," she firmly stated.

Supporting dancer for NTDC

As such, she is fulfilling this passion as a supporting dancer for the National Dance Theatre Company and a member of the University Dance Society at the University of the West Indies. She has also earned a gold medal at the Jamaica Cultural development Commission's (JCDC) dance festival.

Stefanie describes her dance style as "modern creative with a heavy influence of ballet."

This talented and motivated young woman also plays the piano, writes poetry and paints. Her plans for the future are precise and simple. "I want to become more involved on a national level (in terms of) policymaking and policy change. I want to be the best that I can be in whatever endeavour I pursue," she confidently stated.

For the most interesting teen issues and styles read the Youthlink in the Tuesday Gleaner.