Dancer Candice studying medical science

She flashed a refreshing smile as she reached out to greet a journalist at her doorstep. More than a journalist this was her past dance tutor whom she would laugh and talk with for long intervals when she was just ten years old. Nine years after and the young lady still carries the innocent smile on her face - one that you cannot miss in a crowd. This is the girl who is considered to be a scholar by her tutors. At age 19, Candice Baldeo of Ragoobar Lands, Gasparillo, has been able to achieve tremendous success as a performer and at her academic studies. The young lady who prefers to stay in the back of the classroom until her name is called, has a certain charm about her that makes her admirable by those who know her.

Having completed her secondary education, Candice is now in Smiths College, North Hampton, Massachusetts, where she is pursuing Medical Science. She stunned everyone when she gained nine distinctions in her CXC subjects. Having spent two years at UWI, she gained yet another big break when she received an open scholarship to study Medical Science at Smith’s College. She has proven that she can excel both in her academics and as a performer. Yes, she is a skilled East Indian dancer who has graced the television programme Mastana Bahar, Divali Nagar and many stages in south and central. She can also play any tune on the keyboard, having completed her studies in music. There’s no stopping Candice.

Just before leaving for Toronto she spoke with People about her success. “I just did what I had to do when the day came. It is not like I was making such big sacrifices or anything. It was quite simple. I got up on mornings and organised myself for school. After school I would get into dance or music and then I did my studies for the next day at school. And I have been following this pattern from kindergarten,” she said. She noted that while many young people today may choose to fool around, she was taught to use her time wisely. She was always in tune with what must be done for school and her music or dance. “I believe that a person can derive pleasure from whatever he or she does in life. It is not necessary to go drinking and liming all hours of the night to have fun. I see students in their uniforms just hanging around at 6 pm when I would have completed my dance and music classes.” She talks about her life growing up in Gasparillo. She loves the country area where every morning the chirping birds wake her up from bed and the sweet scent of roses fill her room during the morning time. She loves to see children laugh and play. “It is heartwarming how they find happiness in the simple things. And as we grow up we tend to look for happiness in so many other things. And I guess, many of us end up getting hurt,” she said.

Because of the fact that Candice is always at the top of things she was selected to represent her primary school, Gasparillo Hindu School, at Baal Vikaas competitions and every other extra curricular activities the school had. The teachers knew that this young lady was focussed and alert. To add to this she was very intelligent in dealing with any unforseen circumstances that pop up from time to time. She would find the answer to many problems in quick time. It is no wonder that she took the prize for the ‘Most All Round Student’ at her primary school when she graduated. At Naparima Girls College, San Fernando, where she received her secondary education, she was an eco-acitivist, peer-helper, Indian cultural executive, and a member of the UNESCO Club. She was instrumental in raising funds for many of the underprivileged children of the country. “When I read about any person who needs surgery of any sort, I would collect moneys from my friends and relatives and deposit in the given account in the banks. This I consider to be charity and a good deed for the day,” she smiled while talking.

She noted that she has been able to excel with the help of her parent whom she called Mr and Mrs Baldeo. “They were there every step of the way. Every time I finished class my mother was waiting right outside for me. She never failed to be there. This I believe really gave me the edge on the other children. It was as if I was the important one, not her. And many times I would take out some sort of frustration on her, not realising that this person is always there for me. Now that I am grown and all the teenage tantrums have passed, I really thank God for such a dedicated mother. She did not have life of her own. I was her life and there are no words to express my love and devotion to my parents. I dedicate my success to them.”