Bishop’s straight A student wants to be a medical doctor

TOBAGONIAN Nicola Dalrymple is the Ms Hal Jackson Talented Teen 2004 and a straight A student, whose ambition is to be a medical doctor. The 17-year-old student of Bishop’s High School, has shown that by capturing the crown there can be a perfect balance between academics and extra-curricular activities. She won the prestigious title from a field of 35 other teens from across the USA and other countries at a keenly contested show in Manhattan, USA recently. She placed second in the same pageant last year. She also recently obtained nine O-Level subjects at CXC with several distinctions, and will be pursuing Advanced Levels in the new school term. Nicola explained that the International contest promotes culture and education, and requires contestants to perform a two minute talent, give a speech and showcase their evening gown.

She described the experience as “one in a lifetime” although it was tough and extremely hectic and occurred the same time as the Heritage Festival for which she was also preparing. Besides getting a crown, Nicola also won a US$5,000 scholarship for four years, a diamond ring and the opportunity to tour several countries including Anguilla, London and Paris. About her school life, the pretty teen admitted, “generally I am a straight A student and I work hard.” She said balancing academics and other activities is quite easy for her, “because I started out performing at a tender age so I fit into it naturally.” She is also a member of the Tobago Academy of the Performing Arts (TAPA), the Tobago House of Assembly Performing Company and the St Patrick Anglican Youth Group, as well as plays netball. Living by the motto, “success is not measured by the achievement one makes in life, but by the obstacles one has to overcome to get there, by the grace of God,” Nicola says she wants to study medicine and become a paediatrician or surgeon.