Katrina, the 'everythingologist'

This was one of her childhood fantasies.

No stranger to the limelight, this attractive young woman played host of the popular television talent programme, TSTT’s Party Flava Talent Face Off on Synergy TV, alongside Hans Devignes, Lindee-Ann Franklyn and Jelani Bynoe.

At the Carivog competition Katrina also won the titles of “Most Intelligent” and “Best Costume.”

In the competition Katrina was asked, What three aspects of TT culture would you advertise for foreigners?

Her response: The sites throughout the country, the different foods and the soca music.

“I think foreigners will be pleased with our combination of music and also the foods here,” she said.

Talking about her involvement in showbiz she said, “To walk this path of life it takes determination and courage. While this is glamorous and intriguing, my feet are planted on the ground and I wouldn’t allow the fame to get to my head.”

Her true goal is to be a certified obstetrician/gynaecologist. She has already taken steps towards the medical field by completing a seven-month Medical Transcription course at the Medical Data Campus in Caroni. She recently completed CAPE exams towards an associate degree in Natural Sciences and is awaiting results.

The last of four children, Katrina lives in Paradise Heights, Morvant. She said that even as a child growing up in the busy area, she always aspired to achieve her goals one by one.

“I want to be the best that I can be in everything I do. This has become my motto. Whenever I was asked what I wanted to be, I created a term, ‘everythingologist.’ I have never allowed an opportunity to pass me by since primary school.”

At Lower Morvant Government Primary, she was involved in every sport, cultural event or social activities. From netball to volley ball, storytelling to Bible quiz competitions, she got involved. While she excelled in extra curricular activities she still managed to hold first place in her classes with grade As from standard two all the way until she completed her college days. She was given the most outstanding pupil award at primary school.

As a student of Tranquillity Government Secondary, she again kept up the momentum excelling in everything she touched. She was the lead singer in the school’s choir and was selected to perform at the Golden Jubilee 25th Music Festival in 2002. She held the position of vice captain of the school’s basket-ball team and was also involved in cricket and football. Her friends consider her to be a serious-minded individual. She is always setting rules and standards for her group to follow.

“I feel that every sport or cultural group should first set rules for their members and players. The rules should be implemented at the highest level. This will ensure that members keep up the standard and hence bring success to the organisation,” she said like a true leader.

Katrina was chosen as captain of a dance crew called “Usual Suspects.” She led the group to sixth place in the National Hip Hop finals 2004. One of her greatest achievements is the award of a special prize in the Prime Minister’s Innovation and Invention Competition 2002. All of this and more led her to one of the highest awards given by the school: The Dr Eric Eustace Williams Challenge Trophy’, 2003-2004.

“I enjoy a good challenge. Each year I try to top myself. This year modelling, fashion shows and pageants were opened to me. And I am doing all that I can to reach my goal,” she confessed.

It has always been one of her dreams to represent TT at either Miss World or Miss Universe pageant. With her victory in the Miss Trini Carnival Queen contest, she hopes to progress to the national queen show. Katrina was indeed surprised to win this title and considers this the first stepping-stone to this dream.

She noted that the experience gained at the pageant was more rewarding than anything else. “Winning was just the cherry on the ice-cream. Although the training was long, it was exciting and different. Every session brought laughter and all the contestants closer. We had formed a small family. Regardless of the results on that night, we were all winners,” she said. Winners of an experience and memories we would hold and cherish in our hearts forever, she added.