What brought you to UPEI? Why did you choose to study here?

I come from a twin-island state in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago. I grew up in the eastern region of Trinidad, Dabadie. I chose UPEI because I was seeking an affordable, quality education in a place where I wouldn't be a number in a huge lecture hall. The small class sizes really attracted me because they make it easier to connect with professors and classmates. Additionally, coming from an island where community is important and central to everything, I felt that moving from one island to another would make the transition smoother. I also wanted a change from my previous background in data and finance and a chance to focus on something I am passionate about, sustainability in small islands. UPEI’s setting and programs aligned perfectly with what I was looking for. 

What do you find unique and interesting about the Master of Arts in Island Studies program?

It's the MAIS program's interdisciplinary nature—it is not like a typical master’s in business or finance where you are expected to have a very specific undergraduate background. In our cohort, no two students are alike; we come from different islands, cities, continents all with different degrees. When we come together in class, everyone brings their own lived experiences and interdisciplinary lens, so our discussions are rich and can challenge how you see islands and the world. It’s one of the few programs where interdisciplinarity isn’t a slogan; you experience it in every class discussion.

What kinds of support have you received as a student from UPEI students, staff, and UPEI faculty members?

The MAIS faculty members have been extremely supportive from day one. They are very approachable and eager to offer assistance, whether it's with coursework or adjusting to life in PEI. My MAIS professors don’t just deliver lectures, they also mentor both inside and outside of class and are always willing to help. The UPEI staff, particularly the international student office, have been very helpful by guiding me through immigration paperwork and settling into PEI. My MAIS classmates have become a great support system, sharing resources, listening to each other, and checking in on one another, especially since many of us are far from home.

"I come from a small island developing state in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago, where many people may not have heard of it. I love being able to introduce myself as an islander, drawn by the tides to another island, to explore the stories, struggles, and strengths of islands everywhere. As islanders, we all have different stories to share, and PEI and UPEI have their own unique ones."

What's unique about UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?

Living and studying here has provided many unique experiences. PEI offers a valuable advantage for studying Island Studies: the opportunity to observe climate and coastal issues firsthand as a living lab. I also value how the UPEI and PEI regularly give land acknowledgements, reminding us that we are all settlers on Mi'kma'ki territory, which enriches your understanding of place-based histories. For me, UPEI’s uniqueness lies in its scale and setting. It’s small enough to recognize faces across campus and build genuine connections, yet diverse enough to meet people from many different countries and disciplines. PEI stands out because the island doesn't feel or look like anywhere else in Canada; it's an untouched gem full of stories, a slower pace, and an incredibly strong sense of community that reminds me of home. This is very personal for me, as I come from a small island developing state in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago, where many people may not have heard of it. I love being able to introduce myself as an islander, drawn by the tides to another island, to explore the stories, struggles, and strengths of islands everywhere. As islanders, we all have different stories to share, and PEI and UPEI have their own unique ones. 

What would you tell a student considering the MAIS program at UPEI?

I would tell a student considering MAIS at UPEI that it's ideal if you're curious, eager for a challenge, open to diverse disciplines, and interested in the roles of islands in global discussions on climate, policy, sustainable development, and culture. I would also suggest being prepared to take initiative; the program allows you to shape your research around your passions, and learning does not necessarily end in the classroom. What makes Island Studies unique compared to other master's degrees is its examination of Indigenous knowledge alongside Western approaches, offering a broader understanding of island wisdom and histories that you won't find elsewhere.

How do you feel UPEI and the MAIS program are preparing you for your future?

UPEI and the MAIS program have taught me that being small is a strength. Greatness isn’t about size; it’s about clarity, focus, and strong foundations. During my time in Island Studies, I gained a better understanding of how climate change impact islands, learned to think critically, and built confidence in my voice for discussions on sustainability, climate change, and net zero. UPEI provided a space for steady growth, so when I take on roles in sustainable construction or climate‑resilient development, I lead with purpose, guided by island experience and a clear vision, rather than following trends.

One essential element is how my experience at UPEI and MAIS has inspired me to be intentional in what I do. This experience added important layers to my identity as an islander from Trinidad and Tobago. UPEI and PEI have provided me with space to grow, adapt to change, pause when necessary, and confidently take the lead, even on uncertain paths. My journey was not only about acquiring knowledge; it was about cultivating a mindset to shape my future anywhere.