UVI Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS Prevention Program

Elvaneice C. Huggins
Female Lead Student Peer Educator- St. Thomas Campus 

My name is Elvaneice C. Huggins. I was born and raised on the island of St. Thomas, USVI. I am currently studying Elementary Education so that I can become a teacher and help the youth of my community learn and grow. I also aspire to either work for, or own, an afternoon facility that will help students develop a love of the arts as well as explore and build their own skills. As a Certified Student Peer Educator, what I love most about being a part of the UVI Substance Abuse & HIV/AIDS Prevention Program are the many opportunities to spread knowledge in a fun and relatable way while helping to keep my community safe and healthy.

The choices we make in life affects us both positively and negatively. My favorite poet Robert Frost reminds us of this in the poem The Road Not Taken. Paths in the woods and forks in roads are ancient and deep-seated metaphors for the lifeline, its crises and decisions. Identical forks, in particular, symbolize for us the nexus of free will and fate: We are free to choose, but we do not really know beforehand what we are choosing between. Our route is, thus, determined by an accretion of choice and chance, and it is impossible to separate the two.

Tatiana Green 

My name is Tatiana Green. I am from the commonwealth of Dominica. Presently I am enrolled at the University of the Virgin Islands as a Business major with a concentration in Finance. My career goals after graduating from school is to become a Financial Analyst. My main reason for being part of the UVI Substance Abuse & HIV/AIDS Prevention Program  is to help improve and promote awareness to my peers and by extension the youth.

Sophia Johnson

My name is Sophia Johnson and I am originally from the island of St. Croix, USVI. My parents are both from the island of Antigua, West Indies. I am a Junior Student at the University of the Virgin Islands, Albert A. Sheen Campus majoring in Business Administration, Accounting. I understand how important life is to someone and to their family. It is not a nice feeling to lose a loved one period, but it hurts a little bit more if someone we cherish loses their life over something that could have been prevented. HIV & AIDS can be prevented if one knows about the disease and how to properly protect themselves. My aim is to be an activist in this field so that I can educate my friends, family, and community on the facts about HIV. Being a Certified Student Peer Educator, allows me to share the risk and protective factors associated with HIV and AIDS. As an activist I emphasize the importance of practicing safe sex and the need for continuous testing. Knowing our status is important for ourselves and for our families. 

Shanaliz S. Natta

Hailing from the gorgeous, sun-bathed island of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands, pursing a B.S degree in Biology at the University of the Virgin Islands, my name is Shanaliz S. Natta. I decided to study Biology because of my desire and passion for science and the human/animal anatomy. I am fascinated with our mind/body co-function, reproduction, and survival skills. In my point of view humans are the most intriguing creatures. I joined the UVI Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS Prevention Program my sophomore year because I am interested in knowing more about sexually transmitted diseases and how they can be prevented so that I can share this information with my peers. The program also teaches me how to be a better person to myself and others, how to respect the privacy of my peers, and build my skills in professionalism.

Upon graduating from UVI, my goal is to become a physical therapist. This lifelong goal will afford me opportunities to work with patients who have been in car accidents, sports injuries, and those who maybe recovering from major surgeries. I also plan on doing some research and acquiring my Master of Science degree. Raised in a bi-cultural home, I learned to be versatile and outgoing--"to take life by its horns" some would say. As my grandmother says, "Vive como no hay manana", "Live like there is no tomorrow!"  

Sean R. Benjamin Jr.

I was born in St. Thomas, USVI and raised in Tortola, BVI. I am currently a Computer Science & Business Administration: Information Systems & Technology major. I intend to continue my studies in Computational Biology and possibly Communication with a concentration in Radio & Web Media and Music Industry. After graduation I will work for a while to gain experience before returning home to assist with managing some of the family businesses until I can start my own ventures. I would like to start my own firm committed to Research & Development in the field of Science, Technology & Engineering starting with Websites and Web & Mobile Apps. My ultimate goal is to create technology that can improve Medicine & Healthcare as well as protect the Environment and Ecosystems while contributing to the betterment of life and advances in all fields.

I became interested in being a peer educator to promote awareness and prevention. As a Certified Student Peer Educator, I have an opportunity to educate my community about the hazards of abuse and misuse of drugs and substances and the dangers of unprotected sex. Daily, I am able to shed light on various illnesses that plague our society and inform people that there is a better way to deal with their problems and that there is help available for them. My community needs to see others stand up and make a change by doing what’s right. I am a role model to others and am satisfied knowing that I can make a difference in at least one person’s life. Being a Student Peer Educator has opened my eyes and my mind to so many things that are possible. We can help people even if we just start small. 

Samantha Daniel

My name is Samantha Daniel and I am originally from the island of St. Croix. I attend the University of the Virgin Islands where I am pursuing a major in Nursing and a minor in Psychology. Serving as a peer educator provides a challenging as well as a rewarding opportunity for me to develop leadership skills, gain the respect of my fellow peers while improving my personal knowledge base. Being a Peer Educator provides a valuable link to health services, which would be an even more valued tool for me, due to the fact that I am a nursing major. Therefore I can use the expertise I obtained in my classes to help enhance my skills as a Peer Educator, in addition to sharing the knowledge to my fellow peers in my university as well as my community. Being a Peer Educator encourages me to be a positive influence in my community, so I can promote the awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS, alcohol and marijuana abuse.  Upon graduating from UVI, my goal is to further my education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Nursing. 

Patrice Harris

I am a senior Communications major with a minor in English. I am a proud Kittitian with roots in Nevis. I have been at UVI for two years and I joined the Student Peer Health Educators program in Spring of 2014. I have enjoyed every minute of being a peer educator. I am interested in this program because I was a peer educator in high school and this is one of the few clubs on campus where I am be able to use my oratory skills. I am set to graduate in May of 2016 and I am excited to pursue graduate studies and eventually do consultancy of my own. 

Nalie Frederick
Female Lead Student Peer Educator- Albert A. Sheen Campus 

A genuine, natural landscape of gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, miles of unspoiled rainforest and the majestic Piton Mountains, natural waterfalls, breath-taking views, friendly locals and authentic culture describes my hometown of St. Lucia, West Indies. My name is Nalie Frederick and I am a senior Communication major student at the University of the Virgin Islands. I have been challenged in life with so many trials. As a Certified Student Peer Educator, I am able to not only grow and gain autonomy but I am also able to be a friend, activist, mentor, and role model for my friends, family, peers, and community. Sometimes individuals feel isolated in the issues that they face, however; I believe that we are not alone in situations and can be a pillar for each other. From my inception in the program until present, I have been embraced as family. Working with a small circle of individuals who are open, friendly, and always willing to share, I feel the embrace of everyone which provides me with a greater understanding of life-both the challenges and joys. I am passionate about meeting and speaking with others and that has been a driving force in pursing my degree. Upon graduating from UVI my aim is to go to graduate school. 

Brianna Benjamin

I hail from the nature island of Dominica, and even there, the dangers of drugs and sexually transmitted diseases are very real and present. Here in UVI, and in St Thomas on a whole, being a Certified Student Peer Educator provides me the opportunity to connect with people who are around my age range, and educate them further about the dangers of drug abuse and how to practice safe sex. Most people prefer to talk to others around their own age group about any concerns or problems they may be having, and so when I participate in outreach activities connected to the Peer Educators program, I not only provide information, but I get to learn about and experience things from other people’s point of view. Being a peer educator has offered me many amazing opportunities, from being able to attend and become certified at the National Conference on Student Leadership, to working with the less fortunate in our community. I have enjoyed my time so far being a part of this wonderful group. Upon graduating from UVI, I plan to pursue graduate studies in the neuroscience field. 

D’Andrea Benjamin                                                          

Tranquil tropical destination for vacationers, honeymooners, meeting attendees, scuba divers and more all describes my hometown of St. Croix, USVI. My name is D’Andrea Benjamin and I am a sophomore student at the University of the Virgin Islands. My ultimate lifelong goal once I complete college is to become an OB/GYN. I have been a Certified Student Peer Educator since my first semester at UVI. As a Peer Educator, I enjoy the interaction which comes with dialoguing with my peers. As a member of this vibrant and active organization on campus, I have had many opportunities to open up and express myself to members of my community.