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—-young medical student says
By Gabriella Chapman
There is no question that the home serves as a bedrock on which greatness is planted. However, outside of the home, children are exposed to the wider society, which is sometimes harsh and contradicts the nourishment received at home. Sometimes society’s impact on the child, impedes that which was instilled at home. And with the prevalence of nepotism, classism, racism and all the ‘isms’, the overall development and outcome of the child can really be affected.
Cognizant of this, throughout her growing years, Medical student Gavrielle Cave remained adamant that she was going to defy all odds and control the results of her life. Her consciousness about life and history has caused her to believe that ‘black’ children need to be taught that they are enough, as society may carve their thinking to believe otherwise.
Cave grew up in Diamond with both parents, in a home where love, family and the importance of academics predominated. Excelling in both academics and athletics at St. Margaret’s Primary School, she was awarded a place at Queen’s College, where she started being exposed to harsh realities.
“Growing up into a family with parents who are both black, I was always taught to love myself, my large forehead, my kinky hair and my brown skin. My mother always said those are your black features and you’ve got to love it. Of course, this was always easier said than done and at times loving these things became a great task when society tells little black girls that they’re not beautiful. It’s important to remind our black children that they are enough and I developed a passion to learn about and to embrace my culture,” she told Village Voice News in a brief interview.
Despite the harsh realities, the young woman remained grounded in her teachings at home, and focused on living a passion-filled life.
“I’m very passionate about a lot of things. First on my list would be health and medicine. I’m very interested in learning about new breakthroughs made daily in the medical field; genetic engineering, new drugs and its driving force; medical technology. I think that has been my favourite part about doing a degree in Medicine. Additionally, I’m passionate about my culture. What a time it is to be a black woman! Most days I feel so empowered, especially on social media, unfortunately in real life it’s a bit different. Daily, I feel the need to learn about the roots of my heritage. I even promised myself that before I’m 25, I’d enter the Emancipation Pageant. And Finally, I am passionate about business and everything it involves; from the networking, to the money making, of course,” she said.
Knowing from a very young age that these were her areas of passion, she ensured that the foundation was adequately set to pursue those areas. From securing a place at the top secondary school in the country, to getting accepted into Med School, and now owning her own online business ‘ClickBait’.
“They say necessity is the mother of invention. Unfortunately, I was never as privileged as my peers. Surrounded by all the rich kids at QC whose parents owned businesses etc, I asked myself, what’s stopping me from owning mine? I had to find a way to get it for myself. And so with a background in customer service and business experience in a similar field, the buds of my business idea began to blossom,” she shared.
This kind of empowerment is what she believes many youths should develop, and push to ensure that the narrative is shifted on how people of African descent are perceived. Cave’s business, ‘ClickBait’, offers a personalised shopping experience that can be had nowhere else. “We offer extended hours so you never miss a sale, amazing customer service, payment plans, delivery and payment pickups (along with 5 other payment methods), advice on sites and gift options upon request along with so many other things that you’d never know unless you get on the ClickBait experience!”
In her advice to other black youths, she said “It’s important to always remember to work hard towards a formal education or skill for which you can be certified. Talent without discipline is a straight path to failure. Speak positivity to yourself and into your life and it will follow you. Begin your days with positive words and lead a successful life.”
