"I hadn't decided to go to college at all,'' recalls 18 year old Kirsten White who with an impressive 3.77 grade point average has already secured tentative acceptance at McGill University for this fall.

Pregnant in her senior year at Berkeley, and giving birth to her son before she graduated Ms White explained that going to college "simply was not in my mind at all.'' Having achieved good grades at Berkeley, when Ms White applied to the Bermuda College she was offered a scholarship. "It covered about three quarters of my fees,'' she revealed "and then this year I got one that covered everything except books.'' The secret to her success is a supportive family and "managing my time well,'' says Ms White who took an active role in student life at the Bermuda College. "I was in student government, tried to write for the College newspaper and took part in the RAGE programme (Read And Get Excited).'' "I had to choose very wisely how to spend my time in school,'' Ms white recalls, "I figured I could have a social life but I had to wait until all my work was done. In the end I didn't go out very much at all.'' It becomes abundantly evident just how full of energy and drive Ms White is when one is told that on top of raising her son, studying full time, and her school activities, she also managed to hold down a part time job.

"I worked part time at Emerald Financial, they were very understanding and allowed me a flexible schedule.'' Ms White noted.

Looking back two years Ms. White is very pleased with her decision to attend Bermuda College. "I know for me it was fantastic. At Berkeley I was totally unfocussed, I had no aspiration of even going to college.'' she pointed out.

"For people like me, Bermuda College lets you see what you want to do. I met so many people that are ambitious that it encouraged me to work harder than I ever have in my life.

"It helped me to get my bearings and find out what it is in life that I really want to do, and with my son I realised even more, that I have to make my future secure.'' High marks: Kristen White, outstanding college student.

BERMUDA COLLEGE EDC