Twenty-year-old Shaki Hughes is serious about his future - so serious, in fact, that he has no time to chase girls.

"Later for those," his mother advised. "Get your education first."

She also made it known that whatever her son wanted in life he would have to work for, and she promised him that some day he would thank her for a philosophy he initially thought hard.

Granted, growing up Shaki (pronounced Shak-eye) was always "trying to get ahead", but after graduating from CedarBridge Academy and winning a scholarship to the Bermuda College, he admits he frittered away his first year there, and that's when "Moms" lowered the boom.

"She told me I could either make something of my education or go out to work and pay bills," he says. "I didn't want to pay bills so I went back to the College the next year, settled down, did my work, studied, and here I am."

In fact, so totally focussed on his goals is the young man today that he has little time to kick back and play, but that's okay he says.

"I've got to do what I've got to do."

And that means adhering to a full weekday schedule which includes morning and evening classes at the Bermuda College, as well as working as an part-time waiter at Grotto Bay Hotel.

Initially, Mr. Hughes had no specific focus in mind when he joined the Bermuda College, but since he was somewhat familiar with computers, having used his family's for video games and homework assignments, he decided to pursue an associate degree in computer information systems.

Meanwhile, through his mother's friend he was offered a part-time trainee job at Hemisphere Management.

"I just wanted experience in information technology," he says. "I was starting to narrow down exactly what I wanted to do, and I have been there for about a year. At first I didn't know anything, but as the months go by I have learnt new information, and right now I am also assisting the new desktop support guy. It is a really interesting job, and not one where you're sitting at a desk. You are always on your feet, working around, helping users. It's good to help someone with their problem, and when you solve something you get a thrill out of it. My career choice is now formed: information technology (IT)."

Were it possible, Mr. Hughes would have liked to become a video games designer, "but Bermuda doesn't offer anything like that, so I have branched off into IT to find another career path".

The decision is typical of his flexible approach to any obstacle because he's all about keeping the end in sight.

"I look at things this way: 'That's not going to get me anywhere. Why don't I try something else with the same characteristics as what I originally wanted to do?' " he says. "Hopefully, I will be able to design video games one day, but not in Bermuda."

Meanwhile, at Hemisphere the senior network administrator is encouraging Mr. Hughes to become an A+ certified technician.

"It's not a big qualification but it's a start before going away to college next September, hopefully to gain my Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, which is my next goal," he says.

Certainly, the Bermuda College student is enjoying his studies at Bermuda College this time around, and takes its demands in stride.

"Everything is what you make of it. If you do the work you can get good grades and so on. If you choose not to do that then you're out of luck."

Similarly, while acknowledging that CedarBridge Academy has its share of problem students, Mr. Hughes says they are in the minority.

"Five percent of the bad guys set examples for everyone else. That's why it has a bad name at times, but it is really an extremely good school. Its resources, facilities and teachers are great. CedarBridge is what you make it."

Away from the classroom, this exemplary young Bermudian's "can do" attitude has allowed him to earn money in all sorts of ways - everything from washing dishes to being a bus person, a stock clerk in a grocery store, helping to frame pictures, and even construction.

"My first job was when I was 15, and I am never too proud to work as long as I am getting paid," he says. "I'm not saying I will do anything for money, but if I want something I know I have to work to get it. Others ask their parents for things and sometimes they don't get them, whereas I'm buying my lunch, a pair of sneakers, or whatever."

In fact, Mr. Hughes' parents subscribe to the "If you want it, you work for it" philosophy because they know that, by so doing so, they are equipping their four children with invaluable tools not only for getting ahead in life but also for truly appreciating whatever they achieve.

He stresses, however, that they have also assured him that, should he not raise sufficient funds to pay for his college education himself, they will assist him.

"First, however, they feel they need to instil a sense of responsibility in me and put my life in my hands. That gives me the work ethic and keeps me poor and out of trouble so I'm not hanging around the streets. They have always raised me that way."

The same qualities that are helping him to succeed at the Bermuda College and Hemisphere are also making him a popular waiter with the guests at Grotto Bay, where he has worked part-time for the past two years.

Although he has had no formal training as a waiter, Mr. Hughes attributes his successful progression to the excellent grounding he received at Stonington Beach Hotel - thanks to maitre d' Sinclair Robinson, who quickly spotted something special in him.

Originally hired as a 'maidsman' - someone who makes beds, etc. - he was tidying up the hotel lobby when Mr. Robinson asked him if he wanted "to do some work". Responding affirmatively, Mr. Hughes was told to turn up the next morning and bring a friend.

"I showed up with a friend and there you have it," he says. "I started as a trainee bus person, and learned the basics: clearing plates, how to set a table, how to greet guests, and more."

When business slowed down, the need for bus persons evaporated, so Mr. Hughes joined Grotto Bay where he is presently a part-time waiter.

"I started as a bus person and have been promoted to waiter," he says proudly. "In the summer I will be a full-time waiter, working mornings, evenings and weekends, and of course at Hemisphere in the afternoons. It sounds hectic but you have to sacrifice. Friends and women come last! It's extremely hard."

While the hospitality industry will not be his chosen career path, the young man is enthusiastic about recommending it to his fellow Bermudians.

"Although it looks as if the tourist numbers have gone down tremendously, it is still a good industry to be in. You many not make as much money as in some other jobs, but you are still making more than enough. Some people don't like to work weekends and holidays, and that's why they hire foreigners.

Remember, a hotel opens 24/7. If you can give up weekends and time during the week, then cool, there's a job for you."

Blessed with a friendly, outgoing personality and a positive outlook, Mr. Hughes describes Grotto Bay as "a great place to work", and his attitude towards visitors is delightfully refreshing at a time when young Bermudians apparently regard tourism-related work in a negative light.

"I like to meet different people, serve them, and make sure they are having a good time because when you go away you want to have a good vacation. You don't want to have a boring waiter, you want to feel welcome, and that's what I like to make the guests feel. It's not a hard job at all. It beats construction and any other boring job. Anyone can be a waiter, but you have to like it. You can't say, 'I'm going to be a waiter and just give people the food'. Along with that comes your personality and wanting to make people feel happy."

While Mr. Hughes does not claim to be a role model for young Bermudians, he doesn't mince his words when speaking of those who regard certain jobs as demeaning or beneath them.

"To get ahead you have to push towards a goal, and you have to perfect something in order to move on," he says. "Everyone has to start somewhere. A lot of people start at the bottom and work their way to the top. That's what I'm doing."

Indeed, when asked what advice he would give his fellow young citizens, Mr. Hughes was equally forthright.

"In order to get things in life you have to swallow your pride and do whatever it takes to get to the place you want to be," he says. "With a lot of kids, it isn't that they don't want a job but they have too much pride. They say 'I would never work at such and such a place', or 'I can't let my friends see me working there'.

The reality is, you have to work for things. Don't worry about your friends; if they're good ones they will encourage you to work for what you want."

Admitting that his goals "just pop up spontaneously" as his life unfolds, the aspiring computer scientist attributes his drive to his parents' wise counsel and support.

"Moms always says, 'You can do better'. I can get straight A's and she will say, 'You could have got A-plusses'. She pushes me to reach my goals. She is proud of me. In fact, both my parents are proud of me."

At a time when many Bermudians foresee "doom and gloom" for themselves and the Island, Mr. Hughes remains typically upbeat.

"I see a good future. Everyone wants to buy a house, and I want to own a piece of The Rock too. I see my life heading to great places if I continue to work hard, swallow my pride, and sacrifice."