People can accomplish anything once they find and pursue their gifts, a top Bermudian actor has told students.

Lana Young, who recently had a major role in the director Tyler Perry’s A Jazzman’s Blues, said: “You have to find what your special gift is. It could be anything. You need a unique perspective and something you can give to the world. Tune into and follow that and opportunities will be drawn to you.

“Understand that every experience that happens to us is bankable, so just go along for the ride, because at some point you will be able to use those experiences for your dream.”

Ms Young spoke to students at the Bermuda Institute on Friday. Pupil Brea Watkins interviewed her.

Ms Young also encouraged young people to change their outlook on life.

“Rather than preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, which is what is taught a lot in schools, you should prepare for and expect the best, and be prepared for any outcome,” she said.

Bermudians are very lucky to live here, she added, and often provide different viewpoints in circumstances.

She said: “It serves us to come from this island. We are rooted in the ocean and rock, we are raised with parents and other adults, we know how to navigate all sorts of situations more so than a lot of people in other countries.

“I felt quite powerful in situations because of my Bermudian roots. Keep that island curiosity within yourself and share it with the rest of the world.”

Ms Young has been in TV shows such as Law and Order and the Blacklist, and was recently in a Jazzman’s Blues on Netflix.