Having literally performed off Broadway, Bermuda College student Juanita Rozzell is no stranger to the stage.

Raised in Queens, New York, Juanita was involved in the New York-based Ujaama Black Theatre group which performed a block away from Broadway.

She has taken part in The Long Renaissance and Malcolm X theatre productions.

But the ambitious teenager, who is in a two-year Associate of Arts (Business Administration) programme at the College, said she believed that it was time she shared her talents and services worldwide.

And she viewed an offer to travel with the talented, tour group Up With People group as that special opportunity.

The group, which is no stranger to Bermuda, look for talented youngsters with the personality and zeal to travel around the world, entertaining and carrying out community services.

Juanita's community involvement includes being a part of Amnesty International, Friends of the Bermuda College Library board of trustees whose main function is to raise funds for the library, and a member of the Student Council.

But it was the enthusiastic presentation of a former Up With People member and fellow student that triggered her interest in the group.

"In a freshman orientation class we had to do a presentation,'' she said. "A friend of mine did a presentation on Up With People. After hearing it, I said this is for me.'' Months later the group came to Bermuda and Juanita said she was interviewed by three members of the cast at the same time.

But, she said, the interview was positive. And in December, Juanita received a letter from Up With People, saying she had been accepted.

Juanita said she was looking forward to travelling with the group.

By staying with host families, she will be able to learn about their culture and country and vice versa.

However, Juanita has to come up with more than $12,000 in order to travel with the group in July.

The second-year college student launched a letter writing campaign to companies. But, she shyly admitted, the money was not coming in as fast as she had hoped.

"I would appreciative of anything. And when I come back, I intend to share what I've learned with anyone who is interested.'' Anyone interested in helping the eager teen can contact her via P.O. Box 1138 Hamilton, HMEX or by calling 292-4025.

GRASPING THE OPPORTUNITY -- Bermuda College student Juanita Rozzell hopes to raise some $12,000 by July in order to travel with Up With People.