as a friendly, Christian person who is a good listener and is sensitive to others.

Bridgewater, who turned 16 on September 15, lives in Smith's Parish, and attended Harrington Sound School before becoming an honour student for 4 years straight at Berkeley.

She has a bronze and silver award from the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and is currently working towards her gold. She is a candy striper at King Edward VII Hospital, a ranger, and is a member of the school's gospel choir.

In what little spare time she has, Bridgewater studies ballet and modern jazz at Jackson Dance School, and enjoys travelling, like she did this summer to Scotland for an international camp.

Bridgewater, who wants to become a dermatologist, says that the increasing violence in Bermuda is the main problem facing society today. "It is a community problem, and since it is a community problem it will require a community solution to solve it,'' she said.

She adds that violence and "the crime and drugs spreading throughout our little Island'' are some of the things she wishes she could change in Bermuda.

The fifth year student, says that she would advise other young people like her 13 year-old sister Cal-Nika, "to find a positive activity to get involved in to keep them from being idle. Find a role model or someone to look up to.'' Her role model is her mother Stephanie.

Other than her parents, Bridgewater admires and is inspired by poet Maya Angelo. "She is a strong woman who has proven that no matter what trials you encounter, you can still rise and become great,'' she said.

Alex Hailey was the one person in the world that Bridgewater wished she could have met.

"He was able to trace his roots and uncover a legacy of rich family pride and history, that will be remembered and passed on for many generations,'' she said.

The Mother lands of Africa are where she would visit if given a ticket to go anywhere in the world.

"They are countries of natural beauty, varied ethnic groups and have a rich cultural heritage.'' Bridgewater enjoys listening to Boys II Men, loves eating apple pie, watching "Fresh Prince'' on television, the Parenthood and Sister Sister; and is a Charles Barkley basketball fan.

SHAY-COY BRIDGEWATER -- A dancer, candy striper, adventurer, this 16-year-old urges her peers to "find a positive activity'' and get involved.

MAYA ANGELO MAYO ANGELOU