In March 2007, several of my friends had received letters informing them that they had been accepted into The Berkeley Institute. Others informed me that they did not get accepted. But I, however, had not received this long awaited information.

Days went by and finally the letter arrived in my mailbox.

These were the words that were inscribed on the paper with the Berkeley letterhead: "Mr. and Mrs. DeSilva, I am sorry to inform you that your daughter has not been accepted into The Berkeley Institute."

I will never forget those heart-wrenching words. I, Aysha Michaiah DeSilva, Head Girl at both my Primary School and Middle School was not accepted into The Berkeley Institute.

After an appeal was launched by my parents with the vigour of Johnny Cochrane and prayers that exploded heaven by every saint I knew on my behalf, I was finally accepted into The Berkeley Institute. So being a Berkeleyite is not something I take for granted.

During Berkeley week, Mr. Calvin White, did an outstanding presentation.

His presentation branded me with Berkeley pride within my mind and heart. I will never forget when he called us all to the front and presented us as the class of 2011. I, Aysha Michaiah DeSilva was presented the opportunity to light and uphold the Berkeley torch. At that moment I became a Berkeleyite.

Once classes began, I adjusted to the new routine of manoeuvring my way to success. My classes include the core Subjects of English, Math, Social Studies and Science as well as encore classes P.E., Art, Spanish and Theatre and Society.

Of them all, my favourites are English Language and Theatre and Society.

These are my favourites because I enjoy expressing myself in the written, spoken form and the in non-verbal form of acting. As you can see, at Berkeley the classes that are offered ensure balance.

So, what does all of this mean — to be a Berkeleyite?

Some of the most notable, articulate and outspoken people went to Berkeley.

A sampling of this list would include the honourable Late Dame Lois Brown-Evans, The Premier Dr. the Honourable Ewart Brown, The Honorable Dale Butler and many others who obtain great success here in Bermuda.

Something tells me that Berkeley produced and will continue to produce great people.

Therefore being a Berkeleyite means that I have a legacy to uphold, a legacy that screams pride, respect, responsibility and most of all SUCCESS.