The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

KAHTURA Fernander, a recent graduate of the Florida A&M University (FAMU), hopes to one day develop the Bahamas in the best architectural way possible.

As a high school student, Kahtura did not even have a clear idea of what an architect was, but today she holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

“After being placed in Home Economics as an option in high school I realised those things came natural being raised in the Bahamas. I decided to switch to architecture, but was told by a teacher that I could not do it. It’s because of hearing that I could not do it, I proceeded and did it anyway to the best of my ability, even though I knew nothing about it.

“After studying architecture for a few years, I realised I’ve always had a passion for it from elementary school, but never knew there was a profession for it. To this day, it remains my passion and that is why I work so hard in school towards becoming the best architect ever,” said Kahtura.

The 23-year-old said now that she is done with her undergraduate degree in architecture, her plan is to continue on to her Master’s at Florida A&M University this fall.

“Hopefully when I’m done with that in two years, I can come home and help develop the Bahamas architecturally. I would say this field can be beneficial in so many ways. It is never a boring career because of the variety of tasks it demands. No project is ever the same and we are constantly dealing with different issues such as meeting clients and contractors, drawing plans, and working out last minute details and requests,” she said.

Kahtura said the most enjoyable thing about architecture for her is being able to design living areas for people. After all, Kahtura said, without structures where people can lay their heads, take care of themselves or even manage a business, where would they go? “Designing any structure is what I’m passionate about, even if it’s for fun,” she said.

Kahtura said that while architecture may cause her to pull out her hair at times, it is worth it in the end.

Apart from her love for the field itself, Kahtura said she also loves giving back to the community, modelling, taking photos, shopping, having fun and just being herself.

“My friends and family like to believe I’m slim in figure, but I believe they’re blind because clearly I’m thick. My daily philosophy is, ‘Throwing in the towel may be that final key which unlocks the door to your success’. We only have one life to live; make it meaningful. Be persistent and you will be honoured in the end.

“If I was to describe myself in three words, I would say that I am persistent, pleasant and diverse,” she said.

Recalling the most memorable experience in her life, Kahtura said it was her time as a contestant in the 2012 Miss Bahamas pageant in. She said the pageant helped shape her into the person she is today, and with the platform “Promoting Confidence”, her confidence grew to an extent which she had previously never imagined.

“I was always a shy person, but this experience brought out the grown, brave and sophisticated lady in me. Because of this, when I left to attend university in the US, I was ready to socialise and compete with others on an international level. I have had times being named ‘Model of the Day’ and even elected to a leadership position in a school organisation, thanks to the Miss Bahamas team,” she said.

With many positive influences in her life, Kahtura said it is difficult to point out just one, but she did note her mother, Oneika Stubbs, as one of the biggest supporters.

“She is such a hard worker and I’ve seen her progress so much from I was an itty bitty girl to this lady you are interviewing today, and to her I just want to say thank you. Also, my mentors have played a big role in my life.

“My first mentor was in high school who passed away while I was in the College of the Bahamas, and I was blessed with a new mentor after I got to FAMU,” she said.