The Tribune

Rev Angela Bosfield Palacious recently encouraged students, staff and faculty of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) to keep their dreams alive even when they are deferred, as every part of the journey counts.

Rev Palacious, the first woman priest of the Anglican Diocese in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands, revealed that she was once a primary school teacher, having received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the field, only to realise it was not her passion.

“I knew after my first semester, I wasn’t called to be a teacher. I loved the children, but those walls were closing in on me. I was not living the dream,” she said, while speaking on the theme “Owning Your Future”.

However, she later recognised her time in the classroom as training ground of what was to come.

“What better way to be in front of a congregation, than in front of a classroom. I had to be present to them in a spiritual way. During the journey, I drew closer to God,” she said.

Rev Palacious went on to spend five years in seminary and it was not until 14 years later that she was ordained.

“I felt I was pregnant for 19 years,” she disclosed.

And while Rev Palacious told the audience to find mentors and network with those who have been successful in the areas they are interested in, she cautioned them to be careful whom they share their dreams.

“Sometimes you have to keep your pregnancy a secret until delivery,” she said during her analogy, “because you may lose the dream, depending on who you have shared it with.”

Rev Palacious was the first speaker of BTVI’s ‘On Course’ 2020 speaker series. The annual event features a guest speaker that takes students through a time of spiritual reflection and re-assessment. It was organised by the Student Affairs department in conjunction with the Christian Student Fellowship.

According to Dean of Student Services Racquel Bethel, the spiritual aspect is the most critical element of a person’s overall well-being.

“It is often said that the health of the nation is the wealth of the nation. However, spiritual health must be paramount. The scripture points out, ‘What profits a man to gain everything and yet lose his soul?’ So, today’s event was BTVI’s way of reminding students of the importance of spiritual health as a foundation for physical health and well-being,” she said.

Furthermore, Rev Palacious emphasised the importance of trudging along, even when one has yet to realise the dream.

“Be equipped. Be teachable. Don’t think this isn’t my immediate dream. Put in the effort and store it for the fullness of time. You never know who you will become,” she said.

“If you know how to do a little carpentry, a little tiling, you don’t know how it will stand you in good stead in the future.”

Meanwhile, Cosmetology student Iiesha Strachan was motivated to keep her dreams alive after listening to Rev Palacious.

“She made me realise, don’t give up on my dreams. It took me eight years to come to school. I had a daughter during that time,” said the 23-year-old. “It motivated me. It’s just a matter of sticking to my goals.”

Office Assistant student Angia Russell, also felt inspired.

“With God on your side, you can overcome anything. You have to keep moving forward…there are a lot of setbacks in life, but I realise I can come through setbacks. I can’t get through school without God,” she said.