I’m from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands -- or as we would say back at home “I From Rock”. In 2015, I moved to Washington, D.C. for college, but I’ve always carried the values and heart of the Virgin Islands with me. My home and family is my driving force and motivation, while I’m here at school, and St. Thomas is the reason why I want to go into medicine. My closest friends are from STT. My passion for music developed in STT. My love for Soca, calypso, reggae, dancehall, johnny cake and cheese, “specials”, banana fritters — mehn I could go on forever, came from my unique experience of being raised on an island. My understanding of my complex and ever-evolving identity as a Black Afro-Caribbean male is due to the large influence of mentors, teachers, professionals, role models, and activists ALL from the Virgin Islands. I witnessed both of my sisters compete and win pageants at home, and afford them opportunities abroad. Similarly, activities in St. Thomas took me to other islands in the Caribbean, Virginia, Canada, Florida, and ultimately led me here to D.C. I am blessed and eternally grateful for where I come from, and I would not change that experience for the world. 

With this in mind, let me get to why I’m really writing this… 

I would be lying if I didn’t admit that my heart aches everyday knowing of the devastation and destruction that Hurricane Irma and Maria had on the Caribbean and in particular my home. This is exactly why I’m writing. I’m processing and I’m grieving in the most healthy way I know how. This week in particular was a rough one for my family. My mom had to see my sister off, as she left St. Thomas to continue her high school education. Me not being home to comfort my mother as she said goodbye was extremely difficult for me. Circumstances like this — are the reality for many Virgin Islanders right now. 

But there is still so much to be thankful for!

Thank you, first and foremost to God, for sparing us. It’s crucial that at a time like this, we see the glass has half full and not half empty— we were very lucky. Thank you Father for always providing, always turning our test into testimonials, and putting us in positions to grow, expand, and re-evaluate the way we live. God, I know you know my thoughts, worries, desires, hopes, fears, and insecurities. I am asking that you touch and draw in the entire Virgin Islands community. I am asking that you fill your presence in the hearts and souls of all affected in the Caribbean. Provide emotional, physical, and mental support for all affected. Allow all to find joy, hope, discovery, and to ultimately find YOU in this midst of this all. Thank you to the mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, cousins, community leaders and members who are working tirelessly to restore home. Thank you to the businesses, churches, community organizations, friends, well wishers, relief organizers, prayer givers, and anyone else who lifted the spirits and heart of the Virgin Islands, be that physically, monetarily, or emotionally. 

To single out a few: thank you to individuals like Tim Duncan, Stacey Plaskett, Senator Janelle Sarauw, the Virgin Islands National Guard, Cyril E. King Airport Staff/Personnel, mercy flight carriers/mercy cruise ship companies, VITEMA, FEMA, WAPA, WTJX, emergency personnel and medical professionals., and the other Caribbean islands and regions of the world that have aided home. I am proud of the entire Virgin Islands community and in this moment I am hopeful! We will re-build our minds, our hearts, and our lives, once we remain patient, hopeful, and determined. We will re-build by having unconditional trust in God. By having faith although our end result is not entirely visible, we are having what some call “faith in the middle” . Some have left or will leave to re-build and please know that we love you and wish you nothing but happiness and success as you travel across waters. Others will stay and re-build and we will support you in whatever way we can. 

To everyone back at home and abroad, know that you are always in my heart.