Fresh from participating in the World Business Dialogue in Cologne, Germany, the assiduous Sherry Perrier decided to share with teenAGE her experience, and also expound on her many achievements to date. The convention had over 300 international students chosen from a selective pool of over 1400 international applicants discussing the topic, “Disruptive Innovation and their impact on businesses and society as a whole.” She represented The University of the West Indies and Jamaica as a delegate in the forum.

Sherry is a past student of Vaz Preparatory and Campion College. Doing well throughout the years, she made a huge move towards one of her goals by entering Owen James’ Young Investors’ Stock Market Competition. She won the fourth quarter and made history by recording the highest profit ever made by a contestant. Staying true to her passion of business/finance, she studies Banking and Finance at the University of the West Indies where she has been inducted in the Faculty of Social Sciences’ Honours Society.

Aside, she has also been an associate producer for the television show Talk Up Yout and is the project manager for the Talk Up Yout School Tour. In light of her accomplishments, teenAGE interviewed Sherry on how she manages to live her life on purpose.

teenAGE (TA): Describe for us what your ideal future looks like in regards to your career aspirations.

Sherry Perrier (SP): In my ideal future I see myself as a successful entrepreneur, financial advisor, producer, investor, futurist, motivational speaker and consultant.

TA: Why is it important for you to succeed?

SP: It is important to succeed to gain financial independence, improved standard of living, career growth and wealth. It is also important for me to succeed to break the cycle within my family. Being surrounded by many unfortunate people, I would like to succeed so I can make an impact and make a change in my community, country and the wider Caribbean region.

TA: What are some of the things you are involved in at UWI?

SP: I serve as vice-president of The UWI STAT Vice Chancellor’s Ambassador Corps, vice-president of the Young Investors’ Club. I am also the public relations officer of the Careers Club and a peer career advisor.

TA: Is philanthropy important to you, and if it is, how do you plan on giving back to the society?

SP: Philanthropy is very important to me. Giving to others is a way of sharing my blessings. I believe that true success in life is more about how you help others achieve rather than what you achieve for yourself. I hope to continue to help others not just through monetary donations but through mentorship, guidance and empowerment.

TA: What advice would you give to someone who wants to overcome challenges?

SP: Surround yourself with people who see greatness within you and people with similar values as yours. Spend time with people who uplift you, encourage you and who challenge your thoughts.

Seek guidance and mentorship — Get help from others. We do not know everything. Getting advice from people on how to best achieve our goals is important. If you are determined and enthusiastic then people will support you.

There is no doubt that Sherry Perrier will not only continue to be successful, but continue to inspire others to live their dreams.