WHEN she pursued an undergraduate degree in electronics at the University of the West Indies, Shadine Shaw had no intention of working in media, much less becoming one of only a few female broadcast engineers in the island.

The 29-year-old, who grew up at Up Park Camp, currently heads the engineering department at the Creative Production and Training Centre. She describes her day-to-day job as one that requires her to maintain all production equipment, and also ensure they work properly, and do repairs when there are faults.

“The greatest challenge is ensuring that everything works when they need to work, because all eyes are on you if it doesn’t. If something goes wrong you have to think fast, get the best fix, and if you can do without it, do that and find the next best solution,” she said.

An apostolic, Shaw is also a Sunday school teacher at New Hope Emmanuel Apostolic church in August Town, St Andrew, a job she enjoys.

“Kids are adorable and a handful, but I love them. I also head the youth department in the church,” Shaw said.

The daughter of a retired soldier, now pastor, admits to being shy by nature, and it’s the only thing she would change if she could.

“From I was little I was reserved, but I wish I was more of a daredevil,” she said.

She described her experience growing up on the military base as fun, but very restricted.

“There were other families and we would climb trees, pick fruits and have fun, but I had to tread lightly because anything I did my father would hear,” she laughed.

Though shy, Shaw has never been one to give up, and she sees every setback and every opportunity as a chance to grow.

When the going gets really tough, she turns to Jeremiah 31:3 — I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness — for inspiration, and to an interesting hobby for relaxation.

Shaw crochets and makes jewellery, even though she does not wear them.

“I make earrings but my ears aren’t pierced. I also make different crocheted pieces, mainly headbands,” she said.

To youngsters leaning towards the engineering discipline, she recommends that keen attention be paid to physics and explained that her electronics degree saw her being exposed to courses in electrical engineering and the above-mentioned science area.