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IHS Alumni

Intermediate High School Alumni Association, INC.

Reuniting The Past * Embracing The Future

One Mission * One Alumni

IHS Alumni Interview with Duel Jodi Ross

How did IHS prepare you for your career or college?
IHS helped me develop resilience, adaptability, and the ability to work with different personalities and environments. Looking back now, I realize school was not just about academics, it was really training us for life. Whether it was deadlines, presentations, leadership opportunities, or group projects, those experiences helped shape how I now operate professionally as a consultant, entrepreneur, facilitator, and community advocate.

What specific skills did you learn that are most useful now?
Communication, leadership, time management, and critical thinking. I also learned how important networking and relationships are. Sometimes the people sitting next to you in class become future business partners, colleagues, or lifelong friends.

Did you know what you wanted to study/focus on when you graduated?
Not fully. I had ideas, but I think many students feel pressured to have their entire life mapped out at 16 or 17. The truth is, life evolves. I discovered many of my passions through experience, community work, entrepreneurship, and stepping outside of my comfort zone.

How long did it take you to find a job after graduation?
It took some time and patience. I learned very quickly that success is not always linear. Sometimes you start in one field and life redirects you into your actual purpose. Every experience taught me something valuable.

What is your current industry and job title?
I currently work as a consultant, and I’m also the Founder and Executive Director at Keziah’s Konnectionz. I’m an entrepreneur involved in youth development, training initiatives, community outreach, data management, and business development through my various projects and businesses.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would spend less time worrying about fitting in and more time building confidence in myself earlier. I’d also take networking, financial literacy, and personal development more seriously from a younger age.

What do you know now that you wish you knew in high school?
That nobody truly has life figured out. Social media makes people look ten steps ahead, but everybody is learning as they go. I also wish I understood earlier that consistency beats talent when talent refuses to work.

What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you sooner?
Protect your peace, your reputation, and your time. Opportunities come and go, but your character follows you everywhere.

What is the best way to handle the transition from high school to college or career?
Give yourself grace. That transition can feel overwhelming because suddenly nobody is chasing you for assignments or reminding you what to do. Discipline becomes your responsibility. Create structure, stay teachable, and do not be afraid to ask for help.

What is one thing you didn’t like about your high school experience?
I think sometimes students are taught how to pass exams but not necessarily how to navigate adulthood. I would have loved more practical life preparation around finances, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurship, and career readiness.

Who was your favorite teacher?
Honestly, the teachers who challenged me the most ended up impacting me the greatest. At the time you may think they’re “doing too much,” but later you realize they were pushing you toward excellence. Special mention to Mr. Christopher Cumberbatch, Ms. Lafleur Cockburn, and Ms. Arlane Sutherland.

If you could change one school rule, what would it be?
I would create more flexibility for students to express creativity and individuality while still maintaining discipline and respect.

What clubs or extracurriculars would you recommend joining?
Anything that builds leadership and confidence. Debate clubs, student councils, performing arts, community service groups, and entrepreneurship programmes all help students grow beyond academics.

What is one mandatory course you would create for future seniors?
A real-world life skills course. Topics should include financial literacy, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurship, public speaking, digital branding, networking, parenting basics, and mental wellness. We need students graduating not just educated, but equipped.

What are you most passionate about right now?
Youth empowerment and community development. I’m passionate about helping young people realize that their environment does not have to define their future. I also care deeply about creating opportunities, especially in areas related to life skills, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

What are you most excited about in this next phase of your life?
Building initiatives and businesses that create real impact. I’m excited about expanding my programmes, collaborating with organizations, and creating spaces where people can grow personally and professionally.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself operating multiple successful businesses and social impact initiatives across St. Vincent and the Grenadines and even Regionally, mentoring young leaders, speaking internationally, and continuing to create meaningful change within communities.

What’s one new skill or hobby you’d like to learn?
I’d love to learn more about advanced digital media production and branding strategy. The world is becoming increasingly digital, and storytelling through media is powerful.

Would you be willing to speak at an alumni event or mentor a student?
Absolutely. I believe in giving back and helping the next generation navigate challenges that many of us had to figure out on our own.

What kind of alumni events would you like to see more of?
More networking and mentorship-focused events. Not just reunions, but spaces where alumni can share career experiences, business opportunities, scholarships, and practical advice with students.

What are your social media links?
You can connect with me through my professional and community initiatives
https://www.instagram.com/keziahskonnectionz?igsh=ZHUwcndocmsyZTJi&utm_source=qr