WHEN we hear the name Jeshurun, we think “strange” and “uncommon”, but there is definitely something about this young man that is more than those two words.
Jeshurun Andrew is a name that has been heard across the island for a vast number of reasons, all positive. This young man has set standards for himself that many struggle to maintain. From President of the National Youth Council to Youth Advisor for many clubs, animal lover and family man, Jeshurun manages to keep all these aspects of his life in check.
Known to many by his nickname, “Horseman”, this hardworking man has the time to take care of business and still find time to care for his horses. He is described by others as extremely friendly, analytic, and ambitious. It really does not matter in what forum you meet him: he will definitely leave a positive impression.
From a very young age, he has been actively involved in youth development and, therefore, genuinely has the best interest of youth at heart.
Despite his busy lifestyle, he still finds time to ensure that his friends are visited, his kids loved and cared for and everyone in his circle satisfied.
There is definitely a lot to learn from such an individual.
Let’s find out a little more about Jeshurun.
RRD: How did you become involved with this organization?
Jeshurun: The structure of the National Youth Council at this time is such that there exists nineteen district branches. In each district, all youth clubs and organizations come together to elect the executive for that particular district. In October 2015, efforts were being made to revive the Youth Council’s branch in Gros Islet.
In my younger days, I had been involved in my church’s youth group and with other youth groups in secondary school, such as Junior Achievers, and by 2015, I was already serving as President of the National Equine Welfare & Sporting Association (N.E.W.S.A.), through which we executed several youth development initiatives.
An invitation was, therefore, extended to the organization (N.E.W.S.A.) to participate in the election process. After elections, I served on that district branch firstly as a floor representative, then in the capacity of assistant treasurer and assistant secretary. I also served in an advisory capacity to several other youth clubs and organizations. With guidance from mentors and more seasoned leaders, I then used these experiences and exposure to place me in a position where I was able to pursue presidency of the national executive of the youth council.
RRD: Can you tell me about the work your organization does and the programme or programmes you run or intend to run?
Jeshurun: The Saint Lucia National Youth Council serves as the umbrella youth organization for young persons in Saint Lucia between ages 10 and 35. The organization tailors and implements youth development initiatives throughout the island based on the needs of the youth.
The Council’s mandate also includes advocacy, being a voice for young people, to effectively communicate the issues affecting the youth to the authorities, particularly government. As of current, the Council is championing several initiatives, focussing on a myriad of issues and developmental necessities. Such focus areas include unemployment, suicide, child abuse, soft skills, leadership, sports development, entrepreneurship, agriculture and health.
RRD: What are your goals for the next three to five years personally, and with the organization?
Jeshurun: As an entrepreneur, I hope to further develop my businesses over the next five years, tripling my capacity to create employment, also encouraging other young people into agricultural entrepreneurship. Additionally, I aspire to continue playing an active leadership role in the efforts geared towards youth development, and the development of my country, Saint Lucia, in general.
RRD: Besides leading the NYC, what do you do for work?
Jeshurun: I work at the Ministry of Agriculture as an Agricultural Extension Officer, providing consultancy to crop farmers in Bexon and surrounding areas. I am also an entrepreneur, managing a farm, which has several components and a landscaping business.
RRD: What is the strongest memory of your childhood?
Jeshurun: My strongest childhood memory would be spending a vast amount of time on my grandfather’s farm, learning very early how to produce crops and rear animals. These experiences taught me a lot and contributed to culturing me into the person I am today.
RRD: If you could speak to one person from history, who would it be, and why?
Jeshurun: One person from history I would speak to would be Solomon from the Bible. It is said that he was the wisest man who ever lived, and I believe firmly that such a person would be an excellent addition to my very carefully selected circle.
RRD: What superpower would you love to have, and why?
Jeshurun: As a child, I have always been fascinated by the concept of Hulk. The combination of scientific intervention and biology with amazing strength is what created that profound interest. However, as I grew, I became aware of several limitations associated with the concept. I think, however, that the greatest superpower is life itself. With it, maximizing the limitless opportunities it provides one can achieve anything through discipline, determination and resilience.
RRD: What or who motivates you?
Jeshurun: I am mostly self-motivated, naturally having a desire to achieve and be ambitious. Additionally, I can be extremely competitive, and often use it as the impetus for success. Also, after becoming a father, I found a new burning desire to be successful in a way that creates the brightest possible future for my children.
RRD: How do you generate new ideas?
Jeshurun: My friends call me “The Analyst”, and stems from the fact that I am always in deep thought, calculating, processing, as I think and over-think, round-the-clock. As a result, I always find myself having a myriad of new ideas for a plethora of different things daily.
RRD: What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Jeshurun: The greatest advice I’ve ever been given is that success in life is not hindered by how many times you fail or fall, as these are inevitable, but by your level of resilience, your ability or capacity to bounce back, pick up and press on. This is advice that I would encourage anyone to internalize and use as encouragement to renew their perseverance. Every day is indeed a new day.
Wow! I couldn’t be more flabbergasted by the intellect of this young man. No matter how you know Jeshurun, there is definitely something you can learn and implement in your life.
I don’t doubt that there is much more of Jeshurun to be seen in the near future and we will be anticipating it.
This just speaks to one quote I’ve always loved and will leave you with today: “Surround yourself with greatness and you too shall be great.”
