Kay Doxilly is a courageous and determined young woman who in every way define the word possible. As a young girl growing up in Saint Lucia, she thought her dreams of becoming a Pilot was shattered after learning that she was pregnant and would become a teenage mother, but despite her circumstances and setbacks, she maintained her ‘quiet determination’ to succeed and followed her dreams. Today, she has conquered some of her greatest fears and risen from some of lives greatest challenges, to go on and fulfil her dream of possibly becoming the first female pilot from Saint Lucia. I know that Kay’s story will serve as an inspiration to young women who dare to dream the impossible, and understand that all the word impossible is saying is simply, I’m-possible!

Kay Doxilly-The ‘I’m-Possible’ Pilot
Lovee: Hi Kay, thank you for taking the time to speak with me, and for willing to share your story with others. I am really excited about this interview for so many reasons. The main one being that you have managed to conquer one of my greatest fears-flying! It’s pretty ironic, I know, since I wrote a book about traveling the world. However, every time I get on a plane, I am indeed facing my greatest fear, and it just does not seem to go away!
Hence, as you can imagine, I wanted to learn more the woman who seem to have conquered my fear, and explore your beautiful mind. I also thought that your story in some way could be inspiring to young women from the Caribbean who has goals/dreams of pursuing careers within men dominating fields, to consider the possibilities, and to keep believing.
One of the things about you that really stood out for me is your determination, passion and perseverance, and I know that your story will inspire and empower others to continue to believe in the power of the dream and in them-selves.
Kay: Thank you Loverly for such a generous introduction. I think by facing your fears with every flight you are a winner. Perhaps, the most pure definition of courage. Also, thank you for giving me the opportunity to have this conversation. If my story helps make a difference to at least one person, I will be even more grateful for having shared it.
Lovee: I am sure it will (smiling). As for facing my fears, we both share a love for Nelson Mandela’s quote. He Said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” I try to conquer my fears, and not allow them to conquer me. I won’t attempt to fly a plane though (laughing out loud) I will just fly in one instead.
Kay: Yes indeed, I do love Mr. Mandela and what he stands for. Funny what you say about flying, my instructor told me from my first flight “no matter what never stop flying your aircraft, you fly it, it does not fly you.” (Laughing out loud).

Kay Doxilly-Spreading her wings
Lovee: You got that right! Especially if I’m on board! (laughing out loud) Ok, so you know my first question right? (Smiling)
Kay: (Smiling) Why a Pilot, why now?
Lovee: (Smiling) close enough…as a little girl, did you always dream of becoming a pilot? If not, when did this dream materialise?
Kay: As a child, I liked being high. I loved climbing trees and this was one on my favorite places to be. I did all kinds of acrobatic tricks on trees… (Laughing Out Loud). I verbalised my dream of becoming a pilot to my dad in 1990. He had just come back into my life after a long absence on February 11, 1990, a memorable date for so many reasons.

Kay Doxilly busy at work
Lovee: Indeed. I can see why. What was it like living without your father for many years?
Kay: The truth is for the most part I felt vulnerable, unprotected. And it was not like that of being afraid of the dark or frogs…it was a sense that there was no one to really stand up for me. I think in a way not having either of my parents in my life as a child lead me to shield my son and be so protective of him. I had to ensure that no matter where I travelled he was with. I did not want to have my son deal with so many types of abuse that can be inflicted on children.
Lovee: It’s good that you turned that experience into something positive by being protective of your son. I guess that’s what life is all about, turning the negative experiences into something positive. What were you like as a little girl?
Kay: I was a girlie girl; well, I guess it was just part of my conditioning really. My hair was always kept washed and combed, and I couldn’t dare be caught walking the yard without shoes on my feet, “cleanliness was next to Godliness,” was a constant reminder. I am an introvert by nature but have learned over the years to be an effective communicator. It may even seem that I am a people person but the truth is I am happiest in my own space spending time with me. Growing up my time was spent reading, writing, chasing butterflies and enjoying fruits on a limb of the nearest tree.

Kay Doxilly-Still a ‘girlie girl’
Lovee: I can identify a lot with being the happiest in one’s own space. It is truly how we stay connected to our core and inner voice. I try to never lose touch of that. You are also a fellow Saint Lucian, what was life like in Saint Lucia growing up? Did you have a happy childhood?
Kay: I grew up in an extended family system, with my uncle, grandmother and cousins, living in the same yard, separate houses. I spent time on the family’s plantation helping my grandmother prepare food for market. (Laughing Out Loud)…can you picture me with my ”shy” (heavy) load on my head…Life in St. Lucia had its challenges; I did not grow up with my siblings as my mom sent me to live with my dad’s family from a very young age.
My dad was also absent as he had migrated. I primarily stayed with my uncle, his wife and their kids. I was the eldest child so I had the bulk of the responsibility to keep the house cleaned up after their children among many other chores. I learnt from very early what gratitude was. I understood that everything they provided was not being provided by my own parents and for that I will always be thankful. Growing up for me was not a bed of roses and I think for the most part my happiness then came out of my will to get through it.
Lovee: My imagination has already taken me to so many places with the little you’ve said. I can picture it in my mind. Just the word plantation really irks me, for so many reasons. The extended family is important in a child’s life, but when the parents are absent, it’s a void that can never be replaced. How do you think not having your parents and siblings around affected you overall?
Kay: For the most part I understood even then why I had been sent to live with my father’s family. My mother saw a potential in me that she did not think she could nurture. However, even times when parents attempt to do what they envision as right, there can be so much damage caused. I learned many great values from my grandmother, and got an opportunity to a more “normal” family environment with my uncle and his family, but that is not enough for a child. There are bonds that we develop with those people who we are most intimately connected with that just cannot be adapted to. Today my sisters and I speak on a daily basis, but it took years to get to the point where we got past being born of the same mother to developing a true sisterhood.
But as I said before, I learnt gratitude early on, because sometimes, to really endure we must hold on to the good and use that which can be negative to propel us and lift our feet to the next step. Besides, I think perhaps my greatest gift from God is my depth for forgiveness. (Smile)
Lovee: And that is one of the ultimate gifts, so you are indeed blessed. Only the strong can forgive. Very powerful words and your ability to decipher it all with such humility and grace saids so much about your character. What were some of the obstacles or things you struggled with as a child or teenager?
Kay: I was teased and called so many names growing up, from Miguen (mosquito), to Olive, to “megzora” (skinny)…(laughing out loud)…but I have never once shed a tear over name calling. In fact, I can count the number of times that I have actually cried in my life, and amazingly preparing this interview has just brought this realization. To say I’m not a crier would be putting it mild.
I think my biggest struggle was not having my siblings and parents around. I was not allowed to really explore many things that I loved. I wanted to learn piano and take part in extracurricular activities, but was told I was looking for excuses to see boys. But I have always had a quiet determination, and I was able to take part in a few, like drug free club and Girl Guides because I could not accept no without just cause or reason.

Kay Doxilly on Graduation day-“I have always had a quiet determination.”
Lovee: Oh the name calling! Children can be so cruel, and are unknowingly aware of the damage that they can cause to their peers. I am happy you allowed it to empower you more than anything else. “A quiet determination,” I like that! (smiling)
I chuckled at you being denied extracurricular activities, because of the idea of wanting to see boys. Although not funny, I think a lot of young women, including myself, was told this by our parents or families growing up.
I know I got that from my grandfather all the time, among other things (laughing out loud). It’s amazing how certain things are inflicted upon us as children, even when we are totally innocent or oblivious. I can honestly say that boys were in no way a part of my thought process when those accusations were being made. Parents and families need to be careful not to in still their own fears and insecurities in children, which can open the door to so many other issues.
Kay: For sure, I can imagine what you were told for I really watered the comments down to that one line (Laughing out loud). On a more serious note, it is really sad that they behaved the way they did, but it was from their own insecurities and ignorance though. I now have to practically beg my son to get out and get involved in activities. I encourage him constantly to mingle with his peers and to develop relationships in positive environments. This is so vital in a child’s development and decision making process.
Lovee: It’s great that you encourage him to do so. The greatest thing we can do for those we love is to trust them and allow them the freedom to grow, evolve and be themselves. I like how you seem to turn your negative experiences to something positive. You then made the transition to Canada. How was that experience for you?
Kay: By the time I moved to Canada, it was an easier transition. I had first moved to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), to the University of the Virgin Islands, to pursue an Undergrad degree with my son when he was only 2. We had also spent some time in the U.S when he was 6, and we migrated to Trinidad for almost 3 years in 2005 when I pursued my accounting certification. So by 2009, when I decided to move to Toronto to specialise in Fraud Examination, I had no second thoughts. I learned early on that to really achieve one cannot really hold on to the material items. I sold or gave away all my belonging and made the trip. You can only go with your gut and the will that you can do it.
Lovee: Indeed! We can never take the material with us. Everything we truly own is within us. How has living and going to school in Canada enrich your life and your dream of becoming a pilot?
Kay: Living in Canada has provided opportunity. As anything else, it is not easy to leave one’s own lifestyle and comforts behind, but I am open to learning and appreciating new cultures. Though there have been many challenges, I have been able to be here, earn a graduate certificate in Forensic Accounting, be involved in my community in meaningful ventures and now have the great fortune of soaring the skies. Being in Canada at this point in time has allowed me to pursue my dream of learning to fly and has made me aware that I can truly do anything that I set my mind to.

Kay Doxilly-“I can truly do anything that I set my mind to.”
Lovee: Fantastic! There is always a price to pay when we decide to follow our dreams or attain success. There is always something we have to give up to get what we want. There is a quote, not sure who said it. “We have to do something we never did, to get something we never had.” It’s the story of life, but when we know what we want, it’s easier to adjust/adapt and endure. Once you decided that you were going to pursue your dream and go to flying school, what were/are some of the obstacles and challenges that you were/are faced with?
Kay: I thought perhaps I was too old. At 34, I was in a class with teenagers, students in their early twenties and not to mention being the only female and person of colour, but as everything else I saw this as an opportunity to shine and prove that I too deserve to earn my wings. Also, I had to make a huge financial commitment. It is quite an expensive undertaking, but for me I think being able to invest in one’s self for something which means so much is well worth it. Some people may think that I am rich or don’t have to worry about finances, but that is not the case at all. I have to sacrifice every day to make this dream a reality. It is a decision of what is most important. Getting a new pair of jeans or paying for an hour of flight time…we have to have perspective in every important decision in our lives, because that may very well be the deciding factor between reaching the next level or not.
Lovee: Very well said! Some people fail to realise that. Achieving anything great requires great sacrifice, nothing good comes easy. Prioritising and simplifying is key, and of course, being sensible. Most people want to have their cake and eat it too; it just doesn’t work that way. Granted, there may very well come the time when you won’t have to choose, but to achieve your dreams, sacrifices have to be made. And sometimes, you have to be willing to lose it all.
Kay: Funny you talk about losing it all…my quest for education has in effect caused me to lose my financial stability, but I have never felt more empowered than I do now. I have such an intoxicating sense of purpose at this point in my life. I had signed up for flight school back in 2007 when I completed my studies in Trinidad, and often times I questioned myself as to why I did not go for it then, but now that I am really pursuing my dream, I can only think that this is my time, here and now.

Kay Doxilly-“I am really pursuing my dream, I can only think, this is my time, here and now.”
Lovee: You have the right attitude. This is your time, and this is your NOW, and everything you need and want you have it NOW, so just be happy in the NOW and make the best of it. You’ll only go this way only but once! (Smiling) How do you keep motivated and keep positive in the face of adversities?
Kay: I meditate, or simply take time off, me time…I have a very strong sense of self…perhaps some may call me vain or self centered, but I know and appreciate that there are times when I have to shut out many things including people and negative relationships to truly move forward and achieve. So what may seem to some as be being “stuck up” is simple me keeping focused on getting to the next level. I also laugh a lot, I speak to my sisters and closest friends on a daily basis, no matter how busy they are or I am we find time to inject humor in our day. I think I am most motivated by my determination to be my best self, and to live my life knowing that in everything I gave my all.
Lovee: I think it’s great that you know that you have a strong sense of self, and you are not afraid to say it out loud. Some people may see it as not being modest, but I think it’s great that you can acknowledge that about you.
You should make no apologies for this, despite how anyone may perceive you or it. Space is important for growth and transformation-the need to hear our own voice more than anyone else’s, and the need for solitude and silence. It is vital and necessary, and the older we grow, the more we should realise that, and respect that for others also.
Furthermore, I’ve learned that you never have to explain the need for time and space to people with a purpose driven life, and a strong sense of who they are. If you need people around you all the time, it’s time to check yourself. As for humour, I live for it too! (smiling)
Kay: We should not feel the need to apologise because people are too caught up in mediocrity to recognise the immenseness of life and its gifts. But, still sometimes they do provide a great laugh so overall it just goes to show that we do need all types of people in this world (smiling).
Lovee: Rightfully so (Smiling). Are there days when you feel like, ”I can’t do this!”, or, ”I want to quit?”
Kay: There are definitely days when everything seems overwhelming, but I do not believe in quitting. Sometimes we all need a little down time, and we have to be at a place where we recognise that in ourselves so that we do not get burnt out. I have over the years spent many hours examining my life, my decisions and choices. I have come to know myself and appreciate who I am. This is a necessary thing for persons to take the time to do. By so doing, I think that we can make better decisions for ourselves and recognise signs of fatigue and anxiety. Then we can breathe and recoup and perhaps make alternative decisions on a way forward. I consistently strive for completeness in my endeavours, and recognising the points at which I need to take a break have become critical in allowing me to do that. Being a single parent for the last 16 years doesn’t allow me the luxury of quitting.
Lovee: Precisely! Reason why space and solitude is so vital. We need that time to reflect, to regroup, to grow, and to make those necessary changes. As a single parent of a teenage boy, which is quite surprising, since you look like a teenager yourself, how is it balancing it all?
Kay: (laughing out loud)…moi, a teenage looking mama? (blushing) Thank you. It has become easier, and I hope as he matures into a man it will be even more so. I had my son just shy of my 18th birthday and we have been a team ever since. He has been my biggest supporter of going back to pursue my pilot’s license and so that in itself has made the transition a bit easier…Parenting does not come with a manual and even if it did maybe most of us would have it in the kitchen drawer, unopened anyway. But it is a challenging endeavour to say the least. I am thankful that my son seems well balanced despite the fact that he never had a father taking part in his day to day life. We have come this far together, I look forward to sharing in his achievements as he has been there with me when I achieved and grew into an adult.

Kay Doxilly and her teenage son Dwight-
“Being a single parent for the last 16 years doesn’t allow me the luxury of quitting.”
Lovee: I have so much more respect for mothers now that I am a mother, and an even greater respect for single mothers, because I know first-hand, how challenging it is. And for you to have had the strength and courage to go on and achieve success and pursue your dreams despite all odds, cheers to you! You could have had a million excuses, but you didn’t. I am proud of you! (Smiling)
Kay: Thank you Lovee. I think that in circumstances when someone else gives you just a nod, to indicate that things will be ok, you almost do not have a choice but to ensure that you do your best to achieve the best outcome. I entered the A Level College knowing that I was expecting. At the time Dame Pearlette was the Principal, Father Clovis a Dean; with the help of a friend I approached them about my pregnancy. Understandably, they were all disappointed in my poor choice, but those 3 adults reminded me of my potential and supported my decision to have my baby and continue with my education. So, sometimes, even when we have messed up in the grandest fashion, a better choice can turn that one bad decision around and when one or more persons can help empower that individual that can result in a force of determination that can far surpass anything else.
Lovee: I say this all the time, we have to give thanks for those earth angels. Those who give the nods, helping hands, positive reinforcement, time, etc. They really do make a huge difference, like in your case. We need more people like this on our culture who won’t give up on the youth when they make poor decisions and bad choices, but instead counsel them, or encourage them to continue on their journey and learn from it. Who would you say are the people who have contributed greatly to your success?
Kay: WOW! I have had so many angels in my life. The persons mentioned above. My son Dwight has been my saving grace. When I think of where I was mentally during those last two years of high school and the realization of not being able to pursue my dream of flying. The decision which leads to me becoming pregnant with my son and finding out that in fact I was going to have the responsibility of another life just awakened a whole new purpose for my life. I remember not telling my closest friend Tesa about my pregnancy because I did not want to have her cover for me. I can truly say that I have a friend in her and her family. At a time when her mom could have asked her to stay away from me for being a bad influence to her daughter, she did not. Today we have only become even better friends; lol is that’s even possible. My sisters who ensured that I was taken care of at perhaps the most fragile I have been in my life and who never once criticised me. My mother, despite her being disappointed that I may have thrown my entire life away by getting pregnant, made sure that I was feed well and remained healthy throughout my pregnancy.
In 2003, I was at a pretty comfortable place, making money, starting out my own company, but I met a wonderful friend and that person saw even a bigger dream for me that I had not even envisioned. I embraced that vision and turned it into action, and set out to grow even more. My family and friends have continuously embraced my achievements and have been so encouraging throughout my studies and development.
Lovee: Thank God for those people who believe in us and stick with us through the testing times. I share the same admiration and respect for our mutual friend Tesa. She is another phenomenal woman, who is a light in this world and in the lives of many. She is ever so positive and encouraging of all, and has been very supportive of me on my journey. We are blessed to call her a friend.
Kay: She has such a beautiful spirit. Intelligent, sophisticated and so down to earth. Definitely another remarkable daughter of the Fair Helen. Dr. Leonce has served our friendship well, a rare and cherished gift.
Lovee: Indeed. (Smiling) I have to tell you, that you are the first female pilot that I know of. And perhaps one of the few, if not the first from Saint Lucia, do you know of any other?
Kay: I do not know of any other female pilots out of St. Lucia, but I would not be surprised if there are some out there. St. Lucian women are strong and determined individuals.
Lovee: They sure are! I discover more of them every day! (Smiling) In all fairness, this is a huge accomplishment by itself. It’s not often that you hear young women from Saint Lucia or the Caribbean becoming a Pilot, so kudos to you! As I said, extraordinary is ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This is a field that is primarily dominated by men, do you ever feel intimidated?
Kay: Thus far, I do not feel intimidated by the men in the industry. If anything, I try to learn as much from them as I can. The intimidating thing is the weight of responsibility that comes with the profession, but my strategy if to learn and grow in this field and do my utmost to excel.
Lovee: Great approach. You know, people will look at you, and would probably never place you flying an aircraft. (Smiling) With your petite frame, pretty face and wondrous smile, most would probably think of a career where you would always be seen, and definitely not in a cockpit! (Laughing out loud). Do you have to deal with many stereotypes in that regard, (the ”I am more than just a pretty face”) and has it worked for or against you?
Kay: (laughing out loud)…ironically, I have never seen myself as pretty or beautiful. It is not something that I heard growing up. No focus was placed on looks other than being presentable in my appearance. I remember the first time I actually thought that perhaps there may be some truth in my being pretty; I stared at myself in the mirror for what seemed like hours, trying to see what that individual and others may be seeing.
Today, I have accepted that I am pleasant on the eye and I know from experience that I need to be even more appreciated intellectually. I recognise that being a woman and having a good appearance can work in my benefit but that does not let me forget that I need to keep in the pack and ahead by being as informed and maybe more so than my male counterpart.
Additionally, I think that people have come to appreciate my warm and tolerant nature and I think that, if nothing else has allowed me to be embraced in the various areas of my learning.

Kay Doxilly- Beauty and Brains
Lovee: Beauty, brains and humility, it’s a formidable combination for success, and you’ve got it! (Smiling)
Kay: Thank you Lovee, and to that I say, “still I rise…” We are so fortunate to have so many phenomenal women who went before us and set a blazing path of accomplishment.
Lovee: Thank God for them. What advice would you give to young mothers who have a dream for their life, but feel like having a child limits or deny them that opportunity?
Kay: Having a child as a teenager, should not be any young person’s first choice. There is so much to explore experience and achieve in life. However, if it does happen then that child should be a driving force. It should be your constant reminder and the most important reason to succeed. I will not pretend that it has not been a challenge, but I have not made my son the excuse to not achieve. I did not ever want him to think that his presence denied me an opportunity. Children are very perceptive and our attitude and aura forms an integral part of their own development and growth. I did everything I have done to date in spite of being a single mom and perhaps because I was a single mom I relish my accomplishments even more.
Lovee: As well as you should! You deserve to! Because there are people who have everything laid out out for them and they still make excuses as to why they didn’t or couldn’t, so be proud of your accomplishments.
During some of my motivational speeches to students in Saint Lucia, I urged them to challenge themselves and pursue careers beyond the traditional ones that they are used to hearing about, like: doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses etc. And of course, there is nothing wrong with pursuing these professions, because we do need everyone for a society to function effectively, but I think that there are other careers and industries that need the attention and expertise of our young people to help move our country forward. And I also think that it’s very important for young people to know about people like you, who are a living example and testimony of that, and the possibilities. Would you agree?
Kay: I agree 110%! Over the last three years being in Canada, I have served on committees and had the opportunity to work closely with administrators of the Toronto District School Board. This experience has further confirmed to me that we are lacking so much in our education system in St. Lucia.
When I was at the St. Joseph’s Convent (SJC) at the end of my 3rd year, I chose to go to a science class to do physics and chemistry and geography, I was not granted a space in that class because I did not choose to write Biology. I begged the then principal and told her of my plans of becoming a pilot and that I did not have to do Biology, but I was denied and sent to a business class without even being interested in business subjects.
I decided then to not let the time go to waste and picked up accounting lessons as accounting was not offered at (SJC) then as it was thought to be a male dominating subject. All this to say that we need a better framework which allows our youth to explore their full potential. We need career guidance and counseling so that children know of the numerous career paths which are available and that they are capable of much more than simply finishing high school.
In addition, the infrastructure needs to be in place for students and families to finance those dreams. I had to work and buy property to be able to obtain a mortgage to finance my education. And even then it was such a struggle to get the bank to finance even part of my education.
Lovee: This is brilliant! I share your sentiments wholeheartedly. We have to be open to reform and change, because the old way is not necessarily the right way. Coincidentally, I was just speaking with a friend about the structure of the education system in the Caribbean, which I also speak a little more about in my book, “A Girl Like Me,” and how much colonialism still play a major role in the design of things. My friend spoke about her having to fight to take one of her classes as a general subject and not a basic subject. She was happy she fought for it, because she was able to get a general one in the subject when she took her exams. Had she accepted taking it at the basic level, it could have affected her enrolment into University abroad later on, so there is a lot to reconsider on the education front. Ok, so when is the big day? The day when you officially become a Pilot, and I get to call you captain, or is it first officer? (Laughing out loud)
Kay: (laughing out loud)….There is no set day, but I earn my wings, Private Pilot License (PPL) by the Fall. I then go on the commercial leg of my training which can take another year, as there are weather constraints here in Canada. But the day is near God willing.
Lovee: Inshallah indeed! Once you’ve become a Pilot, what’s next?
Kay: (big smile)…the world waits. I am open to exploring opportunities which this new profession will allow. I would ultimately like to fly charters and perhaps someday be able to offer my services to the Caribbean on my own aircraft. Perhaps, maybe then I may meet a life partner to share some of life’s wonders with.
Lovee: I don’t think you will have any problems there. (smiling) And the Caribbean could definitely use your services. What is one of your favorite quotes and why?
Kay: ”To thy own self be true…” I try to live by that. I think more than anything I want to lead a life where I am at peace with myself.

Kay Doxilly-“I think more than anything I want to lead a life where I am at peace with myself.”
Lovee: One of my favourites too. If we have inner peace and love, we have everything. Wondering, did you ever think that all this was impossible?
Kay: I have had so many dreams of flying over the years. The ironic thing or maybe it’s just psychological is that ever since I actually started my program I have yet to dream of flying at all! I thought that perhaps becoming an accountant and further specialising would have quenched that burning desire. But, the longing to fly never went away and I am happy that I found the courage to start; for often that is the most difficult part.
Lovee: The dream may leave us for a moment, but it never really goes away. I am happy you found the courage and strength to start! When we take the first step without seeing the staircase, God then leads the way. What advice would you give to any young person with dreams of becoming a pilot?
Kay: I think if one has a dream the ultimate goal is to pursue it…If you want to fly research it. Speak to people in the industry. Become intimately aware of what would be required. Remember that some destinations do not follow a straight path…but in everything you do keep your focus and remember the ultimate goal. Bear in mind that decisions are open ended, every decision leads to one or more outcomes and it may be one that you may not like but always be prepared to deal with the consequences of your decisions. So take the time to weigh options and choose that which is best for you and which you can live with.
Lovee: Well said! Listening to you and your story, I can’t help but think, “Wow! Yet another girl like me!” There are so many of us with such powerful, compelling stories, and I am happy we can muster the courage and strength to tell it. Who knows whose life we are making a difference in, and often when we tell our stories, we are not only empowering ourselves, but also empowering and inspiring others, to dream, to live, to overcome, to forgive, to love, to thrive, to strive, to endure…etc.

Kay Doxilly-Working hard and playing hard reading author Loverly Sheridan’s book, “A Girl Like Me.”
Kay: I am happy to share. I cannot stress enough how important it is to try. I may have been blessed with an unending determination, but someone else may have unending talent and just need to surround himself/herself with the right people and circumstance to let that light shine. We all have the power to make a difference for ourselves, whether it be through our own drive or realising that you need to ask for a helping hand. No one man can do it all alone, there comes a time that we all need to be pulled up to reach our true potential.
Lovee: I love this! Great and useful advice. One should never underestimate how much power there is in trying. I ask this as a final question to all my guests, what would you like your legacy to be?
Kay: Someone who lived life her way…a great parent, a true friend…a lover of simple things but someone who had insurmountable passion to achieve. Someone who never remained grounded, no pun intended (smiling)… “There is no downside to doing the very best you can each and every time..”
Lovee: Deep! I like the twist on grounded! (Laughing out loud) I’m always high on life, and I don’t even smoke, so I know just what you mean (laughing out loud) Kay, stay high, continue to dream, continue to soar and keep believing in yourself! You have defined possibility, and defined your own life despite all odds. I believe that God’s gift to us is life, and what we do with that life is our gift to him. I know he is proud of you, and how you have and continue to utilise your gifts, talents and skills. I know that he will continue to use you to inspire others by living your best life and reaching your fullest potential. God bless you always.
Kay: Thank you so much for such great hopes for me. I believe that God is a being of great humour, so that would make me one of his favorite persons (smiling). Continued success to you Loverly on your journey as a mom, professionally and most importantly as you grow into a more aware person every day.

Kay Doxilly-“If my story helps make a difference to at least one person, I will be even more grateful for having shared it.”
Lovee: Thank you. (Smiling)
If Kay’s story was an inspiration to you, feel free to leave kind words of encouragment and support. Thank you for taking the time to read. 🙂
Wonderful! I’m so proud of you Kay, and thanks for sharing your story!
Loverly, thanks for creating the space for stories like these to be shared.
I’ve known Kay throughout my SJC years and I can confirm that it was never possible to tell what her family life was from just looking at her. She has always been positive, pleasant and wonderful company. Right now I’m beaming with pride at her achievements, it is a long rugged road that she has traveled and I am fascinated that she has been able to come out on top. Keep striving girlie, continue to be true to yourself and to aspire towards excellence..I wish you positivity, success and loads of happiness because you deserve it.
I also want to echo your sentiments that Dr Tesa Leonce is indeed a beautiful human being, she has always been and I have no doubt that she will continue to be. Always proud to see my schoolmates excel…continue to be an inspiration to us all.
Kay! Your words are a blessing and I am so proud of you! Your story has been a blessing….thank you for sharing.
This is a very POWERFUL story that all of us can learn, grow and benefit from. I have known Kay for some time and I’ve always admired her relentless determination to achieve her goals. I would like to thank both Kay and Loverly for sharing such an inspiring story.
BLESSINGS!!!
This moving beautiful story is giving me…….bigger wings and hopes for the Rainbow Bridge Project! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thank you all for your kind words of support and encouragement.
I love your enthusiasm and your determination to succeed Kay. Being able to over come the stigma attached with being a teenage mother in the Caribbean is phenomenal… well done! Thanks for sharing your story. Keep soaring hun…
Proud of you chica! Keep on keeping on :-)) xx
I am so proud of you Kay I did not realise that this is what you were doing I am really happy for you
Kay as Yvie stated, knowing you at SJC, I never realized the challenges you faced, you always carried yourself so very well. Continue to work at achieving your dreams it was wonderful to read your story. Stay true to yourself. Thanks for sharing your story. All the Best “Captain Kay”. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful, wonderful journey Kay!!! You brought so many positive thoughts to my mind and helped me reorganize and rethink so many ideas as I ready through. I admire your ability to remained determined and throughout all life brought your way, trusting yourself in the process. I can totally identify with much of your drive and determination. –To thy own self be true…
Great job Kay I’m really proud of you from ray
If i did not read this article about you, I have never thought that you had endure so much in life. I will use your will power, strong mind and ability to strive for somethings that i want to accomplish in my life myself. Thanks for sharing and good luck in your future endeavors
AA! Kay I am so proud.