Clarendon youth mayor ready to make impact
KENRICK HANSON, who outshone his competitors to emerge as the latest youth mayor for Clarendon, was all smiles when he sat down to have a chat with Rural Xpress.
Hanson, who hails from the community of Ritchies in the parish, felt great pride being able to represent his community, parish and Knox Community College, where he is now enrolled. For him, it is also proof that he has outgrown his awkward years of being shy and afraid to launch out.
Hanson said while growing up and attending Knox Junior High he was extremely shy. “I never used to talk to people, but as the years went by I became more confident and outspoken and started participating more in school activities,” he shared.
He thinks he has embraced his father’s very confident personality, and it is this confidence that has seen him emerging as youth mayor.
Now that he is wearing the cap, Hanson reflected on the path to get there. “When I first heard of the competition, I wasn’t sure I should enter because I was afraid. But over time I gained confidence,” he recounted.
NERVOUS AT TIMES
In one part of the gruelling process – which included essay writing, public speaking, having a good knowledge of the Municipal Corporation as well as awareness of the parish – he said he was nervous and a bit concerned that some of his competitors appeared to be supremely confident.
Hanson said he finally decided to put his fears aside and gave the competition his all with the mindset that “it’s better to make a mistake than having not tried at all”.
In the end, his best was good enough. Now he is looking forward to his assigned duties of being chairman of the youth council, calling and presiding over meetings at his discretion. He will also be using the opportunity to inject his own personality and brand of influence during his one-year tenure.
Hanson said he has never harboured any dreams of being a part of the political world, so he will be enjoying this experience, knowing that’s not where his future lies, as he has his sights firmly set on being an actuarial scientist. “I have a passion for math, which I really love; that’s where I want to focus my attention.”
However, he said he will be enjoying the experience as youth mayor; and he is encouraging other youth to be more involved in similar activities that can make them more rounded and open doors of opportunities.