After nearly three months of rigorous military training, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force's (RBDF) best female recruit, Victicia Rollins, credited The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) with helping her pass what was an arduous experience.
Rollins, who graduated from BTVI in 2010 with a certificate in computer repair, said what she learned at the institution even helped her with the initial interview.
"During the interview, I started to have an anxiety attack in front of the six officers, but I remembered what one of my instructors, Mr. [Craig] Albury, taught me. He told me to take it slow and breathe slowly. He helped me with my anxiety while speaking publicly to the class during a business plan presentation. I used to have severe anxiety; BTVI helped to boost my confidence," said Rollins.
Training for the 83 recruits, nine of whom were females, took place February 8 to May 2. The program's curriculum included subjects such as navigation, seamanship, small arms, first-aid, firefighting and communications. Math and English were inclusive of the academic subjects covered. The demanding Swedish physical fitness training program and swimming comprised the bulk of the fitness program.
Rollins said she also learned invaluable leadership skills at BTVI and had to quickly use them while in training. "While in the computer course at BTVI, I was in charge of a group of eight and I had to deal with varying personalities...it was challenging," she said. "While at the base, I was captain of the squad for a day and just as I had to tell my team at BTVI to fix a part of a computer, I had to sometimes tell a recruit to clean an area or square off an area. I had to stand my ground," said the 24-year-old.
It was at BTVI where Rollins said her discipline was put to the test with 8 a.m. classes. However, she later thought that paled in comparison to the early morning routines at the RBDF's Coral Harbour base.
"They would get us up at 4 o'clock in the morning to exercise, run four miles, 12 miles, eight miles, pushups, sit ups, etcetera. It was easy to give up. I had to push myself. It was up to me. The fourth day I was ready to give up, but my family, including my parents and godson, kept me going. They are the glue to my life, and I ended up graduating on top," she said beaming with pride.
Reflecting on the award she received for her leadership skills, positive attitude, physical aptitude and exam results, Rollins said although she is honored; simply graduating was most rewarding.
The determined Rollins, who had just started her Associate of Applied Science degree in office administration in January just before being called into training, said she will eventually make time to complete her degree.
Rollins said BTVI has been a stepping stone for her, and she is not finished yet.
"Going to BTVI made me feel I was doing something constructive with my life. It showed me I can accomplish my dreams. The instructors motivated me like Mr. O'Glen Johnson and Mr. Anthony Ramtulla. They were hands-on and really helped me to go after my dreams," she said.

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