Live life to the fullest is the lesson you learn after talking to Bernadine Jayasinghe. This multi-talented achiever is a shining example to those who say you can’t accomplish everything you want. An alumnus of St. Bridget’s Convent, she dominated school sports and was active in almost all the societies and clubs.

Currently enrolled at CIMA and CIM, her list of accomplishments is endless and constantly growing. She is the Toastmaster President and Toastmasters Secretary for a leading company, the President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Sri Jayewardenepura, one of the youngest in Sri Lanka, Rotaract District PR Director 2013/2014 in Sri Lanka & Maldive and the list goes on..

However, some of her biggest achievements to date have been receiving the Achievers Idol 2011 and coming running up at the JCI World Public Speaking Championship held in South Korea this year. Bernadine is a multi-talented leader and her commitment and passion when it comes to learning and helping others is inspirational!

When did you start getting involved in so many projects?

I started getting more involved after my father passed away when I was in grade 3. It made me realize nothings impossible in life. I joined almost all the sports teams because sports was my passion at the time and it made my mom happy and proud. I won school colours for table tennis as well. As I got older I took part in several organizations like Rotaract etc... I managed all of them with my studies by staying up till late and sacrificing a lot of things but it’s something I love to do.   

How do you manage being a part of so many groups?

Its a tough year with all four things happening at the same time but I multi-task.

Do you ever think there’s just too much to do and you should cut back?

Laughs! That hasn’t happened yet.

What do you like to do outside of work and these organizations?

I run a greeting card business. It’s totally different from the cards you see; the cards are made from flowers, leaves and recycled paper. I started making them around two years back just for myself but then people from corporations saw them and gave me orders. I’ve had good sales. I also run my own academy called Key to Success. Students are trained to communicate in good business English and are also taught soft skills.  

What’s the best part of public speaking for you?

Sharing my experiences and being able to motivate people.

How important is public speaking for today’s youth?

It’s very important because they get the chance to express their ideas. In the business community, communication is one of the most important things, along with having a good personality overall.

Do you enjoy any activities outside of the groups?

Dancing! I’ve always loved it.

What was the most memorable moment for you during the JCI World public speaking championship?

When I came runner up I though that was it, but when I got on stage a lot of delegates came to talk to me and encouraged me and that inspired me. I was very touched and that made me think I really made an impression.

What do you think of people who tell you that you can’t do something?

It just encourages me and I think I’ll do it and show it to them.

Having won so many awards and still stayed humble, how do you react to people in the same position who are too proud?

Different people have different attitudes but I think the world would be a better place if they were all just nicer. Even after winning so much, I believe in always smiling and staying humble, with whatever I get and always be down to earth. I’m very thankful to god for everything.

Your advice for anyone taking part in youth groups or competitions?

You need to have passion! Passion is the most important thing that can drive you to successes. You must invest time and have the courage to push forward because there will be negative people who will throw bricks at you. What I say is take those bricks and make your own building.

Plans for the future?

To be a multi-talented leader in the business sector and make the academy renowned. But my priorities lie with my family and loved ones because at the end of the day, they are the only thing that matters and makes you happiest. 

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By Lake Argent

Pics by Waruna Wanniarachchi