IT takes hard work and dedication to complete multiple tasks, but then there are some people who get things done without seemingly breaking a sweat because they are passionate about everything they do.

To be able to model, dance, write, perform spoken word poetry and play hockey and basketball may seem tedious, but 17-year-old Latoya Williams makes them seem easy.
Williams, who is a Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) student at The Bishop’s High School, is a multitalented individual who strives to be exceptional in everything she does.

The young all-rounder recently started her journey in pageantry as Delegate number eight in the Miss Guyana Teen Scholarship Pageant which was organised by the Imperial House.
“I am passionate about everything I do, but for the passion project for the pageant I chose to make a venture combining my love for sports and my passion for youth development,” said Williams.

Youth development through sports is something she has experienced and it made her stronger, authentic, confident, well-rounded and disciplined.

Over the past two months, she has been sharing her experience by engaging youth from all across Guyana at different forums and reaching out to them in their communities.
Visiting those communities has confirmed to her that sporting facilities in Guyana need lots more work.

“After the pageant, I will continue to engage every possible organisation willing to put funding and time into developing sporting facilities across Guyana. Every school and community should have adequate sporting facilities so that every child can have the opportunity I had,” she said.

Though her short term goal right now is to be successful in the pageant, the young optimist sees herself as a graduate law student with an LLB. Part of that goal is to also become a lawyer and politician.

With a large task ahead, Williams said she draws her motivation from god and is also motivated by her drive to be the best version of herself.

“While growing up, I was taught to be the best that I can be and that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength and that’s exactly what I live by,” she said.
For young people who share similar aspirations, she encouraged them to be versatile and focused.

She believes that excelling academically is great, but it is necessary in life to find that balance and the best way to do that is to play a sport.

“We live a multifaceted life and we must live accordingly. Starve your distractions and feed your passion,” said the young optimist.