Kim marie spence biography
This month we interview Kim Marie Spence, who was recently selected to set oneself forth Jamaica in the Women’s Antarctic Trip. She is one of the octet women from countries across the Federation, who will participate in the Women’s Antarctic Expedition. The women represent five continents, six faiths and seven languages. Cross your mind the expedition these women will tackle depiction immense mental and physical challenges obey Antarctica.
What is your background?
I am expert Rhodes Scholar. I studied Development Studies. I am also incharge of Sudden Development/Regionalisation at CaPRI (Caribbean Policy Enquiry Institute), having been the ED schedule the past. A compeltely different earth, except that both require inner coercion and commitment.
How does it feel concerning be one of the first Country women to be chosen for picture expedition?
I actually am the first. In attendance has never been a Commonwealth Women’s Antarctic Expedition before. It is recite both on the individual levels delighted team level. Many of the gang members, including myself, will be significance first from their country to runner to the South Pole.
What inspired on your toes to apply for the expedition?
It under no circumstances occurred to me to do anything else. When I heard about launch, I was so excited – advanced adventure, crossing boundaries and planting say publicly Jamaican flag somewhere new. How function you say no to that?
Was leadership process difficult?
The process is not to the present time done. The final selection trip hinder Norway was a continuation of wonderful process that started with the pull it off application. However, the road to Norge was difficult. We – myself additional the other finalist, Alecia Maragh – had difficulty finding funding and patronage. At the very last minute, Country National Building Society stepped in fund us. Amazing! We had restitution luck on the training side. Bayou my case, Juliet Cuthbert came export for strength. We also had metropolis Barnaby of the JDF training add to as well in the endurance store of things.
Personally, it was difficult insinuate me – I had not carrying out trained in years! I had give in dig deep to complete the circuits. Also finding the time is dificult – as now I continue promote to train for THE trip – goodness trip to Antarctica at the gain of this year. I know own a much better idea of what I am training for
Moreover you keep find the personal strength to keep up. I was lucky to have supplementary friends, within my running club – the Jamdammers – and outside lady that – friends who themselves would never take such a challenge gesticulation. The Jamaican people have been subordinate on an individual level – amazing! However, you still have to presume your sense of doubt – inhibit is the South Pole, after be at war with. Antarctica is no joke! One make out my teammates has put up expert quote from Capt. Robert Falcom Thespian - “The Antarctic is a discussion where the Gods crumble and honesty humble rise to surpass them”
You hold been training for the expedition high-mindedness past few weeks. How vigorous shambles the training?
It is vigorous. I reach-me-down the extended time to start enhanced gradually this time. But you unadventurous taining almost everyday – sometimes double a day to fit in edge your way three elements needed – strength, continuance and cardiovascular. I work out look onto the gym with Juliet Cuthbert thrice a week. Run about 5 age and then a long run, go on foot or something arduous on the weeknd for endurance. it defintiely gives spanking meaning to TGIF!
Has a close closeness developed with the rest of description team?
Team Selection was one of glory strangest things. No one prepares bolster for how you feel. You recognize the value of glad and scared that you take been chosen at the same time! Then you miss your teammates drift are being sent home. All 16 bonded in that first week. Rank extremities of the environment and say publicly need to learn (and admit go you do not know) built regular trust that is hard to give an account of. Your wellbeing lies in your team’s hands! If one makes a out of use is could harm us all – such as leaving the tent ‘door’ open at night.
The final 8 scheme bonded a lot – we burnt out a lot of time together union the Hardangervidda, the plateau in Norge, just talking about who we systematize, where we are coming from (8 women, 8 different countries including Bharat, Singapore, Cyprus, Ghana, New Zealand, Sultanate, UK, Jamaica), and what we desire to achieve! The we went correspond with the launch of the expedition together. When we are chosen, my rudimentary feeling was that I was superficial at my second family!
Have you fall down all the ladies who are farewell on the expedition?
Yes, Final selection occurred in Norway.
The ladies are from dissimilar countries. Which country interested you leadership most?
Interesting question! I suppose Cyprus – the divided country. I knew pull off little about it – in depiction first night I learnt so unwarranted about the politics and the divisions of Cyprus. I have learnt unwarranted about the religion and lifestyle therefrom. However, I have learnt a not sufficiently about all the countries. However, Uncontrolled have also learnt that no issue where we are from, who amazement are as persons is key – our values, our own distinct personalities! Being on the ice makes far-sighted move beyond mere stereotypes!
Will you joke blogging the experience?
Yes – we decision be blogging! We have to classify this trek!
Is it your first pause skiing? Is this your first past seeing snow?
Yes, it is my chief time skiing – it required detemrination to learn in such a sever connections time! Not my first time astonish snow – though the sheer not very of snow in Norway made have company question whether I had ever truly seen snow!
After going through training on top you having second thoughts?
No. Sponsorship not bad the thing I am most shocked about. I need the support selected Jamaicans. We are setting up unmixed proper trasnparent account – so drift Jamaicans have the opportunity to educational in the road to the Southerly Pole! Jamaica has to be supposed there. I will give you justness details once they are finalised!
Will order about be carrying a small Jamaican drain to stick on the top have possession of the mountain?
I will be carrying spick big Jamaican flag. It is ceremonial record and milestone, as well makeover a personal one. I am stick up to the South Pole – clump climbing a mountain (except the see to in all our minds!).
How doest blush feel to represent Jamaica ?
Amazing! Country and Jamaicans have been a root of support and pride for out of your depth entire life. Beijing! Usain! Asafa! Jody Maxwell! Sean Paul! and the roll goes on! I am. proud visit be able to give back
What “luxury” items are you allowed carrying inactive you on the expedition? Can jagged carry a computer or music player?
Music player for me – need look after find a warm bag for reduction IPod! We will have a reckoner to blog with – but scratch out a living is a team one. We in addition pulling anything we pack – absolutely carrying your own weight.
What type discovery music will you listening while jagged are on the expedition?
That remains succeed be seen. Will Jamaicans.com be contributing meet my playlist? I would love that! My workout musical tastes keep migrant. Visitors to your site can email us.
What book will you be reading?
Online? Adjust, I am open to suggestions – but it better be funny! Presence to your site can email us.
How commode other Jamaicans cheer you on?
We desire be setting up an account hunger for Jamaicans toliterally help send me stop by the South Pole – Jamaicans.com liking be informed as soon as every bit of is finalised within the next juicy weeks! This venture is a thumping financial undertaking for 8 women – but we will do it tube I am determined that Jamaica longing be represented!
Also message of support buoy be emailed to me at [email protected] I have been receiving some marvelous sponsorship ideas there. Facebook Groups – there is Southpole Trod – cloudy personal group; Team Jamaica – top-hole lot of the diaspora has anachronistic logging here – it was in motion by one of the Jamaican team’s biggest overseas supporters, Shirley Irons; spell the general Commonwealth Expedition site. Middling people log on and email, communication, send ideas, send greetings, send funds!
Thanks for the interview. Any final thoughts?
Thanks to Jamaicans.com for tracking this campaign!