Beyond Beauty

Natalia Oh, Contributor

Today, we launch a new series, Beyond Beauty, where we highlight different women in our beautiful country. Each of us has a unique sense of style. While some women might be known to be fashionistas who have created their mark in that regard, there are others who possess a more innate sense of style who have contributed in other ways. Women who are beautiful from the inside out, who are changing lives in a positive way and who contribute to the advancement of our island nation in some way or another, can be deemed beyond beautiful'.

Meet Althea Chin, a lecturer at the Knox Community College for the past 14 years in the Communication Department. She loves children, and with her bubbly and animated personality, there is no surprise that she is well loved among students, peers, and friends.

Born and raised in St Andrew, in a family of five, it was clear early on in life that Chin would have a future in teaching, as she was often seen teaching her stuffed animals and pillows.

After graduating from The Queen's School, Chin's family moved to Mandeville, and she attended Northern Caribbean University, pursuing a Bachelor of Education and later a Master of Arts in Educational Supervision at Western Carolina University.

Her love for children and her desire to impart knowledge to others make teaching a joy for her.

She is the proud mother of a six-year-old boy, Liam, and beams when she speaks of him.

According to her, "Becoming a mother has changed my entire perspective on life, because it makes me want to become a better person and work to create a better tomorrow for my son."

She continued: "The home, naturally, is the foundation, and this is where learning starts. But school is the home away from home, so, therefore, teachers have a huge impact on their students. We impart knowledge, but we also play an integral role in shaping their values, attitudes, and beliefs as the major part of the day is spent with us.

"As an educator, I do not want to only teach the academics, I also want to foster positive experiences for my students as a well-rounded individual who is knowledgeable in all aspects of life. Ultimately, I want to enhance their academic and social growth," she ended.

How do you spend your weekends?

My weekends are pretty laid-back and spent relaxing with my son. On Sundays, we go for scenic drives or sometimes enjoy an early Sunday movie. I am not a club person, so for a girls' night out, my friends and I go to OMG Restaurant and Coffee Bar for appetisers and their affordable drinks.

Your favourite vacation spot in Jamaica is?

My favourite vacation spot would be Treasure Beach in St Elizabeth, because of its rustic and untouched beauty. I have had some memorable times with friends at Jack Sprat, enjoying their brick-oven pizza under palm trees while watching my son play in the sand; then ending the day with a breathtaking sunset.

What's your dream vacation spot?

I would some day love to take my son to visit China, which is the birthplace of my great-grandparents. It would be a very good learning experience for both of us to get a first-hand understanding of their culture and try to gain some insight as to what drives their work ethic.

Who is your favourite author?

My favourite author is Sidney Sheldon. His writing is captivating as he draws the reader into the characters' world. My favourite books of his are The Other Side of Midnight and Memories of Midnight.

What's the best piece of advice you have ever received?

As a little girl, my father repeatedly told me to be myself and not to change to suit anyone else. It was this teaching early on in my life which has made me a confident and strong woman, something that I hope will inspire my students, especially the females.

Which charity are you most passionate about?

The charity I support is the Mandeville SDA Ark, which helps those who did not complete their education to continue on with it. Mandeville SDA Ark also provides clothing and food for the less fortunate.

• Credits:

Clothing
and bags available at: Fashion Statement
Boutique, Shop 25, Midway Mall, 17
Caledonia Rd, Mandeville, 625-9688