Azizi Juanita Hoy
Personality of the Month Award Recipient
(October, 2019)
THE KENRICK MARK COLEMAN FOUNDATION
“Intelligence, Discipline, Wisdom, Excellence”
PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH AWARD
“Recognition for exemplifying the qualities of a Hardworking, Talented, Intelligent, and Deserving Young Belizean”
Azizi Juanita Hoy
Personality of the Month Award Recipient
(October, 2019)
And now, The Official Interview with Kenrick Mark Coleman!
1. Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What was your family like? What three words best describe you? Why?
My name is Azizi Juanita Hoy. I grew up in Belize City in the Kings Park neighbourhood for about six years before I moved to Albert Street. Both areas were very different. I spent many time outdoors especially driving little motor cars with my brothers on the street and the park. Kings Park was a quiet neighborhood with very little to no traffic. On the other hand, moving to the heart of town was different. You met people everywhere you went and there was always traffic as it was a very busy area. I also spent many time walking and doing errands here. My family has always been very supportive and my brothers and I are extremely close, even more so as I grew older.
Three words that best describe me are ambitious, determined, and compassionate. I am AMBITIOUS because I have many goals which I aspire to, many of which I have completed and I know there will be many more to come. I never settle for less. I am DETERMINED because some of those dreams and goals I aspire to reach are not easy to achieve. Sometimes they are financially restraining and time consuming but I do not let that stop me. I am COMPASSIONATE because my heart goes out to people especially the youth. I have seen all the challenges that we face on a constant basis so my heart goes out to anyone who has faced challenging moments, who have beaten down and hurt. I understand them, (at least I try to) I put myself in their shoes, and if there is a way I can help, I do.
2. What are your future aspirations?
My future aspirations is to do exceptional in my academics, to graduate medical school, to come back to Belize and use all the knowledge and skills to help the people that enter the hospital doors relentlessly, and to continue being a voice for the youth in Belize who do not feel like they are being heard.
3. What do you think is one of the major challenges affecting teenagers in Belize today? What is the cause of this challenge and how would you go about correcting the situation?
I think one of the major challenges affecting teenagers in Belize today is a POOR SUPPORT SYSTEM. If you look around, you will realize how much talent Belize has, how much talent our youth have. Also, many students in Belize do well academically. Unfortunately, some of these students are unable to go to university and many of the teenagers do not continue to pursue their talents.
There are many causes to this poor support system. Firstly, it is because they are financially constrained. They cannot afford the instruments needed or the teachers needed to display and better their talents and also, they cannot afford to further their academic education. Secondly, lack of support from parents, family or even friends to cheer them on can be a factor. As a teenager you need that support, to be acknowledged — to know that you are doing well and that you should continue. You cannot do everything on your own.
Many teenagers have dreams and goals but without the finances or family support, many of them give up. We need more institutions with the objective to pursue those not attending school, asking the reasons and discussing their future. These institutions need to provide them with information and classic examples about people and their successes after graduating from university.
This is not easy as money plays a big role but if businesses that are doing financially well can sponsor these institutions that would allow students to access education or mediums to work on their talents. We would definitely see a huge change in the culture for youths in this country.
4. Which holiday of the year do you enjoy most? Describe it.
My favourite holiday of the year are the September National Days when we celebrate The Battle of St. George’s Caye and Independence Anniversary. I absolutely love it because all Belizeans from home and abroad come together dressing in our bright red, white and blue colors, dancing and marching to our songs. Living on Albert Street gives me a front view to the marches and watching the huge smiles on everyone’s faces while they scream hip hip hooray and dance in unity.
5. What is your most memorable experience and why?
My most memorable experience has been a tour I did across the country of Belize. Actually, it was a group of talented Belizeans and we dramatized our history, danced to local Belizean songs and I was able to share my poetry about my love for Belize. At every presentation countrywide, huge crowds gathered and were eager to watch and listen. At that time, I was only eleven; however, I learnt so much on that tour including history and patriotism of Belize. As I observed the many Belizeans, who were excited to watch us perform about Belize, it has really impacted me and inspired me to share to the world about Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret — BELIZE.
6. I am really impressed with your biography. Please share with us some of your major achievements?.
Some of my achievements are:
a.) representing Belize in Miss Mini Universe Pageant and winning two titles: Miss Mini Universe Princess and Miss Talent
b.) raising enough money to send my godson who was suffering to seek medical attention abroad c.) having some of my poems published in the United Kingdom
d.) excelling in 14 CXC’s
e.) receiving a full scholarship to high school from the Belize Telemedia Limited
f.) receiving a full scholarship to sixth form from the Ministry of Education
g.) receiving a scholarship to study Medicine in Cuba from the Cuban Government and
h.) publishing my poetry book in Belize.
7. You are currently pursuing your medical degree in Cuba. Tell us more about your academic life at University? How did you receive the scholarship? Why did you choose this particular University? When did you commence studies? What subject areas are focused on? What’s your relationship like with fellow students?
I am currently pursuing my Medical Degree in Cuba. I chose the Latin American School of Medicine because (and besides it being a great institution) I will get to learn and practice preventative medicine which I believe would be a great method to bring to Belize to help prevent the diseases and sicknesses that we have to deal with. I commenced studies in September and I have a good relationship with the students. It is very fascinating to learn about their countries and cultures and of course, sharing perspectives with them.
8. You mentioned before that you were writing poems from a very young age. Please share a story of Azizi Hoy’s Poetry Collection (inspiration, concept, sacrifice, messages, et al)?.
I have been writing poems from I was about 7 years old. I have always found poetry as a medium to express myself and everyone around me. At first, I began writing simple poems, very short about myself, like the things I loved doing. I would send them to the United Kingdom and I got back an email stating that some of my poems sent in the competition were published in their books. Since then, it encouraged me to continue writing.
As I grew older my poems began to change and focused more on social issues in Belize and challenges for youth. This happened after I realized all the things that we go through on a daily basis. I believe that people voices are not heard for numerous reasons. Therefore, I decided to be the voice for those who were not heard or would not be given the chance to speak.
My writing style is one in which I tend to rhyme a lot and I like to pick up pace on the parts that to me are powerful, to gain emotion. Some of my celebrated poems are one about a young boy who I impersonate that is being victimized because of his skin color and he is asking his mom for help. Another one is “For a better Belize” — I briefly mention things that are wrong in my country which I believe each of us need to stand up and try to fix.
Personally, I feel that writing these poems and performing it, it is my hope that someone is listening to me, and is listening to the screams that beg for change, whether it be for a positive change for Belize or for those committing wrong.
9. You received many scholarships since high school. Tell us more about these?. Why would you encourage Belizeans to apply for international scholarships?
Currently, I am in Cuba pursuing my medical degree. I received the prestigious Cuban scholarship, which is a full scholarship to attain my medical degree, which tenures for seven years. You can apply by visiting the Ministry of Education website when the new scholarship program is announced. I received two other scholarships — the first, for high school from Belize Telemedia Limited and the second, for sixth form from the Ministry of Education.
Scholarships relieve financial burdens. The opportunities while studying abroad are amazing and once in a life time. Apply for a Cuban Scholarship today!
10. We know that you have been participating in pageants from a young age. Can you share a little history with us? What were the preparations like? What lessons did you learnt?
When I was 7 years old, I represented Belize in the Miss Mini Universe pageant in Santo Domingo and received two titles — Miss Mini Universe Princess and Miss Mini Talent. During the week leading up the pageant night in the Dominican Republic, preparations were crucial as we were graded on the conduct of our walk, our conversations, etiquette, dining respect, and performances at events. In the mornings, we would practice and in the nights we would go on stage and give it our all. There were so many countries — Columbia, Aruba, Bolivia, Costa Rica, and Peru, just to name a few.
In Belize, I participated in various local pageants — helping to crown the new queen, delivering poetry presentations, dancing and helping the girls in any way I could.
In Cuba, I participated in Miss Caribe alongside representatives from St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. I placed first runner up, won the People’s Choice award and the Chairperson award.
I love pageants as it is a platform to represent your country and show off your talents. To those who love pageants and are interested in participating, give it a try! You are capable of doing great too!. Pageants are an excellent medium to boost confidence and help you with your social skills. Know that it is not easy, it is a lot of work but it is so worth it .
11. Do you have a passion for creative, and authentic writing? What are some of your most prized pieces? Do you enjoy reading and researching? Why? What do you have to say to young Belizeans who “dislike” writing and reading?
I definitely have a passion for creative and authentic writing and I enjoy reading and researching. From a young age, I was crazy for books. I would try to finish huge novels in one day because I could not get enough. Secondly, I love learning new things and this is where the research comes in. To those who dislike writing and reading, (from my personal experience), it is important to read because when you go abroad and they ask you about your country you need to be able to talk about it. So, READ and always keep yourself informed, and of course, not only about your country but the issues regionally and internationally. Secondly, writing is a form of expression. Give it a try and see where your imagination takes you. For many, writing can become a form of relieving stress (letting all your problems out) on paper.
12. In your bio, you stated that you have a passion for ballet dancing. How Fascinating! Share with us a little story of Azizi celebrating ballet dancing?
I have been dancing ballet from I was three years old. My parents enrolled me so that I would have something to do during my free time but as I got older, it was my decision to stay in it because I loved it!. A classic ballet session involves various stretch routines that (needless to say) are not easy! Ballet is just like a sport. You need to train your body for endurance and resistance. Trust me, a good ballet session means that you did sweat! After stretches, there are many exercise routines that we carry out. Every year, we have a stage performance where we act out princess movies in the form of ballet. No words, just music and dance.
13. You mentioned earlier that you sat and excelled in the CXC examinations. What were the preparations like? How did you felt after the victory?
I sat 14 CXC’s some of which I took as electives as I was a science major. I prepared by studying what I learnt in class, doing some practice work both in class and out of class and just testing myself. I was a little anxious before taking them but during and after I felt a little more relaxed. After the results were announced, I was extremely happy and proud of myself.
14. Have you participated in community service projects before? What are the experiences like?
Some community service projects I participated in are:
a.) visiting the children’s home and donating books and reading to them,
b.) performing to help raise money for the victims of the hurricane in Haiti,
c.) raising money for my godson (who was suffering from a skin disease) to receive medical care abroad,
d.) giving a speck to young women who have gone through abuse and
e.) visiting the elderly at Sister Cecilia Home and dancing for them.
These projects helped me to realize a new perspective on society. I realized that our children and the elderly need our attention, our support and services. It has also taught me to be compassionate and giving. I have learnt to be more understanding of situations and it has only empowered me to try and do things that will help bring impactful change to my country, whether big or small.
15. Do you believe the education system in Belize needs to restructured? Is there a need for the proper fusion of a “Cultures & History of Belize” section in the curriculum?
As it relates to properly including Culture and History in the education system, I believe it is necessary. Our youth need to learn more about their country. We are a melting pot and there is so much history and culture to be uncovered! We need to learn about these and appreciate more! Our youth will be more informed and they may begin to even celebrate our culture and our country a lot more with this new found knowledge.
16. If you were given the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceno, what three important issues would you discuss?
If I was given the opportunity to meet the Prime Minster, Rt. Hon Dean Barrow and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceno, the three issues I would discuss would be a support system for the youth in terms of education, the peak of crime our country is facing and mediums for our youth to express themselves whether it be by voice or through their talents.
We need to see a rise in the number of talents that we have and the voices who want to be heard!
17. Life can be challenging. How do you get rid of stress and what’s your advice to others on this?
Life can be challenging but I relieve stress by dancing and writing. Also, by participating in sports and exercising helps me to relax a bit, release all the pressures and breathe a little more. LOOK FOR SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU FEEL HAPPY. It can be anything: music, dancing, singing. Whatever it is, use it to your advantage.
18. Which Belizean Hero do you embrace? Why?
The Belizean Hero that I embrace is Phillip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson for his undying love for his country. Despite being put into jail, he continued persevering for a better Belize with some accomplishments including making primary education free and granting government assistance to secondary schools for the first time. Although he did not have the opportunity to go to secondary school, he had ambition and therefore he studied at night to obtain the Cambridge University Overseas Junior Certificate. This shows how determined he was and that he would not let anything hinder him. I admire this.
19. In one of my recent articles I stated: ‘It is important to realize that majority of Belize’s younger populations continue to be very mediocre as it relates to becoming holistically educated and cultured, personally and professionally.’ In the latter part of the article I also stated: ‘The primary culture of reluctance refers to a themed, laid-back mentality, wherein our population, or at least, majority of the population, have a meddlesome, unaware, and mediocre approach to self development and self fulfillment.’ What’s your perspective on these two statements?
I do agree with these two statements but I believe that there is a reason for this.
Many of our younger populations are not getting the education they need. You need to realize that without education, we are missing the bigger picture — our future. Some youths cannot see beyond the life they have grown up in whether that be in poverty, working in the fields, violence and gangs so when you ask them about a future they cannot give you anything more than the present because they really don’t see any future.
If we can help them to see what a life with education and hard work comes with, and the opportunities available, I believe their mentality will change. Firstly though, we need to give them the resources, get them into schools, challenge their brains. Once we give them a taste of this, a taste of change, this will change their mentalities!
Everything cannot be hand given, some things are hard work but it will be worth it in the long run and that will change the mediocrity.
We need to inform them about what’s going on in our country through media houses, posters, and education facilities so that they know what could be at risk for them.
If we achieve this, I can guarantee we will see a change in these youths, and we will no longer settle for mediocrity, we will no longer settle for the bare minimum.
Date of Birth: 7th June, 1999
Place of Birth: Belize City
Parents: Josef and Rashida Hoy
Brothers: Salim and Byron Hoy
School: ELAM (Escuela Latino Americana de Medicina)
Hobbies: Dancing, writing Poetry, Football, and Volleyball
With the Powers Vested Into Us:
I, Kenrick Mark Coleman, Founder & Chairman of The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation proclaim Azizi Juanita Hoy as the October 2019 Personality of the Month Award Recipient. Azizi is entitled to an Official Interview, an Authentication Award and all privileges that complement the Personality of the Month Award Program. Azizi now joins thirty-four other hardworking, talented, intelligent and deserving Belizeans in our Official Order of Distinction.
Photo Credits: Azizi Juanita Hoy
Acknowledgement: Azizi Juanita Hoy, Rashida Hoy
Personality of the Month Award Recipients:
Laurita Williams (June, 2008) Toledo
Abel Coleman (July, 2008) Toledo
Gareth Jacobs (November, 2008) Toledo
Floridalma Fajardo (February, 2009) Toledo
Felicita Arzu (July, 2009) Orange Walk
Samson Jacobs (January, 2010) Belize City
Clive Myers (May, 2010) Belize City
Ashanti Garcia (July, 2010) San Ignacio
Leilah Pandy (August, 2010) Belize City
Myra Fajardo (October, 2010) Toledo
Dorien Villafranco (September, 2011) Belmopan
Annlyn Apolonio (August, 2012) Belize City
Micah Goodin (January, 2013) Belize City
Andre Alamina (November, 2013) Belize City
Juana Meza (March, 2014) Stann Creek
Justyn Craig (June, 2015) Belize City
Harsheel Makhijani (September, 2015)Orange Walk
Zeida Montero (October, 2015) Stann Creek
Jasmine Myvette (December, 2015) Sand Hill
Francis Sutherland (February, 2016) Corozal
Cindy Espinal (March, 2016) Stann Creek
Robin Gray (April, 2016) Stann Creek
Juan Bol (May, 2016) Toledo
Andrew Vasquez (June, 2016) Belize City
Kevin Trejo (November, 2016) Orange Walk
Dovini Chell (December, 2016) Orange Walk
Nissa Waldman (January, 2017) Corozal
Bryton Codd (March, 2018) Belize City
Daniel Hung (June, 2018) Belmopan
Dino Emilio Gutierrez (August, 2018) Cayo
Tsung Wei Wu (September, 2018) Corozal
Diany Leal (October, 2018) Cayo
Robin Quilter (November, 2018) Ladyville
Tianna Coleman (March, 2019) Stann Creek
Azizi Hoy (October, 2019) Belize City
