This week we feature Young Professional Derrick R. Varlack Jr
With something as simple as a dream, anything is possible. Having a passion for flying aircrafts encouraged our Young Professional to go for his dream; with focus, determination and hard work he has now become a successful and accomplished Pilot.
His love for flying developed from his early lessons at age eleven at the local Flight School, Clair Aero Inc. (currently VI Airlink), where he dreamt of flying planes ever since. This encouraged him to attend the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach Florida, where he received his Bachelors of Science in Aeronautical Science in 2008. He enrolled at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 2005.
Prior to his Degree, he attended the Alexandrina Maduro Primary School and graduated in 1999. He then advanced to the BVI High School, where he was a part of the graduating class of 2004 and was Mr 5th Form 2004.
He also served as Assistant Bank Manager at Bank of America in Daytona Beach Florida from 2006-2008.
Our Young Professional tells us, that prior to his lessons at Clair Aero he was afraid of flying, but because of his lessons and training at such a young age, he fell in love with it and knew that it was something he wanted to keep on doing.
“I love everything about flying, it is my passion. I love the control, and being the one that many depend on… I love the fact that my day to day job is never the same, and I can never repeat the same day twice.”
Mr. Varlack told this news site, that even though he has his dream job, there are always challenges. He stated that there were a few challenges in becoming a pilot but he overcame them; such as the schedule he has to abide by; added to the fact that he lives in North Carolina, away from his family that lives in the Virgin Islands.
“I don’t see them as much as I would love to, that is an everyday challenge, being so far away.”
Another major challenge, he brought to our attention is the fact that his mom is currently incarcerated.
Former Financial Controller of the BVI Tourist Board, Verna Maduro, who was incarcerated on July 14, 2011, is the mother of our Young Professional.
Regarding the imprisonment of his mother, he stated that “it is one of those obstacles I had to overcome; it made me stronger and a lot more independent. It pretty much forced me to grow up.”
He added that his mom was the one who kept him sane and helped him through everything he has been through to be the person he is today.
Looking back at his accomplishments and challenges he added that there is nothing he would change, everything is a piece that makes up the puzzle.
Other than work, Mr. Varlack enjoys traveling, bowling, skating and reading.
According to Mr. Varlack, being a pilot is very important and plays a huge role in society where you are able to take people from point A to point B.
“One of the things I love about my job is the opportunity to build social relationships, both with your fellow crewmenbers and passengers alike."
He encourages young Virgin Islanders to stay focused and aim for their dreams and for whatever they want to be. He advises the youth to take him as an example. He stuck with his dream and passion and is now a certified pilot.
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