Twenty three year-old Keon K. August is currently a Foreman at the Water and Sewerage Department (W&SD), a position he holds for the past two years. Prior to that, he held the posts of Trainee Engineer and acting Foreman in the same Department.

In giving an insight into his professional life, the young professional recalled that after graduating from the then BVI High School he applied immediately to the W&SD and the BVI Electricity Corporation so that he can be financially dependent.

“BVIEC did not respond but the Water and Sewerage Department did in about two weeks. They were looking for Trainees, and I guess I was selected because of the technical subjects I passed in school and I really wanted something in the technical field,” he related.

What August loves about his job, is the aptitude of working on several projects, and not being “bound” to a desk “24-7”.

His responsibilities range from overseeing the day to day operation of the Road Town sewage collection network to the Cane Garden Bay sewage collection and treatment system; supervise and assist staff in carrying out their duties and supplying them with the appropriate tools to execute their duties. He is also responsible for divisional progress reports, budget submission, employees’ time sheets, equipment and treatment plant maintenance.

And while he is passionate about his job, the young professional admitted that due to his young age he is sometimes given “attitude” by colleagues who are older than him.

“It is not easy, because I have to work hard at times to gain their respect...you get a lot of opposition,” he stated.

So how does he cope with such occurrences?

August replied, “Well I just let them vent, and eventually everything is calm. We have to work as a team to make sure that there are no disasters.”

Describing himself as a determined and approachable individual, this young professional revealed that the zeal for excellence caught the eye of his superiors hence the reason for being named Employee of the 2nd Quarter and eventually Employee of the Year in 2010.

According to August, the accolades bestowed do not cloud his judgement on what he has to do.

Meanwhile, his future with the Department seems bright with August eyeing the post of Director. His ultimate goal is to become a qualified Civil Engineer. “I know it will happen one day, it’s only a matter of time,” he said confidently.

On the education front, this young professional has already obtained an Associate in Science from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in 2010, and has plans to further his education.

“In January 2013, I plan to go overseas to obtain by degree in Civil Engineering and eventually my Masters,” August said.

In his spare time, August loves to play basketball, cycling, Cue Sport, weightlifting, residential wiring and drawing architectural designs.

While August does not see himself as a role model, he said he can relate to how the young men in the society feel. His advice to them is that “the world is becoming more and more competitive and opportunities are no longer at your fingertips, so you have to go and seek it for yourself.”

He added, “If persons see young men trying to help themselves, they will willingly lend a hand.”

The young professional is the son of Alfred and Narisa August and has three other brothers. “We are a close knit family, who support each other through thick or thin,” he stated.

And his mantra throughout his still young life is that motivation is a kind of inner strength and determination.

“It begins with a thought. The thoughts are put into words that provide a fuel called encouragement.”