Vilma Lewis of Penville is one of the most recent Dominicans to be awarded her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery(MBBS) degree.

Lewis says, “I never dreamt of this and always thought it was too big of an achievement for such a small village girl like me especially without any family support- my mom being a house wife and my dad, a fisherman”.

According to Lewis, after high school, she volunteered with her dental therapist and soon after was employed in the government service as a dental surgery assistant. This is where she developed the love for medicine and surgery.  Further, persons with whom she came into contact with saw her potential and encouraged to apply for scholarships.

Lewis says, “When I came to China in 2015, I was excited but I was afraid that I would fail along the way. Learning Chinese seemed like the hardest thing I ever had to do and I remember calling home to say that I wanted to  return to Dominica because I just can’t do it. It wasn’t until I started premedical and medical courses in Chinese, that I encountered what I consider to be ‘the real challenge’.  The more I progressed in my studies is the harder it got, however every challenge prepared me for the next”.

Lewis took active part in extracurricular activities throughout her time at her school.

“I was  class monitor and I usually had responsibilities that kept me busy. In 2019, I represented my university in a Chinese speaking competition. Engaging in these extra curricular activities and having a community of great friends was the key to keeping sane here. Although I was very busy around campus, I always reminded myself that my goal was to become a good doctor to return home to serve so I did my best to keep my grades up.  It wasn’t always easy having to struggle to understand chinese. I increased my vocabulary by watching chinese series and making many chinese friends.”

Lewis credits the emotional support from her family as what kept her.

“Along the way, I made great friends and the support I received from my friends and family is what kept me. In 2017, I lost my brother/cousin in the Penville 5 tragedy and my emotional and mental state went downhill but God carried me. After coming to terms with the loss somehow, I felt that Blinx gave me an energy that I cannot describe. I started a small baking and cooking business and braided and combed hair for extra cash throughout the years.”

Lewis thanks God as well as all those who saw the potential in her especially Jemmima Marcellin and Abigail Ettienne who she describes as her number one supporters. She also thanks Julie her cousin and her Aunt Glenda who encouraged her.

” Thanks to my entire family and the dental therapist Ms.Edwards for their continued support;  to the Prime Minister Hon.  Roosevelt Skerrit who also saw in me what I didn’t see in myself. I will never forget everything that he has done. He took time from his busy schedule to check up on me. The Ambassador Mr.Charles was also always there when I needed help.”

She adds, “It is now 6 years since I started this journey and I am more than elated to graduate as the Outstanding International Student Representative of my class. I urge other young Dominicans who have been given the opportunity to push themselves and make the best of it. I dedicate my degree to Blinx Jeanlouis Sango. Gone but forever in my heart.”

Lewis plans to remain in China to specialize in Cardiology.

Congratulations to Vilma Lewis on such an awesome accomplishment.