products and services, we share and promote the importance of regenerative agriculture. The Farming & Gardening programme was created for kids who just love to be outside. Campers get to soak up the sun, splash in the water and explore the island as they spend a week at the petting farm, farming and gardening. We also offer birthday parties and give adults the opportunity to get their hands a little dirty too!
TB: What does a typical day on the farm consist of for you? Are there a lot of early mornings? Kristin: All early mornings! While there are routine activities that require daily attention, each day varies according to the season. As a small business owner, homesteader and beekeeper there are many different things that require attention, however if you enjoy what you do, you never work a day in your life.
TB: What are some of the most valuable skills you need in running the farm? Kristin: Organisation and business management skills are the basics required, as well as exercising patience and the ability to adapt quickly to nature’s surprises.
TB: Tell us one thing you and Rebecca have in common and one thing you don’t. Kristin: My sister and I are close but very different individuals. We both travelled extensively when we were younger, representing Bermuda in our respective sports, Gymnastics and Swimming.
TB: What do you think of your sister’s athletic achievements? And do you think she could handle living on a farm? Kristin: Her competing at the 2016 RIO Olympics was a point of pride for the entire family. She loves to help out on the farm when she is on Island.
Rebecca Heyliger ‘10
Torchbearer: How do you feel your BHS education prepared you for your sporting and working careers? Rebecca: An all-girls school is the perfect place to foster strong women with strong opinions. When I got to USC I was able to speak up in my classes without hesitation or self- doubt. I feel the same way about my workplace, I make my opinions known in a constructive way and feel heard. Of course, confidence is key in athletics, having PE teachers like Ms Young, Ms Downy and Ms Davis around definitely made me feel comfortable in any arena.
TB: Did swimming help you attend university? Rebecca: Though I did not initially earn an athletic scholarship, swimming definitely helped me get to USC. It was one of the main reasons I was attracted to USC, as
On the big stage: Rebecca Heyliger ‘10 represented Bermuda at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, in the 50 metre freestyle. She was also the swim and dive team captain at the University of Southern California.
they have both a top level collegiate and professional team, both of which I swam on. In my final year of collegiate swimming I earned a swimming scholarship, which I was very proud of.
TB: Describe the time commitment and dedication required to compete at an Olympic level. Rebecca: The training was definitely exhausting physically and routinely missing out on social events was a bit tough. There were ,of course, times whenI wish I could’ve been on an amazing trip, or relaxing in Bermuda. The year I spent after graduating trying to qualify for Rio was next level. Swimming was the only focus, I added in even more diverse training methods and spent a lot more time on proper recovery. That made the difference.
TB: How did you know you had a desire to make that level of commitment? Rebecca: Initially I had no plans to swim after high school. I don’t know when I decided I wanted to be an Olympian but I knew swimming in college was part of getting there. I was a bit of a late bloomer, as far as swimming is concerned, so did not really make it on to the big stage until later than most. At USC I was training with the best of the best, so the goal really didn’t seem that distant. I’ve been an athlete since I was young, I used to have national swimming practice from 6-8am and then head straight to Clearwater for Tri-hedz for another couple hours. Commitment was never a big deal, it was natural and necessary to achieve what I wanted.
TB: When did your interest in international diplomacy develop and
what are your ambitions in this field? Rebecca: I’d say I’ve always found international relations and politics quite interesting. Public diplomacy is not quite that, it is an interesting mix of IR, communication, diplomacy, negotiation and conflict management. The different classes I took during my Bachelor’s Degree related to such topics peaked my interest. Though I have not yet quite put this degree in to practice I still hope to move in that direction and one day maybe return home to Bermuda and get into politics.
TB: Tell us one thing you have in common Kristin and one thing you don’t. Rebecca: I’d say we are both very ambitious. We know what we want and we will make it happen no matter how aspirational that goal may be. I’d say our difference may be in how we achieve those goals. Kristin is very independent and will get things done the way she wants in her time. Her success is 100% her own. I, on the other hand, am a bit more collaborative, I often seek out help and advice from those who have skills or knowledge that I am lacking.
TB: What do you think of the work your Kristin is doing with the farm? Rebecca: I am so impressed (with) the farm. The kids love it, the animals are happy and her and Farmer Jon are having a good time. It’s nice to see kids genuinely enjoying themselves and being interested in the great outdoors as opposed to being stuck behind a screen.
I visit the farm every time I come home and helped with her first Root Camp during Easter 2018.
Torchbearer Spring 2018 25
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