Beginning her collegiate career at just 17 years old, Asha Hyndman has had quite the journey at the University of the Virgin Islands. Originally born on the mainland, Hyndman grew up in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Despite starting early compared to most, once she had her mind set on UVI, she felt as though she was well prepared.
“Because I was young, I didn’t want to go far from home, and then I heard about UVI. I think it was an easy transition because my time management has always been great, and when I put my mind to something, such as my degree, I'm going to do what it takes to get it.”
Hyndman’s various interests and passions in life include performing arts, being a mocko jumbie, and environmental conservation, but she ultimately decided to major in Biology. Despite having other interests, she felt as though pursuing a degree in Biology would allow her to make a greater impact on her community.
“In the British Virgin Islands, there is a lack in the healthcare system – not having enough doctors and not having enough certified individuals. So, I decided to follow suit with the healthcare path and to be able to come back to my islands and fill the void that I see as of right now.”
After graduation, Hyndman plans to travel to the mainland to complete a two-year radiology program. She also plans to do an internship over the summer, preferably in radiation if she’s able to find one.
That said, despite not majoring in any of her creative interests, she still finds the time to fit those passions into her schedule. In fact, she says she is “in her element” when she has a lot on her plate, and while at UVI, she’s certainly managed to keep a full schedule. Last year, Hyndman was crowned Miss UVI after winning Homecoming Queen the year prior.
“Because I was young, I didn’t want to go far from home, and then I heard about UVI. I think it was an easy transition because my time management has always been great, and when I put my mind to something, such as my degree, I'm going to do what it takes to get it.”
Hyndman’s various interests and passions in life include performing arts, being a mocko jumbie, and environmental conservation, but she ultimately decided to major in Biology. Despite having other interests, she felt as though pursuing a degree in Biology would allow her to make a greater impact on her community.
“In the British Virgin Islands, there is a lack in the healthcare system – not having enough doctors and not having enough certified individuals. So, I decided to follow suit with the healthcare path and to be able to come back to my islands and fill the void that I see as of right now.”
After graduation, Hyndman plans to travel to the mainland to complete a two-year radiology program. She also plans to do an internship over the summer, preferably in radiation if she’s able to find one.
That said, despite not majoring in any of her creative interests, she still finds the time to fit those passions into her schedule. In fact, she says she is “in her element” when she has a lot on her plate, and while at UVI, she’s certainly managed to keep a full schedule. Last year, Hyndman was crowned Miss UVI after winning Homecoming Queen the year prior.
These two victories came after Hyndman competed in — and won — the Miss Teen BVI competition in 2024. Though she’s seen a lot of success in pageanting already, it actually isn’t a lifelong passion of hers.
“It honestly wasn't a passion because I started at the age of 18, not too long ago. Most contestants start when they're in prince and princess competitions, and they're quite young. So, I started late in the game. But when I did it, I was successful in all of the titles that I pursued.”
While running for Miss UVI, Hyndman viewed the experience as much more than simply competing for a title. Serving in a student leadership role created an opportunity for her to advocate for positive change at the University. “I really enjoyed my peers, the institution, and so forth, but there are some things that can be fixed and that’s part of life, and that's why I decided to be a student leader,” she says.
Looking back at her time at UVI, she described the experience as “everlasting,” adding, “I took part in many events. I tried my best in every single thing that I did. I put my best foot forward. I am proud to say that I did leave a little legacy behind, and hopefully some positive changes here at the University of the Virgin Islands.”
“It honestly wasn't a passion because I started at the age of 18, not too long ago. Most contestants start when they're in prince and princess competitions, and they're quite young. So, I started late in the game. But when I did it, I was successful in all of the titles that I pursued.”
While running for Miss UVI, Hyndman viewed the experience as much more than simply competing for a title. Serving in a student leadership role created an opportunity for her to advocate for positive change at the University. “I really enjoyed my peers, the institution, and so forth, but there are some things that can be fixed and that’s part of life, and that's why I decided to be a student leader,” she says.
Looking back at her time at UVI, she described the experience as “everlasting,” adding, “I took part in many events. I tried my best in every single thing that I did. I put my best foot forward. I am proud to say that I did leave a little legacy behind, and hopefully some positive changes here at the University of the Virgin Islands.”
