Growing up in this world, it can be so hard knowing exactly what it is you should do with your life.

With so much social and sometimes parental pressure, many people often dedicate their lives to the jobs that make the most money, forsaking the things they love.

But, isn’t there more out there than the generic doctor, lawyer, banker and ‘Indian chief’?

We at Our Today sat down with Joelle Flimn, a 19-year-old professional dancer and aspiring designer who has no intentions of dimming her creative light for a few extra bucks.

How did it all begin?

From the moment Joelle Flimn could walk she was dancing.

At age 4, Joelle enrolled in her first ballet class at the Vicker’s Dance Studio.

Since then, Joelle describes dance as becoming a major part of her life. Fifteen years later and Joelle is still dancing faithfully with the studio.

In addition to the ballet, Joelle expanded her dance horizons in high school when she joined the ‘Campion College Dance Society’.

For several years, Joelle had to learn the art of balancing the stressful school work, dance and a social life.

What a superwoman!

The young performer now currently dances professionally with the National Dance Theatre Company and Plie for the Arts non-profit organisation.

On a regular, she spends three days a week dancing… but when it’s time for a show, rehearsals can last up to 3.5 hours, six days a week (excluding Saturday).

On Her Studies

Despite this, Joelle has still chosen to further her studies and is currently studying Architecture at the University of Technology (UTech).

‘It’s a really hard major,” Joelle shared. “It’s not study intensive but mostly practical.

“It can be a real struggle to keep up with the work, especially since dance takes up so much of my life.”

With classes that sometimes run late, Joelle has had to actively navigate her way through the trial with good time management and discipline.

She hopes her studies will one day allow her to pursue a career in design – interior or even fashion.

But, regardless of whatever career path she chooses, Joelle will always hold dearly to her dance.

‘Once I’m in Jamaica, I will always dance,” she shared with Our Today.

But will she always be in Jamaica?

Though she is keeping her options wide open, Joelle fantasises about one day travelling to the United States and dancing on Broadway.

The young dancer has no limits to what she can dream!

And here’s her advice to anyone wishing to pursue their own creative interests:

“Go for it! Don’t look at what other people are saying, whether you’re male or female, just go for it!”