June 16, 2008 — Spend just five minutes with 16-year-old Ludence Romney Jr., and it becomes evident that this soon-to-be-senior at Charlotte Amalie High School is on the fast track to success. He's just not sure he wants to be president of the United States. But that could change.
Born in Puerto Rico on June 13, 1991, Romney had high aspirations as early as four years old, as he and his mother, Shirley Blyden, began making plans for him to attend Duke University in North Carolina. From that point on, hard work, determination and perseverance carried Romney through elementary and junior high schools to CAHS, where he immersed himself in Junior Statesmen of America program, Graffiti Street, and the CAHS Science Quiz Bowl and Academic Quiz Bowl teams.
Most recently, Romney was tapped by his peers to head up the territory’s chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America. In this capacity, he will represent the Virgin Islands at the FBLA’s national conference this summer in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lessons in leadership, having self-confidence and setting a good example for his peers are what Romney said he has gleaned from his participation in the various clubs and organizations.
A strong passion for government and politics has stemmed from experiences within the JSA program, Romney added.
When asked what he sees himself doing in the next ten years, Romney thought for a brief moment before replying, "I would either hopefully be doing well in an engineering company, or I could see myself as a player in the U.S. Senate. If that’s the case, I would focus my attention on the economy, and the kind of things that would make it easier for citizens to live and achieve the American dream. People say that I should run for president, but I don’t know about that — that kind of job brings the gray hairs early."
In addition to his rigorous after-school routine, Romney balanced a heavy course load this year, which included Advanced Placement Calculus, AP English, Chemistry, Introduction to Business and Biology II – a prerequisite for AP Biology, which Romney plans to take in his senior year.
"I figured out my new love is science," Romney said. "I love chemistry – that’s actually my favorite subject – and I plan on taking physics next year, because I’m going to be captain of our Science Quiz Bowl team and I figured we could use some more physics knowledge to prepare us for the competition."
Boosted by encouragement from his mother and father, Romney has sought to broaden all of his life experiences — whether it was traveling to Duke to improve his writing skills through one of the university’s summer programs, or traveling to indulge his love of Japanese culture.
Reading manga and listening to Japanese music are two of the top items on Romney's list of hobbies. And, after a trip to the country in the summer of 2007, learning the Japanese language has also occupied some of his time.
"I knew someone who went to Japan, and after talking to them about it, I thought that it was something I would really like to do," Romney said. "So I applied for a scholarship through the Youth for Understanding Program, which allows students to travel to many different countries all over the world. I got the scholarship, and spent four days prior to the trip learning about the basic language and culture."
Looking to the future, Romney said he looks forward to spending time after college with his sister Leandra Pickering, 28, who currently resides in Houston, Texas. Starting a family is not out of the question, he said, but not until he has completed his master's degree and settled into a career.
No word yet on his retirement plans, but there's still time.
A quiet young man, Romney is modest when he talks about his accomplishments. But his love for his mother Shirley is something he says has powered him through everything he does.
"My mother is so supportive," Romney said. "There has never been a time when I’ve come to her with something I want to do that she has said no. She has taught me to be committed to the organizations I am a part of – not just to give a part of myself so that I can have something good to put on my resume. She’s a hard-working kind of lady, and she pushes me to be a hard-working kind of guy."
The feeling is mutual, said his mom, Shirley Blyden.
"I’m very proud of him," she said recently. "He’s eager to learn about everything and anything, and he’s very caring – he cares about his classmates, about his school. He’s independent, can do things on his own, and he talks freely to everyone and anyone about his ideas and concerns."
It is important not to follow the crowd, Romney said, when asked what message he would pass on to other students his age.
"I think people should try to stick to what’s right, and do everything the can do to better themselves," he said. "Life is too short — be the best you can be."
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
