Its cliched but I really admire Oprah

Kristin White has worked in the Bermuda’s charity sector for over 10 years. She is currently the Executive Director of Raleigh Bermuda a programme that supports and challenges young Bermudians using coaching, training and overseas expeditions. 

Through this role, she developed a love of adventure and is extremely passionate about empowering Bermuda’s youth. She has recently stepped down from this post to focus on other community development initiatives, especially those that focus on St George’s, the town that she loves and where she has a bookstore, the Book Cellar. One initiative is Transition Bermuda, a global movement that helps communities to be more self-sufficient. 

She is married, with one son, three step-daughters, and an unfriendly cat. Interview by

Sarah Lagan.

What were you like in school? 

Constantly trying to be something I wasn’t. High school… uggghhh.

Who is your hero/heroine?

I know it’s a cliché, but I really admire Oprah. She has overcome every obstacle thrown at her, cares about the world and clearly wants to leave it better than she found it. 

When did you last laugh out loud?

My friends and I get together regularly for ‘girls’ nights’ which I will unashamedly say are loud, wine-filled occasions, one of which was held on Saturday night. Bad English accents, Adele sing-alongs, fun pictures, and loads of just plain foolishness.  Which I ‘heart’.

Your earliest memory?

I remember cutting my knee on a carpet nail when I was about four years old.  I still have the scar, so perhaps the scar is the memory? 

Human trait you value most in others?

Authenticity and a sense of humour.  

Which cartoon character would you be?

From ‘Dexter’s Laboratory’, a combination between Dexter and his sister Deedee. She wants to enjoy life, just have fun and dance. He wants to change the world. 

Your greatest fear?

Specifically, that something will happen to my son. More broadly, I sometimes see an emptiness in people’s eyes — an emptiness that looks like life has taken a toll on who they once were. That scares me — that something will happen and I lose the fire.    

Your ultimate ambition?

There are things that just don’t interest me, like climbing glacial mountains or math. But pretty much everything else in the world, I would like to accomplish. It can be a tad overwhelming at times.

If you were given a million dollars tomorrow what would you do with it?

I’d try to save some, but as St George’s needs a major upgrade, I wouldn’t hesitate to invest the majority of it in the revitalization efforts here. Family, travel, adventures, my bookstore, Transition Bermuda, and other community initiatives I’m involved in would also account for a significant portion.

Your most unappealing habit?

I am self-centred, which can be good in many ways, but there are negative habits associated too… so I tell myself, ‘Listen fully and genuinely. Be interested in others, especially those you care about, and even in the parts you don’t find interesting. Be on time. Don’t talk so much about yourself.” Work in progress. 

Describe yourself in three words...

So wild hearted.

Which human trait do you dislike the most?

Greed or gluttony. The desire to have more ‘stuff’...even at the expense of people, the planet, or the individual’s own well-being.   

Best party you’ve ever been to?

The house party we had for my husband’s birthday last year was epic. Our gate was literally hanging off the hinges in the morning… and *oops* the neighbours called the cops.  For real. But my wedding was the best party, and no police!

Anyone you’d like to say ‘sorry’ to?

For sure. I don’t believe that you can make it through life without being responsible for inflicting a wound or two on others, no matter how much of a good person you try to be. 

Worst job you’ve ever done?

One summer I shredded paper. The whole summer. Every day.    

Closest you’ve ever come to death?

Every time I see a bruise. In every cab in Guyana.  Volcano surfing in Nicaragua.  The time my cat jumped into my head. Cave snorkelling in Mexico. Sliding down a granite waterfall in Brazil. Getting to the granite waterfall in the first place. Whenever my back goes out. The prop plane ride to Boipeba. My first Raleigh expedition in Namibia. Every subsequent Raleigh expedition.   Generally I live in hyperbole and always think I’m inches from death! 

Your desert island song?

On a whim I’ll say Titanium by David Guetta, because I have been belting it out at karaoke and feel like I pretty much own that song now.   

What animal would you be and why?

I’m a cat. I love naps, snacks, and stretching. 

If you had a time machine, where would you go?

I’d visit 1920s Paris… Harlem Renaissance writers, the jazz, the art, the fashion. I’m definitely romanticizing it all but still…

Your most memorable dream?

My most memorable is a recurring dream I had as a teen about my mama and I in a concentration camp that would have me waking in tears and running to tell my mom how sorry I was for whatever recent teenage transgression (and there were many!) I’d committed…

Best advice you have ever taken?

Always add bacon. 

If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be?

A writer. Or a ticket taker. I did an aptitude test in high school and it mentioned I’d be good at anything to do with tickets. I never pursued it. But it’s a good plan B.

What do you most dislike about you appearance?

Everything to do with the after-effects of pregnancy.  Seriously, they should use images of stretch marks to promote contraception.

What do you like best about your appearance?

My eyes, the freckles on my nose, my back, and my hands (although I’ve recently been informed my thumbs are freakishly small…). 

Nicest thing anyone has ever said to you?

I do.

What’s your best joke?

How many youth workers does it take to change a lightbulb?  Only one, but the lightbulb has to want to change.  (Ba dum bum)

Most treasured possession?

My bookstore.

A dream location for a home?

There are other places I would like to live for a period. I love Bainbridge Island in Seattle, and have recently fallen in love with Brooklyn too. But my dream location is St George’s — a house with large porches and a view of the harbour. 

Guilty pleasure?

Bad reality TV. Please don’t judge me. Nor engage me in conversation about it in public, as I’ll act like I have never heard of Ne Ne.

Favourite film?

Shawshank Redemption.  Get busy living, or get busy dying.

Your proudest achievement?

I had my son when I was 16 years old... I am very proud of him, even when I am reminding him to take out the trash.

Most important lesson life has taught you?

... I strive to just be a real person, that owns my story and make the most of the ride.

What would you most like to be remembered for?

Making people laugh. Trying my best and bringing out the best in those around me. Caring about my community. Enjoying life...

And being incredible at karaoke.