Features
Compassionate and warm
…and very kind
Kaushalya Fernando is not new to our scene. She was featured in our Glam Scene, just recently. This glam girl is a Medical Student, Training Emergency Medical Officer, Coordinator of Women and Child Development Ministry, and Sri Lankan Coordinator of Alexander Media Production Company and Alexander Foundation. And, that’s precisely why I decided to have a chit-chat with her.
1. How would you describe yourself?
To those who may observe me, I’m very quiet and reserved. I’m very unassuming and generally very kind. Kindness is a very large part of who I’m. I would definitely describe myself as compassionate and warm. However, my personality is more dynamic. I’m also a very funny, lighthearted and cheerful person. I’m an ambitious person who is eager to learn.
2. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I love the way God has created me. I’m proud of who I’m today. That’s not because of my goodness but because God created me without any mistakes. So, I’m totally satisfied with my life and I wouldn’t change anything.
Families are like flowers, like petals that, together, constitute the whole flower – its form and shape. Likewise, every member unites a family and every member is important in a family. So, honestly, I wish I could bring back my father who passed away. That would be the change that I want in my family.
4. School?
Up to the O/L, I completed my education at President College, Badulla, and I did my Advance Level at Badulla Central College. My school career is the most important phase in my life. During my school time, I identified my skills, talents and strengths. I was a good debater, orator, announcer, oriental dancer, stage drama actress, poem and short story writer, athlete and sportswoman, and, at the same time, I held the top position in class, in the academic field. So, it’s an unforgettable period in my life, as I achieved many goals, and I enjoyed my school life.
5. Happiest moment?
Each and every day, for me, is a blessing from God. When I wake up, I thank the Almighty for adding one more day to my life. And, indeed, I got a very special opportunity to prove myself one day – that’s when I got admission into a medical college in India. And that was the biggest achievement in my life.
6. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
We have different levels and ways of seeking happiness. We have different stories to tell about what makes us happy. But, one thing is for sure, we all want to achieve perfect happiness in our lives. Our own happiness really depends on us. But It can also be experienced by loving, giving and forgiving. It’s not about having what you want but wanting what you have. Perfect happiness means having a cup of fresh coffee in the morning, facing the sun rise, by the window, telling yourself you are blessed to have perfect happiness.
7. Are you religious?
I’m a Christian but not religious, because Christianity is not a religion. Christianity is ‘Christ in us,’ because Christ comes into us and dwells in us when we accept Him into our lives. It means establishing a relationship with, and having fellowship, with Jesus Christ. Religion is not about God. Religion is an attempt to imitate God.
8. Are you superstitious?
It is based on cultural, or religious, beliefs often, in reference to the supernatural, where certain things can bring bad or good luck. Most countries and cultures around the world have a history of superstitious belief. Yet, scripture said that God alone is all powerful and controls everything that happens. So, finally, to answer your question – I’m not superstitious.
9. Your ideal guy?
His love towards me should be deep and true. He must be intelligent, well groomed, honest and a faithful person. He really must be taller than me and he must fit well with me, like a puzzle piece.
10. Which living person do you most admire?
I don’t have a person that I admire the most. I find that I’m always getting inspired by so many different kinds of people that offer varying aspects, traits and personality.
11. Which is your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possessions would be memories, with loved ones. Most of my material things can be lost, or stolen, but the memories we continue to make will be there forever. I make sure to take videos, or photographs, when I can, so, I can look back at these moments, fondly.
12. If you were marooned on a desert island, who would you like as your companion?
I want someone who knows about me very well. It would be great to have someone peaceful, intelligent and interesting and also a person who is very calm in a crisis, because I would immediately start fretting and worrying about every little thing. The person concerned must also love his food, so he would very quickly find something on that desert island. Then we wouldn’t starve.
13. Your most embarrassing moment?
I have so many embarrassing moments, in my life, which I remember nowadays which makes me burst into laughter and feel silly now. I will share one of them. This happened during my first flight. I wasn’t able to remove my seat belt when the flight landed. I was trying, but wasn’t successful. The passenger next to me was a guy and he noticed what I was trying to do. He helped me to remove the sea belt. But, I was totally embarrassed.
14. Done anything daring?
Yeah, so many. I will always stand against injustice, especially for the rights of women. I don’t get shy or afraid to speak about injustice.
15. Your ideal vacation?
Bora Bora, called the ‘Pearl of Pacific,’ and it’s truly the most beautiful place in the world, I’m told. So, I would choose that small beautiful island to spend my dream vacation.
16. What kind of music are you into?
I listen to music across styles and centuries. Really, it depends on what I want to achieve with music. Music always touches emotions and life moments. So, the music I listen to is very much linked to my life events and emotions and I select the music, specifically to enhance and accompany those emotions.
17. Favourite radio station?
Radio is about companionship and the emotional connection with the listener. However, I don’t have a personal choice for any particular radio station..
18. Favourite TV station ?
I have to say the same thing for this question, too – no favourite TV station.
19. What would you like to be born as in your next life?
God almighty desired everyone, every person, every human being, He created, to be with Him in “eternity”. When we die, we will either go to heaven or hell. So, I want to spend my next life eternity in heaven, with Christ.
20. Any major plans for the future?
Since I’m studying medicine, my first and foremost career choice is to become a gynecologist, with a specialty in obstetrics. As a follower of Christ, I love to serve for the kingdom of God. I want to be a voice to empower women and girls. Also, I’m having a huge plan to transform education in rural areas. I would like to help people to expel their poverty. No matter their religion or language, as I’m coming from a Sinhala and Indian Tamil background. To me, every life is precious.