Caymanian Liam Bulgin is proof that small jurisdictions can produce great academic results, and wants local students to know nothing is impossible for them.
Cayman’s size should not be an impediment to success, according to Bulgin. To those who say that possibilities are limited for a small jurisdiction, that “we can’t achieve the same things or we don’t have the same opportunities as students from larger countries, that’s not accurate, we are the same,” he told the Cayman Compass in a recent interview via Zoom.
Earlier this month, Bulgin, 19, received a ‘Top in the World’ award for his results in the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) A-level in Travel and Tourism 2021.
Though honoured by the award, Bulgin said this success is not only his to celebrate since it holds special meaning for the community as a whole.
“I think it means that even us young Caymanians from a small country can achieve the big things, just like everybody else. We can receive top marks in the world. We can be the best athletes in the world, etc. And I think this is motivation or encouragement that young Caymanians… we can do anything,” he said.
The former St. Ignatius Catholic School student said he wants his success to show others that the only barriers are those they create.
“It’s just down to us at the end of the day, whether or not we want to achieve and we strive to achieve those things,” he said.
Tourism a natural fit
Growing up in the Cayman Islands, it was only natural for Bulgin to focus on tourism, one of the jurisdiction’s main economic pillars.
He is pursuing business studies at York University in Ontario, Canada, and wants to return to Cayman to work in either real estate or tourism.
“I’m interested in tourism. I’m only in my first year of university right now, so my options are very broad, but I have been looking into tourism… I have a good knowledge about it and it is a field… that I could see myself in, in the future,” he said.
When he learnt that he had received a Top in the World award, he said it came as a shock.
“It was a bit of a surprise because I had already received my grades… last August and from those grades I knew I did well. But when I received that news, it was evident that I had done better than I actually thought. I think it was a very big achievement in my life and I’m proud to have actually achieved it. It’s such a nice thing to know that my hard work paid off,” he said.
Liam’s mother Cindy Jefferson-Bulgin, who is Cayman’s registrar general, said in a government statement, “As parents we are very proud of [his] academic achievement. He has always been a very diligent and focused young man. Thanks to St. Ignatius School for their excellent tutoring, nurturing and pastoral support of Liam. It is all greatly appreciated.”
His father, Attorney General Samuel Bulgin, also expressed pride in his son’s achievement, saying that he knew Liam was capable of great things.
“Liam is a very unassuming child and you don’t see by just looking at him that he would be a top performer in the world, but he remains very focussed,” the elder Bulgin told the Compass. “He’s not involved in fanfare and all those other things. We were quietly, if I might say, surprised, but we expected no less.”
The teenager said he did not feel pressured to perform given who his parents are, but he did understand there were expectations about what he could accomplish.
“There was always the idea that I was being watched or there were eyes on me to achieve more than somebody else or do better than a lot of my classmates. But my father has always been very supportive and he understands that there are some students who are just always going to achieve more than I can, but he was very proud of my achievements,” he said.
Bulgin joked that he thinks his dad would have been even more ecstatic had he achieved the top marks in law.
Even so, he said, “[Dad] was very proud and he’s expressed that to me many times since my achievement.”
In fact, he said, he is looking forward to his dad’s promised treat of a steak dinner to celebrate when he returns.
Minister of Tourism and Transport Kenneth Bryan, in a recent statement, also congratulated Bulgin.
“It is truly exciting to learn that the highest mark worldwide in the subject of Travel and Tourism has been garnered by a student from the Cayman Islands! I would like to recognise Liam for his exceptional performance which has earned him the ‘Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award.’ I extend my warmest congratulations to this young man for an achievement for which we can all be proud and I wish him well as he continues his studies,” said Bryan.
Finding a balance
Bulgin said he would like to see other students in Cayman surpass his own results in the future.
However, he added that young people should also balance their studies.
“To students in general, I would say, don’t overstretch yourselves. Make sure you spend some time resting. I think rest is probably the most important part because if you don’t get enough rest, your mind and body can’t function properly,” he said.
He said he prepared for his examinations by setting up a study schedule.
“I divided up my different subjects and how much time I’d spend on studying each day during my study break. I guess travel was the most well-studied subject,” he added.
He also noted that while students won’t always get the results they want, it’s important to keep trying.
“Some students are going to end up with results that they may not be happy about, or they may not like, but it’s not the end of the world,” he said. “There are many other options after high school. Those grades aren’t the only factor that may lead to you getting into your university. So don’t overthink it, just do your best, study hard,” he said.
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