Native of St-André, Nadia has travelled after two years of scientific preparatory courses at the Lycée Leconte de Lisle. Being the top in her year at the CPE School in Lyon, she studied and is still studying in France, Germany and in the United Sates. Nadia is the prize winner of the Overseas Talents, which was presented to her in November 2007 at the Palais de l'Iéna in Paris.

In which area do you live in Réunion Island?
I come from Saint-André, where almost all of my relatives live. I come from a rather middle class family, my father was an auditor at the Treasury and my mother a medical secretary. I did my A Level at the Lycée Sarda Garriga in St-André in 1999. I, then, did the scientific preparatory courses at the Lycée Leconte de Lisle in Saint-Denis for two years (MPSI then MP) for the competitive entrance examination of the engineering colleges.

And then?
I joined the CPE (Chimie Physique Electronique) school in Lyon where I spent my first two years of studies in mobility. I still remember that I have not a single pair of trousers at that time. I had to replace my wardrobe which consisted of miniskirts and tights shorts, jeans and sweaters. Winter will never be my friend, I love the sun of Réunion Island which I miss so much!

How were your studies in Lyon?
I was a member in the students' unions. We organised outings and parties for 900 students. There were lots of work coupled with my course, but every year, I was able to end up being the top of my class whilst having lots of fun thanks to the students' union.

Before a new beginning....
I, then worked for a year in the Infineon Technologies in Germany and in Munich. I worked in a testing laboratory on electronic cards and it's during that year that I, more or less discovered the work environment. I seized this opportunity to speak German all the time, but this "paid" training has above all allowed me to visit Europe: Italy, United Kingdom, Holland, Austria and Switzerland....Munich will always remain an unexceptional souvenir whether for the snow falling for five months in a row, the Weiss-bier (lager, a local specialty) or the wurst curry (a German sausage)...

Then, let's head towards the United States!
I was then accepted into a cultural exchange program with the United States to finish my third year of school engineering. I took off for the Oregon State in 2004. I discovered THE American campus: all the students wear the colours of their university, the dimensions of any Pharaonic...The "small coca" of 11, the size "L" equates to an "XL" or even an "XXL" in France, huge burgers, hence, everything here is bigger and larger than in France. Besides, it is not that it is always better, but it is something which we get used to quickly. When I return to Réunion Island, I often experience a cultural shock, especially when I ordered a coca and I'm served a mere glass of it.

Where are you with your studies?
I completed my studies in 2005 in obtaining a degree in engineering. Having received a proposal for a Master's of Science at the Oregon University, I went back to the USA for one more year. I've also registered for a PhD in order to obtain more easily a scholarship to pay my school fees. And then, by the end of six months, I soon understand that I was not only headed towards a Master but verily towards a PhD, an American version of the French doctorate. So, here I am for three years in Corvallis, Oregon.

What do you derive from this experience of mobility?
I have travelled a lot and I always have a craving for discovery. My mother is always kidding me and says: "Nadia is never satisfied, she always wants to know more," and I think that sums up my personality. Get going and discover new things, it's what I always wanted and I always get a lot out of it: open-mindedness, a different perspective as well as a sense of belonging, because being 20 000 km away from mum and dad, one must quickly learn how to cope alone.

How do you view the region where you live and its inhabitants?
The United States is huge. And where I live in Oregon, is well known for forests and rain. It's one of the two American states being free of VAT but it's a verdant countryside. It's quite difficult to make American friends since they do not share the same view on friendship as we, French. But after three years, I began to get acquainted with people and have lots of fun. I love working here and the culture of work is quite different and I appreciate that one respects all types of jobs from the cashier to the managing director of Nike.

What are your plans?
Once my PhD under my belt, I would like to work in the film industry, whereof I've already followed a training this summer in an animation studio named Laika. I learnt a lot about the profession that I would like to practise later, and this experience has enabled me to meet people within the special effects and animation world. Once I acquired the required experience, I would like to return to France (and if the opportunities cropped up why not to Réunion Island) to set up my own animation or advertising studio. I've always dreamt of being my own boss and I would like to try this experience as soon as possible. But, I know that I should, first of all, acquired the professional experience in order to successfully launch my business.

What do you miss from Réunion Island?
My family, especially...I would like so much to be close to my dear ones and share all my experiences with them. I also love my island along with its landscapes and mixed population. Whenever someone asks me where I come from, I hasten to tell them that I come from the most beautiful islands, Réunion.

What is your view on the socio-economic situation of the island?
It is important that our island becomes well-known, it's a development lever. Very few people know where Réunion Island is and how it looks like, whereas even here, in the country of Uncle Sam, people know Mauritius! I never miss an opportunity to show the photos on the website to interested people and they are often pleasantly surprised by the beauty of our island. Otherwise, I cannot deny the high percentage of unemployment, but I remain optimist in seeing all these young people who are being trained, intelligent, successful and which one day their experience will be of benefit to the island.

What are the pros and cons of being a Réunionese?
No disadvantages, only advantages! People are always very curious and interested. It's an opportunity to start a conversation, especially a professional one and it helps people to remember you more easily. I have always been proud of where I came from and in any country, people know how to appreciate it, too.

What advices will you give to the young Réunionese?
Travel! Go off to discover what is happening elsewhere and see how foreigners view France. It's very instructive and it allows us to better appreciate our country when we come back. And then, be proud of your island, because it's really a nook of paradise.

What do you think of the website http://www.reunionnaisdumonde.com/?
It's great to be able to say that we are not alone and to read similar stories as us on this website. More and more people should join this club and insert pictures so that we can travel through the stories of others.

Interview extracted from Réunionnais du Monde - November 2007