Every dream starts with a spark, a small belief that grows into something bigger with hard work and persistence. For Leanne Alcindor, that spark was her love for art and design. From her studies at the Seychelles Institute of Art and Design (SIAD) to a life-changing scholarship that took her all the way to Malaysia, Leanne’s journey is proof that when you pour your heart into your passion, opportunities unfold and possibilities become endless.
Leanne’s journey began at SIAD, where she spent three enriching years exploring the world of art and design. Her time there broadened not only her skills but also her vision of what art could mean in her life. She excelled in her diploma program in Graphic Design, and her dedication paid off when she was recognised with the Best Performance award, a moment that affirmed her talent and hard work. This recognition didn’t just stop at accolades; it earned her a scholarship opportunity that would change her life.
Today, Leanne is in Malaysia, continuing her studies with a degree in Mass Communication (Digital Media Production). Studying abroad has opened her world to new cultures, new challenges, and new ways of seeing art and media. She is learning to combine creativity with technology, to merge design with storytelling, and to explore how communication can shape the way we connect.
Beyond her academic achievements, Leanne remains grounded in the passions that fuel her creativity. She enjoys painting and crafting, activities that allow her to step away from the pressures of daily life and reconnect with her artistic soul. With each brushstroke and handmade creation, she expresses not only her imagination but also her emotions, dreams, and experiences.
Of course, her journey has not been without its struggles. Leanne is open about her challenges with self-doubt and motivation. Like many young people striving for excellence, she sometimes questions whether she is truly capable or if she belongs in the spaces she has worked so hard to reach. Motivation, too, doesn’t always come easily; there are days when pushing forward feels difficult. Yet what makes her inspiring is that she continues anyway. She understands that self-doubt is part of growth and that motivation often follows action. Each time she overcomes these moments, she grows stronger, more confident, and more determined.
Looking ahead, Leanne’s dream is to become an entrepreneur. She envisions taking the knowledge gained from both SIAD and her university degree and turning it into something that is truly her own. For her, entrepreneurship means independence, creativity, and the ability to shape her future on her terms. It also means being able to share her skills with others, to inspire, and to create opportunities for those who may be walking the same path she once did.
To those who may be reading her story, Leanne offers a heartfelt word of encouragement:
“Just pursue what you want because if you do what you love, you do well at it. And when you do well, that alone takes you far.”
Her words are a gentle yet powerful reminder. Passion isn’t just about enjoyment; it is a compass. When you follow what excites you, what makes you feel alive, you naturally put in the effort, the time, and the heart it takes to succeed. And success, in turn, comes more naturally when it grows from love rather than obligation.
Leanne Alcindor’s story is more than just about awards and scholarships. It is about a young woman who faced her doubts, embraced her creativity, and continues to walk bravely into her future. From the quiet community of Le Niol to the bustling streets of Malaysia, her journey shows us that dreams can take you places you never imagined, if only you believe in yourself and keep moving forward.
