University of the West Indies
Resilience. Perseverance and Determination characteristics to live by.
Growing up, I was always academically inclined. I attended the Lambeau Anglican Primary School and was awarded best overall student at my graduation. Soon thereafter, I was placed at Signal Hill Secondary where I excelled. The dean’s list and honour roll were my favourite place to be. I grew up bouncing from house to house so I was never given the opportunity of a stable home with both parents. When field trips came up, I could not attend.
Fast forward to the year 2016. I woke up one day and decided that I wanted to achieve more, I wanted to do better. I sent out applications everywhere hoping to secure employment. Finally, I received a call from Maritime for an interview.
I was overjoyed for this opportunity. During the interview, the interviewing officer at the time, Ms. Michele Duncan asked, “What my aspirations were.” I froze for a while, a few moments later, I started rambling on and on about becoming an Actuary Scientist. Ms. Duncan offered me words of encouragement and motivated me to apply at The University of the West Indies to begin my journey. Her exact words, you do not have the finances now, but God will provide. Thinking back about that day, Proverbs 19:21 stuck with me, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Finally, I was called for the temporary position and was introduced to the branch manager Mr. Selby Leslie. Miss Duncan would have notified him about my goals and it was smooth sailing from there on. I worked hard and saved my remuneration to further my studies. My uncle, Mr. Barrington Thomas provided me with a roof over my head and assisted wherever he can.
I achieved grade A’s in both Mathematics and Physics at the Pre-Science Programme in UWI, St. Augustine, Trinidad. I sent my application to pursue my bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. I got accepted and my true journey began. The first year of UWI was extremely challenging both mentally and financially. Ms. Duncan and Mr. Leslie were my mentors and they pushed me to apply for The Tobago House of Assembly, Financial Assistance Programme for Tertiary Studies at the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS). I attended an interview where I was successful. I was ecstatic when I received the letter of confirmation.
The Tobago House of Assembly has truly been a blessing and played a major role in the completion of my degree for the BSc. Mathematics (Major) and Statistics (Minor). A special thank you to Ms. Roxanna Hall and Mrs. Jael Joefield-Luke for having my best interest at heart. Heartfelt thanks is extended to everyone that contributed to my success whether it was offering encouraging words.
I appreciate every single one of you. Thank you to my family, teachers at Signal Hill Secondary, lecturers, and friends for believing in me. This degree is for all of us. Strength is the product of struggle. You must do what others don’t to achieve what others won’t.
