BSc. Human Resource Management & Master of Business Administration
My name is Kenesha S. Leith and I am a Human Resource Professional with the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA). I am the proud holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and a Master of Business Administration.
In 2010, I embarked on a journey to assist my organization and its employees to better cope and manage the changes that faced us continually. With this ambition, I decided to pursue a degree in Human Resources from the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies. Unfortunately for me, this part-time degree in Tobago took (5) five or more years to complete. With my aim in mind and not wanting to spend more than (3) three to (4) four years completing a degree programme, I opted to transfer to full-time studies in Trinidad, after completing (2) two years in Tobago. However, I would soon come to realize that this would not be an easy decision. Despite being a permanent employee, my field of study did not grant me the ability to qualify for study leave with pay, so I had to seek financial assistance.
To be honest, the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS), formerly the “Financial Assistance Unit” was the last place I approached for help because I did not know they existed. Without becoming too spiritual and emotional, I must say that God has a way of lining things up in every avenue of my life. I applied to the DATAS, went through an in-person interview, and quickly qualified for a Bursary of Twenty Thousand dollars ($20,000) to be paid in tranches following successful semesters and matching transcripts. My organization assisted by buying out my vacation leave which was quickly used to furnish my apartment.
DATAS paid the rent and literally put food on my table. My family happily supported me – my mom, dad, aunt, brother and all who chipped in to ensure that I never lacked anything. Even when I got homesick, my tickets came.
Now, no educational pursuit is easy and juggling (6) six subjects per semester despite my advisor strongly opposing, it was brutal. However, I knew that I only had (2) two years to get this done and applying for exemptions was not an option.
Remember when I said God has a way of lining things up for me? Well, I started at the TRHA as an On-the-Job Trainee (OJT) in February of 2008 and was plunged into the role of Assistant to the then Hospital Medical Director with no prior training but with my mindset of excellence I put my best foot forward. In September of that year, I was hired despite not yet completing my (2) two-year contract with OJT. One (1) year later I was granted permanent employment. Three (3) years subsequently, I needed to be employed permanently for 3 years or more to qualify for study leave. Tell me if that is not God’s hand at work! I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management with a GPA of 3.60, on the Director’s Honor Roll and attained “Best Research Paper” in Human Resource Management in 2014.
I returned to the TRHA in September 2014 and by October 2014 the Organization through my Human Resource Manager saw it fitting for me to be transferred to the Human Resource Department. Though I have climbed the proverbial ladder within the department, my greatest joy about my job is truly helping employees and management alike.
If I could go back and do it all over again, I would be right where I am now, God is working out His great plan for my life. Tips or advice to persons wanting to follow this career path: I would say bloom where you are planted. No good thing comes easy, no job, no organization is without its trials but once you give of your very best, you can accomplish anything.
