Kirthy-Anne Cornwall-Thomas Success Story - Division of Education, Research and Technology

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SUCCESS STORY

Kirthy-Anne Cornwall-Thomas

Technical Field Assistant

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Agriculture

Growing up in the rural community of Belle Garden, I have encountered life’s fair share of joys and sorrows. Despite the limited resources, my journey has been marked by resilience and determination. Today, I stand tall, a testament to the support and inspiration received from those who have guided me along the way. I am Kirthy-Anne Cornwall-Thomas, and this is my success story.

My educational journey began at Belle Garden Anglican Primary School, leading to admission to Roxborough Composite School after successfully passing the Common Entrance Examination. Although faced with challenges at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) level, the unwavering support and motivation from teachers such as Ms. Merle Carrington and Mrs. Carol James-Leacock fuelled my determination to strive for excellence.

Despite initial setbacks, I persevered and eventually succeeded in my second attempt at the CXC examinations. This accomplishment was made possible with the support of my younger brother, Kirshon Cornwall, and my mother, Maria Hector-Cornwall. Various part-time employment opportunities followed, providing valuable experiences along the way.

As I contemplated a career, my interest gravitated toward agriculture. My exposure to this field was limited to expeditions with my siblings to our father’s garden across the river in Belle Garden. However, these excursions turned out to be a short-lived adventure due to our playful antics. Subsequently, a thoughtful gift of rabbits from my uncle, Sonny Hector, ignited my passion for livestock, diverting me from the conventional office-bound career path.

Another hurdle presented itself when I realized that I lacked a major requirement for enrolling in agriculture-related programmes.

However, undeterred by the absence of CXC passes in Agricultural Science, I registered for the Youth Apprentice Programme in Agriculture (YAPA) at Kendal Farm School. The encouragement from the school’s principal, Ms. Ruby Warner, and Crop Instructor, Ms. Meloni Sandy, propelled me towards further education, leading to the pursuit of a diploma at the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (ECIAF).

In preparation for college life, I worked as a sales clerk at Mt. Grace Feed Depot Limited, gaining familiarity with agricultural products. With the assistance of Mr. Ray Thomas, the manager, I was able to cover the cost of accommodation for my first year. However, uncertainty loomed over meeting future financial obligations.

The Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS) was my saving grace. An application for financial assistance yielded a positive response, easing the financial burden and enabling the successful completion of my diploma at UTT. This paved the way for a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Agriculture at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.

Post-graduation in 2017, I became a Crop Instructor at the MIC Institute of Technology. In 2020, seizing an opportunity, I transitioned to the role of Technical Field Assistant at the Division of Food Production, Forestry, and Fisheries, focusing on pigs and poultry at Hope Farm for the past three years.

Gratitude is extended to God for guidance and strength throughout this journey. Help was always there when I needed it and now, I am eager and willing to assist others. I also extend heartfelt thanks to my husband, Mr. Harold Thomas, my sister Mrs. Noreicia Cornwall-Sergeant, and my friends, Mr. Solomon Henry, and Mrs. Juanne Wallace-Thomas, for their unwavering support throughout my tenure at the university.

In reflection, I am deeply thankful to DATAS for making my educational journey a memorable achievement. Your financial commitment was indeed a valuable investment. I encourage others to pursue their dreams, remembering the timeless wisdom: “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, ye shall say unto the mountain, move to another place and it shall move, and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). Moreover, in the words of John Heywood, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Keep aiming for the stars; it is never too late to turn dreams into reality.

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