Though my monthly earnings were significantly less than my bills, I was still glad to be in receipt of a stable income from my full time job to assist with my mortgage, along with periodic revenues from my business. However, given that my business was affiliated to the tourism sector, during the pandemic, it was adversely affected, making it even more difficult to pay my bills.
As a result of this, I was compelled to make some changes to maintain my standard of living and to keep my property. One day, while reflecting on all that had transpired and thinking of what to do to solve my problem, I recalled that at my full time job, I enjoyed working on projects. Then and there, I decided, that I would focus on this career path.
Keeping this objective in mind, at my job, I began to gather as much knowledge as possible. I already knew what the Division was about generally and its comprising units. I therefore started to learn more about the different desks, which, although it did not speak to what I loved, prove to be an awesome experience. I also began to be more diligent and intentional about learning and inquiring about projects within my Department and the more I learned, the more I became interested in pursuing project management as a career, although it was a late start for me.
Though apprehensive, I remained resolute in my decision and I completed short courses at Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business.
My breakthrough came in 2020 though, when I learned about the program dedicated to tertiary level students, through the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS). In my quest to attain funding to further my tertiary education, I initially submitted a letter of interest directly to Mr. Kelvin Charles, the then Secretary of Education at the Tobago House of Assembly. However, in response, he redirected me to DATAS and advised that I submit an application there.
I learned that DATAS assists persons who may have difficulty in covering the financial costs of their tertiary level programs.
