Stacey Jackson-Stewart Success Story - Division of Education, Research and Technology

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SUCCESS STORY

Stacey Jackson-Stewart

Educator

Master of Business Administration

What is your name?

My name is Stacey Jackson-Stewart.

What is your career?

I am currently a Business Teacher with the Division of Education, Research and Technology.

What were your areas of study?

I have attained a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Management with Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom through the School of Accounting and Management (SAM), and a Master of Business Administration with Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom through the School of Business and Computer Science (SBCS).

What qualifications are needed for your career path?

To be a high school teacher a degree in a related field is required, for example, a B. A. (Hons) in Business Management.

What motivated your choice of study and career path?

My academics and deportment at high school led me to complete an apprenticeship program at a Financial Institution for (9) nine months. This was approved without receipt of my academic results. After completing the program, I took the opportunity to work full time where I pursued my bachelor’s degree part-time. Part-time studies were necessary because I did not have the financial support, and I had a desire to achieve more. I was disappointed that I had to journey to Trinidad regularly because the course was not available in Tobago, but I was committed to the task at hand.

How has the DATAS Scholarship, Grant or Bursary impacted your experience?

The financial assistance from the Financial Assistance Unit now known as the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS) opened the door for additional studies as I pursued my MBA. The challenges I faced while pursuing the bachelor’s degree were enough to stop. The reality of financial assistance gave me hope because I could not have done it alone.

How was the application process at DATAS?

My experience at a financial institution gave me a clear understanding of the application process from inception. The office staff were available to guide where necessary. The timing of the process was sufficient as I was able to continue my studies the following semester.

How was the follow-up support at DATAS?

DATAS personnel assisted me with the timely submission of relevant documents. When I missed the calls, they left voice messages.

How did you plan for additional financial support?

Additional financial support came from loans taken from the financial institution where I worked.

Describe your journey, and the efforts made to be where you are now.

The journey was rough. I had to pay rent and the other accompanying bills, finance studies and travel expenses to Trinidad on weekends. All this was accomplished on a small income. After a long work week, I travelled by boat every Friday night to ensure I got to classes on time on Saturday mornings. A few of those mornings I paused on my journey at the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain to sleep after deboarding the boat at 4:00 am. Thankfully, I was not alone as I was accompanied by other students from Tobago. Determined to succeed I welcomed the opportunity for financial assistance from DATAS and was able to travel by plane sometimes. I sacrificed a lot and that resulted in sleepless nights, loss of weight, and I also lost friends.

On the bright side, I learned so much about Trinidad, met new people, and mastered time management. I paid particular attention to details and deadlines. I also had the opportunity to use my knowledge as the President of a small credit union for a few years. It was an interesting and rewarding experience.

What do you like best about your job?

I thoroughly enjoy my job. My everyday interaction with students often motivates me to go to work even after hard days. My mentality is, that there is always one life that can be shaped by my presence. Although I have a regular schedule, the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with students outside classes were frequent. Students seek guidance because they are overwhelmed with information, opportunities, and challenges. Teaching is an investment into the future because my students will soon become the doctors, engineers, and leaders of the land. There is a high level of satisfaction when I encounter successful entrepreneurs who were once in my classroom.

We learned from each other. I also received crucial tips for interaction with my biological children. I never thought I had so much patience.

How did you get your job?

My qualifications made me eligible for the job and upon advice from someone in the Teaching Service, I submitted my application. The opportunity came 4 years later, and I was ready and willing to make the change from working at the financial institution, of which I gave 10 years of service, to this new environment.

If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself?

Oh yes! I am a better person today because of this choice and the experiences I have gained.

What are some tips to give to persons wanting to follow your career path?

It is important to note that everyone’s experience in life will be different. Here are some things I’ve learned along the way:

Follow your dream: Only you really know what you want, and you will enjoy the results.
Embrace opportunities: Analyse them carefully and make informed decisions. They can make your life better.
Deal with doubt/fear: If ignored they will resurface and can paralyse you.
Remember champions never give up: Even if you stumble or fall, get up and go again.
Trust in God: He will never leave you nor forsake you. You will need comfort when days are hard.

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