I began a new chapter of my life at the University of the West Indies to pursue a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The “little Tobago boy” in class with the big boys, the best of the best. To be very honest, this was the hardest tenure of my life. This degree changed my life, it was no joke and the hours were unforgiving. I would wake at 6:00am daily reach class for 8:00am and some days classes went to 9:00pm. I was slowly falling apart trying to acclimatize to the rapid change in my life and keep up with the demand.
In my first semester, I failed all my midterm exams, I remember sitting outside talking to my mother and crying, I said “this isn’t for me I cannot make it.” She said “Olando I didn’t send you to go and beat the best I only ask that you do your best.” I closed my eyes, she prayed for me and asked God to put the right people in my way. The very next day I met a group of fellers who became my brothers and the rest was history. I remember calling my mother in jubilation shouting “mammy I met some fellers and we formed a study group I’m good now I like the vibe with these guys”, she replied you see God is working for you.
At the end of the semester I passed all my courses and I was so elated, but the worst was yet to come. My final year was the worst year of my life, I had to complete nine (9) courses along with my final year project. I was bordering between sanity and insanity. I remember being under immense pressure I would just sit and cry at times then laugh saying to myself why are you crying boy. My mother was my go-to person, she always knew what to say to encourage me, pray for me, and even send a sweetbread to cheer me up (my favorite). I really tried and pushed harder just to ensure I made her proud. At the end of it all I passed my final year project, passed all my courses and I graduated with First Class Honors making the Dean’s Honor Role of 2016.
I faced many challenges physically, mentally, financially. This degree was the hardest challenge I ever faced; I would work extra hours after I got home learning CAPE Mathematics just to keep up. I pushed myself to a level I never believed was attainable. But in the words of my project supervisor Dr. Ronald Defour “Bago, pressure makes diamonds. Either you break under pressure or you will come out as a diamond.”
I graduated in 2016 and was employed as an Engineering Assistant at the Trinidad & Tobago Electricity Commission in November 2017. I was then accepted to the Engineer in Training development program which is a two (2) year course, after which I will be recognized as an Engineer in the Commission.
This journey was far from easy, far from a walk in the park but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I met friends who became brothers, I also lost friends along the way. Thanks for my great support system.
Thanks to My Support System
Firstly, I would like to thank the almighty father above for guiding my steps, keeping me safe and sane to complete this degree.
I also must acknowledge my mother, Melver Jackson Fraser. Without my mother I would not be where I am today, she saw my potential and believed in me even when I doubted myself. She devoted her time and sacrificed her savings to ensure I had a shelter over my head and food to eat. Countless phone calls to make sure I’m good, always praying for me, checking up after every assignment, every mid-term, every final exam. My father, Yolande Fraser for supporting my mother during these perilous times.
