High School Graduates Encouraged to Build Networks During Postsecondary Studies

 

Photo credit: Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Association.      High school graduates of Jamaican heritage who were the recipients of bursaries for postsecondary education

By Neil Armstrong

A past graduate of the Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Associations (AJAA) Graduates Program has advised the Class of 2025 that no path is linear and that they should use her as a resource and build networks.

Nicole Maylor, who was in the batch of 2012, was the guest speaker at the 32^nd annual graduates awards ceremony and luncheon held at the Jamaican Canadian Centre in Toronto. She reminded them that it is important to not only rely on community but also on themselves. 

Established in 1993, the graduates program celebrates the achievement of Ontario high school graduates of Jamaican descent and supports their pursuit of post-secondary education. Initially awarding a $500 bursary, 28 bursaries totalling over $34,000 were allocated this year.

“You must do what makes you happy, not for everyone around. Follow that little voice inside that you know is true. Take rest, breathe, be thankful for how far you’ve come, and prepare for the journey ahead. You’re all here today not by chance but by purpose,” said Maylor who is a trained lawyer working as a Canadian foreign service officer at Global Affairs Canada.

She charted the path of her education gaining an honours Bachelor degree in International Development and Globalization at the University of Ottawa. She also did the French immersion and cooperative education programs.

Although she lost focus on her schoolwork after her grandfather died a few weeks into her first year which placed her in a tailspin, her enthusiasm was restored when she met two girls from the West Indian Students Ensemble. 

“Thanks to them and the resilience I found within I went on to do many things during my time at uOttawa. I was the vice president of equity affairs for my student union. I travelled to Taiwan for a summer to learn with and from Indigenous communities there and the similarities of their plight to that of Canadian First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.” She interned at a gender and justice organization in Cape Town, South Africa.

Acknowledging the support of family and friends through her “trials and tribulations,” Maylor said her ambition was restored and she was ready to take on the world once more.

She told the graduates that leaving a law firm gave her the opportunity to return to school to pursue a master’s degree. 

Photo credit: Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Associations   Nicole Taylor, lawyer and Canadian foreign service officer, was the keynote speaker at the awards ceremony

At age 30, she felt tired and burnt out. Friends sent her therapist recommendations, her family checked in, and her partner was always there ready to listen, but it was her parents’ support that changed everything. 

Always wanting to impress them, she was relieved when they told her to take time and rest. She contacted a therapist, took time off from work and included yoga, running, and journaling in her routine.

Speaking on behalf of the Class of 2025, Ayanna Simmonds said the event was a celebration of their education but also of their journey, sacrifice and the strength it took for them to get there.

“For us, as students of Jamaican descent, we carry something even more special — the strength of our heritage. We come from a lineage of trailblazers; people who had little but gave so much.

“When you think of the people who fought for freedom — leaders like Marcus Garvey and Miss Lou who used their voice to uplift generations — or modern icons like Usain Bolt or Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who prove that the impossible is just another challenge. We are reminded that greatness runs through our veins.”

Simmonds said the journey would not always be easy and that life will test them and may hand them closed doors, unexpected detours or moments of doubt. 

“But here is what I want you to remember, you are more than ready. You’ve made it this far, not by accident but through dedication and determination and wherever you go next — university or college — you already have what it takes. Your mind is your passport. Keep it sharp, keep it curious and keep it open,” said Simmonds in keeping with the event’s theme, “Education – Passport to the Future.”

Wayne Swaby, AJAA’s president, told them that an investment in the youth is an investment in the future of the community.

“Research indicates that financial vulnerability disproportionately affects our youth, making them significantly more susceptible to negative financial outcomes such as high debt. By providing financial aid in the form of grants, we actively work to increase the likelihood of our students earning their degrees and minimizing income inequality that our people often face,” he said.

Photo credit: Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Associations (AJAA)     Executive officers of AJAA and some of the high school graduates who received bursaries   

Kurt Davis, consul-general of Jamaica at Toronto, encouraged the students to make and keep connections with people as they progress through life. 

“As you move past the secondary stage, I am encouraging you to step boldly into your destiny. The world is before you and you are equipped and empowered to face these challenges that the world is seeing and to help us to overcome them,” he told them.