Author: Division of Education, Skills and Innovation

SUCCESS STORY Simone David Registered Nurse Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, specializing in Oncology My name is Simone David. I am a registered Nurse employed with the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA), where I provide healthcare to the people of Tobago who are diagnosed with cancer. In 2004, I decided to become a Nurse because of my ever-growing love for the profession. I have always perceived Nurses to be selfless individuals, who give of themselves to help care for those who cannot care for themselves. I graduated from the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) with an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2007. I then began my nursing career by being hired by the TRHA and was assigned to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department in September 2008, which I considered to be a joy and a privilege, although sometimes a trying experience. Working in the A & E Department requires a skill that not every Nurse possesses. You have to always be quick on your feet and in the event of an emergency there is no time to stand and think “what to do next” as the patient’s life is now in your hands and is at risk of demise. I must acknowledge some of the many Nurses and Doctors back in those days, who imparted their wisdom and knowledge to me and other newly employed Nurses, took us under their wings and taught us well. To name a few, there was Nurse Hyacinth Rodriguez (former Head Nurse), Nurse Cheryl Isaac (Senior ENA) and Dr. Richards, who served as the Consultant at the time. After working in the A&E Department under the watch of these brilliant minds for four and a half (4 ½) years, I decided it was time to further my education. In August 2011, I embarked on a journey to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, specializing in Oncology at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine on a part-time basis. Living and working in Tobago while studying in Trinidad was not without its difficulties but I decided that if others could do it, then who was I not to do it and be successful. I graduated from UWI in October 2014 and I must say, it was one of the best experiences in my life. I met some marvelous people on my journey, who with the help of each other and God, made the experience more memorable. Nothing is impossible with God, and I believed that he did not bring me that far to leave me, so all praises belong to him. I continued my nursing career working in the Oncology Unit in May 2012 under the watch of Nurse Avril Dolly (former Head Nurse) and Dr. Anthony Thompson, who was instrumental in expanding and cementing the knowledge I had in Oncology Nursing. It is important to note that throughout my journey, I did not do it alone. I had assistance spiritually, mentally and financially. My immediate and Church family were there to keep me grounded through difficult periods of my studies and financially, I received support from the Financial Assistance Unit now known as the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS). During my first year in the second semester, one of my colleagues informed me about DATAS, which proved beneficial in helping me to pay rent while staying in Trinidad for classes, books, tuition and for purchasing travel tickets. Due to this financial help, a huge part of my burden was lifted and I was able to focus more on the important things, like passing my courses and graduating in the time frame allotted to me. Although the process for financial aid was a bit tedious, it was not all that difficult. The person assigned to me was very professional and was there whenever I needed assistance or had questions that needed to be answered. I must note that DATAS was not just giving away money to me freely, as there was a price I had to pay. Accordingly, I had to ensure that 3.0 grade point average (GPA) was maintained each semester. If this was not maintained, I was given an improvement of academic performance letter indicating such, along with motivational encouragement from my assigned officer. Although there were times, I failed a subject and my GPA dropped, I was not penalized or refused further funding for my program. Once my GPA did not fall below 2.0. The support team was there to guide me and ensure that I stayed on track with my studies, to maintain my GPA. What I love most about my job is knowing that I can make someone’s day better with just a smile or kind, encouraging words. I try to put myself in the patient’s position and see things from their perspective. A diagnosis of cancer is not an easy thing to hear, and many people deem it a death sentence, but it does not have to be. In my Unit, we develop interpersonal relationships with the clients and guide them step by step throughout their cancer journey.  It is always a joy to be able to see firsthand the success stories of cancer survivors and to know that somewhere along the line, I played an important part in that journey. To anyone desirous of pursuing a career path in nursing, I would advise you to go for it but do not just do it because it is something everyone else is doing. Make sure you are passionate about the work you will find yourself doing. You must love interacting with the public on all scales. You must know how to impart comforting words to someone who is in pain because they just lost a loved one. You will sometimes have to forget about yourself and what you are going through, to be able to deal with someone else who is probably going through the same thing or even worse. Finally, in all that you do, make

SUCCESS STORY Aaron A. George Civil Engineer Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering What is your name? My name is Aaron George. What is your career?  I am a Civil Engineer. What was your area of study? My area of study was Civil Engineering. What qualifications are needed for your career path? The qualifications required for pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Civil Engineering at the University of the West Indies (UWI) are as follows: CSEC (CXC) O’Levels: A minimum of (5) five subjects, inclusive of a pass in Chemistry, Mathematics and English in grades I, II or III; and CAPE A’ Levels: A pass in Pure Mathematics and Physics Units I and II. OR Any one of the following Diplomas: The National Engineering Technician Diploma (NETD) from the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) or the University of Technology (UTECH) Technician’s Diploma (Jamaica) or the Barbados Community College (BCC) Ordinary Technician Diploma. The qualifications required at the tertiary level are a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Civil with Environmental Engineering. What motivated your choice of study and career path? From a young age, I was always interested in learning new things, understanding how things worked and why they worked the way they did. My parents can attest to this, as I always asked them scientific questions and had them watch the Discovery Channel, History Channel and documentaries with me as a child. Later on, during my time at Signal Hill Secondary School, I developed an affinity for what is referred to as STEM subjects, namely, Physics, Chemistry and Technical Drawing. When studying Technical Drawing, I enjoyed drafting house plans and the logistics behind the management and construction of same, which led to me wanting to become an Architect. The problem with this though is that Architecture was only offered in Jamaica. I therefore had to narrow my options to programmes offered locally. I however, never had any interest in becoming a Lawyer or a Doctor as my mother hoped I’d become and as many of my colleagues aspired to pursue, as those fields just never caught my attention. Upon completion of A’ levels at the Signal Hill Secondary School, I placed 4th and 3rd on the CAPE Merit List in Units I and II respectively, in Building Mechanical Engineering Drawing (BMED). Once I attained this achievement, I knew that Engineering would be my niche. How has the DATAS Scholarship, Grant or Bursary impacted your experience? The Bursary I received from the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS) positively impacted my experience, as it assisted me financially throughout my pursuit of higher education. As a Tobagonian pursuing studies in Trinidad, I can attest that it can be very difficult mentally and financially, especially when it comes to covering basic living expenses like accommodation. Having financial assistance in this regard, not only lifts a burden off your shoulders but also allows you to study without the added distraction and worry of financial woes. How was the application process at DATAS? The application process initially seemed quite daunting but upon receiving assistance from the team at DATAS, the instructions became quite clear. How was the follow-up support at DATAS? The follow-up assistance from DATAS was very informative and timely. How did you plan for additional financial support? Additional Financial Support was provided for me by my parents and funding through the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (G.A.T.E) program. Describe your journey, and the efforts made to be where you are now. My journey has been nothing short of amazing and I consider myself to be fortunate. There were times though that things didn’t go as planned and I felt alone but my faith in God kept me going. I was surrounded by great people who constantly reminded me of my goal and encouraged and lifted my spirits. As a result, I’ve never lost focus on my goal. I also felt like I had something to prove, being the only Tobagonian in a class of about forty (40) students. This allowed me to cultivate a “Grind” mindset, in which I further developed my time management skills and allowed me to excel in many of my courses, whilst still having time to participate in extracurricular activities and network with other students. During my time at university, I achieved academic awards and was involved in a few leadership roles in a few clubs and societies. I firmly believe that my optimistic, faithful mindset, along with my involvement in extracurricular activities both during High School and University, allowed me to achieve all that I would have achieved to date. Prior to graduating, I was proactive in job searching and marketing myself by way of social media. I attended job fairs and even created an Excel sheet with all potential job places that might have had vacancies. I sent applications to these places but this process was very slow, so I opted to work in a variety store for the time being. While working there, I learnt a lot of life lessons from my co-workers and employer, as well as a little in terms of money management and work-life balance. Not before long though, I received an email from the company with which I am currently employed, all of which happened before I graduated. What do you like best about your job? I love being a part of teams that contribute to the infrastructural development of our society. My job makes me feel like I’m fulfilling my purpose. It also feels good knowing that I’m contributing to the same society that would have contributed to my development. As mentioned previously, I have always been inclined to the sciences and learning new things. Being in this field is perfect for the inquisitive mind. Working within the field of Engineering opens your eyes to so many different aspects of life and answers many questions. There are a lot of things that are a part of our daily lives that are

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. MORE STORIES