Author: Division of Education, Skills and Innovation

SUCCESS STORY Nichelle Denoon Librarian IV Bachelor of Arts (B. A.) – Library and Information Studies (Major), Economics (Minor) What is your name? Nichelle Denoon What is your career? Librarianship What was your area of study? B.A. in Library and Information Studies (Major), Economics (Minor) from University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica (2005-2008) and Master of Science (M. Sc.) in International Business Administration from Arthur Lok Jack, Global School of Business (2011-2013). What qualifications are needed for your career path? Library and Information Studies: At least five CXC passes and two A’ Level passes in any area. What motivated your choice of study and career path? I joined the field in September 2000 as a Library Assistant I. After working as a Library Assistant for five years I decided it was time to do something more with my life. Originally, I wanted to travel abroad to study Economics as this was my passion, but as that wasn’t working out, in 2005 I considered a career in librarianship. I did some serious introspection and pondered: “I have five years of experience, there is a shortage of professionally trained librarians in Tobago and employment after completion of my studies is guaranteed.” With encouragement from colleagues, and family members, I applied, and the university accepted me. How has DATAS Scholarship, Grant, or Bursary impacted your experience? I always knew that my family did not have the wherewithal to put me through university and the savings I had accumulated over the five years of working, would not take me very far. When I received my acceptance letter, I applied to the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS) for financial assistance which was not readily available. In order to cover tuition, books, travelling and living expenses, I applied for the Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) through Scotia Bank. My savings allowed me to survive the first year thereabout. Fortunately, in January 2006, the government announced a new initiative to assist students with funding their studies. This was GATE.  It allowed my funds to stretch further. Eventually, I received the loan from Scotia Bank. However, my funds were low at the end of 2006, so I remained in Jamaica for Christmas. In 2007, DATAS started disbursing funds to me. I received the funds in three tranches. This allowed me to return home at the end of the academic year in 2007 and again at Christmas of 2007. I completed my studies in 2008 and graduated later that year with first-class honours in Library and Information Studies (Major) and Economics (Minor). After completing my studies, I repaid the loan to Scotia Bank in short order. This allowed me to begin a new chapter of my life debt free. Describe your journey and the efforts made to be where you are now. I left Tobago to study in Jamaica in 2005 with the intention of returning to Tobago with qualifications in Librarianship. However, as I approached my second year at University, I recognized that my passion for economics remained unabated and added it as a minor. Because I was doing well in economics, I was encouraged by classmates to switch majors. I was resolute in what I wanted, it was simple, get the qualification to be a Librarian, return to Tobago and give back to my country. I completed my studies in May 2008 and returned to Tobago thereafter. I later assumed duties at Roxborough Branch Library which was without a Librarian for a long time. I worked as a Librarian for one year before being reverted to a Library Assistant. 2009 to 2013 were some of the most frustrating years of my life, as despite being qualified as a Librarian, I was back to where I started thirteen years before. In 2013, I accepted the Librarian II post offered by the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) and later moved to Scarborough Library to manage the Technical Services Unit and support the library’s efforts to catalogue the entire collection of the libraries, as the department prepared for the opening of the new Scarborough Library. Two years later, I moved to the School Library Unit to manage the delivery of school library and information services to nine Secondary Schools and some Primary Schools in Tobago. After two years, NALIS promoted me to the post of Librarian III and head of Tobago Library Services. I served in the position of head of Tobago Library Services from 2018 to 2020 and again from 2022 to the present. I am now acting as Librarian IV. I am proud of my accomplishment. Despite not being successful in the Common Entrance Examination, I was able to beat the odds and go on to attain first-class honours at the undergraduate level and distinction at the graduate level. I am eternally grateful to God for his enabling power and to my parents for recognizing the value of a sound education and sacrificing much to support me on this journey. What do you like best about your job? Library and Information Studies encompass all fields of knowledge, so libraries are havens for lifelong learners. As a Librarian, I can design services for people based on their information needs and manage the delivery of these services. I can also create and transform inviting spaces and allow persons from even the lowest strata of society to enter and enjoy. Libraries promote reading, and literacy and are the foundation for functional, productive, and successful citizens. Libraries are the gateway to information and, through partnerships, allow the public access to various information and services for free. They are social institutions that bring people together to learn, grow, and establish a sense of belonging. Libraries allow the underprivileged access to free resources and services and provide opportunities for them to rise to a level of success similar to their wealthy counterparts. The library is a technology hub. It is one of the few places with a high level of technological integration on the

SUCCESS STORY Ms. Oshun Oya Trim Actress, Captain of Drama in Theatre Arts Bachelor of Arts Film Production and Film Studies “Feel the fear; do it anyway.” Growing up as the last child of my household, I have always dreamt about being a multi-talented and versatile actress. My entire life has been a production where I, of course, am the main character. As such, I decided to study Film Production at the University of the West Indies St. Augustine. After my long, enjoyable and at times challenging tenure I was successfully awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Film Production and Film Studies, 2022. An entire double major: I entered with one thing, and I left with my cup running over. Motivated by a desire to do something different, my choice to study Film rather than Theatre full-time was an interesting one, not only for myself, but also for my family and friends. I did not only want to act but be able to create the masterpieces visually as well. My goal is to impact the minds of the youths struggling to understand and identify what they would like to do. At the time, the only Tobagonian that was studying film was Mr. Jared Prima, a great mentor and creative alike. His experiences and processes also inspired and motivated me to actually pursue the degree. However, excited and elated to commence a new journey in my life, I needed academic funding. Pleasantly surprised, I was introduced to the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS). The application process was not very rigorous, and I was guided by my family. Through this process, I was a successful candidate and recipient. The support was endless at DATAS with the likes of Ms. Kahea Wilson and many others. I was not stressed and bombarded by financial issues as I was able to meet my financial obligations while at University, thanks to the Bursary Award from DATAS. My family and I worked on a financial plan to pay for my tertiary education, including personal savings, family contributions, and student loan repayments. It was clear that DATAS would be crucial to my success even with all that financial preparation. Before the world of Film and DATAS, my life had been quite the ride. Attending St. Nicholas Private School to obtaining secondary education at the prestigious Bishop’s High School was nothing short of an amazing life lesson. I stamped my name in the halls of each institution with my wit, intelligence, and creativity. My alma-maters moulded me into the woman that I am today: fierce, passionate, and benevolent. I am the proud product of all that and more, consistently taking up space and charting the course. Today, I am an employee of the Tobago Performing Arts Company (TPAC) that uses the Performing Arts to develop the creative and cultural industry in Tobago. I am privileged to say that this institution created a space for me and many others alike to thrive and use our God-given skills to the development of our island. While finishing my degree, I was able to apply and attain the position of Resident Actor, that utilizes my skills in acting and film production which I have studied. Ever since, I have been the Captain of the Drama and Theatre Unit, member of the Speech Band, Playback and Storytelling team. I am trained in numerous skills to develop and enhance my own craft and so much more. Under the leadership of Mr. Elvis Radgman, we the employees thrive always for greatness. Nevertheless, one of the most satisfying aspects of my work is being a stalwart of this cause and one of many. If I could do it all over again, I would. It has always been my belief that what is best for you is best for you. “Never chase but attract.”  And I, Oshun Trim am a firm believer of “My time, My Place.” As I am living in my purpose and destiny. But before I resume my everyday life, here are some tips and tricks that really helped me along the way. You know when you know- studying something out of the ordinary is not outlandish. Feel the fear and do it anyways. Remember your grades matter. Network! Network! Network! – Life is a cycle you will definitely meet the ones you leave at graduation again. If you CAN do it today, never put it off for tomorrow- DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. A support system is IMPERATIVE- Please get one- They pull you up and out. Lastly, trust and believe in God. He is REAL and he WORKS. I must extend my heartfelt gratitude to God for taking me through it all, my family for the endless support, advice, and wisdom along the way. My friends and loved ones- those that I went with, met there, and created for myself- your contributions do not go unnoticed. To my faculty and the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, thank you. Last but not least, DATAS, I could not have done it without you. I have felt the fear and did it anyway! MORE STORIES

SUCCESS STORY Jenielle Kay Carrington Educator- Visual Arts B.A. (Hons) Visual Arts (concentration in Art Education) with minor in Cultural Studies What is your name? Jenielle Kay Carrington What is your career? I am currently a Visual Arts Teacher with the Division of Education, Research and Technology. What was your area of study? My general area of study is Visual Arts and in 2011 I was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts (with concentration in Art Education) with a minor in Cultural Studies (Upper Second-Class Honors). This was attained jointly through the University of West Indies (Mona Campus) and The Edna Manly School for the Visual and Performing Arts. What qualifications is needed for your career path? My career path requires a keen interest in the visual arts and qualifications ranging from CXC art courses to undergraduate studies in any concentrated or general area in Visual Arts. What motivated your choice of study and career path? My passion for art really picked up at Scarborough Secondary School when I encountered my art teachers Mr. Neil Duncan and Mrs. Marcia Des Vignes. Mrs. Des Vignes made me realise that in addition to talent, discipline was necessary for success. As a teacher I have adopted many of her principles within my practice. Also, my family, specifically my parents Mr. Dos Santos Carrington and Mrs. Shirley Carrington have also supported whatever I put my hands and mind to. Their support has been invaluable over my life and even more so during my teaching career. How has DATAS Scholarship, Grant or Bursary impacted your experience? The Bursary award I received from the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS) was crucial to me meeting my financial obligations while at university. While at university in Jamaica knowing that I had the support of my island allowed me to focus more on my courses, seeing me graduate with honours. I don’t think persons fully understand how reassuring it is to be able to depend on reliable sources of finance while studying, especially being away from home as I was in Jamaica. It allowed me to focus even more on my studies to ensure I did well not just for me but for others that came after me. How was the application process at DATAS? The application process was guided by my parents. My parents noted meeting some amazing persons that allowed the follow up to be a smooth one. Key persons that enabled this process were Ms. Gabrielle Fernando and Ms. Kahea Wilson, among others. Without them I am not sure if I would have been as successful as I was. How was the follow up support at DATAS? The support was quite reassuring at the time especially when University days are quite unpredictable. When you call or when they call to follow up, I do not know if persons realise how fundamental and necessary their efforts are to creating peace of mind for a student out of their own country. How did you plan for additional financial support? I went about planning financially for tertiary education with my family and developed the basic template that included personal funds saved mainly derived from the sale of my artwork, family input and student loans. With all that financial preparation there was still room for additional support and here is where DATAS was able to be crucial to my success. Describe your journey, and the efforts made to be where you are now. I have described my life before as that of two halves. I have for most of my life been an avid athlete with focus on Field Hockey as a National Player for many years representing Trinidad and Tobago all over the world. Even at university and early in my teaching career I continued to represent Trinidad and Tobago. The other half of my existence was in the classroom creating works of art with my teachers and classmates. I have also enjoyed various opportunities that I have been given to occupy positions of leadership. At university I was able to serve as Hall Chairperson for Trinity Hall while on campus at St. Augustine in Trinidad and later, the committee at Preston Hall in Mona, Jamaica. Back home after returning from studies I continued to serve with various organizations inclusive of the Trinidad and Tobago Referees Association and most recently the Secondary Schools’ Cricket League in the capacities of Zonal (Tobago) Chairperson for four years and on the National Executive as Public Relations Officer. My journey from studies to entering the teaching service was a straightforward one as I had little wait time between application and being assigned a school. I have been at Signal Hill Secondary School officially from 2012 to date. In 2014, I completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Education with focus on Visual Arts and graduated with Distinction. It has been quite a journey as I never really envisioned myself as a teacher. However, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences. For many of my students they have exceeded my expectations as they have often been placed on Merit lists (Top 10 in the Caribbean) for CXC CAPE Art and Design from as far back as 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021 and as recently as 2022.  I am constantly learning and re-learning new ways to be and teach my area of study and navigate my student’s way of absorbing the world. What do you like best about your job? The most interesting thing about my job is that no two days are the same. My students keep me on my toes. I have seen students enter my classroom at one level and they leave completely different persons, better able to navigate the world outside of the classroom. One would think that they (the student) are the only one’s learning, no, I am just as transformed and much improved after having met and interacted with them. That for me is something I didn’t expect but it has come to

SUCCESS STORY Njemile “Bless” Charles Hospitality and Restaurant Management  Associate Degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Management and Bachelor’s of Business Administration Growing up as the last child of my mother’s eight (8) children, I was always passionate about sports in general but began to develop a special love for and keen interest in football. When I realized that my ability to play the sport was progressively improving, I began to nurture the dream of becoming a professional footballer. I also wanted to become a Physiotherapist but so fervent was my desire to play professional football, that, even whilst in high school and pursuing my Advanced level examinations, it remained etched in my mind. The journey to realizing my dreams really took off when I attended a football Christmas camp in 2014 and met professional footballer Dwayne De Rosario. I left the camp at the end of the week thinking that nothing would come out of it, given that I had only attended a regular football camp.  To my surprise, about a month after the event, I received a very strange phone call which led to me being offered the opportunity of a tryout in New York. I was allowed some time to think about it before making a decision and I eventually chose to accept the challenge because I was a risk taker. I attended the tryout, after which, a college coach, Alex, expressed interest in my talent and wanted to give me a scholarship offer to play football and study at the same time. When the offer was made, I panicked a lot. I had reached so far, that I did not want anything to get in the way of pursuing my dream, like insufficient funding. Being introduced to the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS) of the Division of Education, Tobago House of Assembly was very bittersweet for me because my family was unable to assist me with all the tuition payments and I was afraid of missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime being turned down. However, the sweet part was when I met Mr. Mc Kenzie, Ms. Wilson and Ms. Hall who faithfully guided and assisted me with all the necessary information and drilling. I knew that once I accepted the offer, I would need to do my best, as a form of gratitude to them. I felt very blessed and grateful to DATAS for demonstrating compassion to me and believing that I would one day be a success story for the Division.  For the first two years, I was assisted by the Tobago House of Assembly with funding. For the next two years, I received a full scholarship from my coach due to my performance on and off the field, also I became a Residence Assistant (RA) which added to my scholarship. Knowing that they genuinely cared about my journey, I remained in contact with DATAS personnel, updating them on my progress. I cannot begin to repay DATAS for facilitating access to the opportunity of a lifetime, given that my family was unable to assist with funding. Now because of DATAS, I am the first and only person in my family of eight siblings to have ever obtained a college degree. I had expressed my interest in physiotherapy to Coach Alex but it seemed like he knew more about Tobago than I knew and talked me into studying Hospitality instead. I went on to complete my Associate Degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Management and then wanted to move to another College or University to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree. Little did I know though, that Coach Alex already had other plans for me. He decided that he was not going to lose me on and off the field, so I ended up staying at Bryant & Stratton College, to pursue my Bachelor’s in Business Administration. After completing my Bachelors, I wanted to be able to use it not just to secure a decent job but as a tool to give back to communities and to share my experience with others. Being in a foreign country and on campus, I was faced with many challenges, including finance and family-related issues back home. However, I always kept it foremost in my mind, that I had to succeed on this journey, no matter what obstacles I encountered. I eventually let go and allowed God to take control and he did. There were many distractions as I aspired to always obtain a grade A or no less than a B+ in every class but I was committed to succeeding and so I studied and worked very hard.  I also went to the gym quite often and together, these factors helped me to cope with the challenges I faced. I eventually fell in love with studying and found a way to balance football and schoolwork, both of which were important to me. Whilst on campus, I had tremendous support from my coach, my housing director, my new friends, mother and sister, all of whom played a big role in easing my mind. I am also fortunate to be able to say, that I had an agent who was always there for me, even outside college time. My greatest support came from Mr. McFarlane though. As my mentor, he spoke to me like a father would. He understood my journey so well, that I spoke to him about everything, even those times when I cried, smiled was angry or sad. For this, I wish to publicly say a special thanks to him for being such a great human being. One of my main goals right now is to try and encourage more youths to work hard with whichever sport they choose, so that they too can leverage their sporting talent to pave a way forward via scholarship offers. Even if you are not into sports but good at a certain subject, my advice is to be on drive mode for it, as there are academic scholarship offers too.