Category: DATAS

SUCCESS STORY Dwight Hall Electrical Engineer B.Eng. (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology (EEET)  My journey to earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering significantly impacted my life and so shaped my perspective, that I consider it to be my best learning experience thus far. The lessons learned were priceless and they played an important role in who I am today. YEAR ONE – The Certificate My journey commenced on September 1, 2013, when I left Tobago to attend the Automated Technology College (ATC) in Trinidad. The College was located in San Fernando and I had very limited knowledge of Trinidad and its environs. However, I was determined to pursue an education in Electrical and Electronic Technology and so I was not deterred. At the time, I did not have a clear plan of how I would execute my goal, nor was I fully conscious of the meticulous financial planning that would be required. All I knew was that I had what I thought was enough money saved, I wanted to enrol at ATC and the programme was GATE funded. For everything else, I freestyled. I was very reluctant to rent a shared apartment, although this would have been more cost-effective and I travelled to college via taxi because my commute was from Curepe to San Fernando, which was a considerable distance and my classes started at 8:45 a.m. After three months into my first year and paying for my registration along with my exam fees, I evaluated my savings and was devastated at the findings. This is how I learned to do critical evaluation, sacrifice, financial discipline and better decision making based on the resources available. I realized that my consumption of food and spending habits needed to be readjusted otherwise I would only make it through seventy-five percent of the study program. Even though it was convenient to travel by taxi because they were always available (on most days), the fare was twice the cost of traveling on the public bus. However, the buses were unreliable as they were never on time. Nevertheless, due to the lower cost, there were days that I would walk to the bus route from my apartment and take a bus instead of a taxi. One month after I did my evaluation, I started seeking various means of financial assistance, so that I could make it through the entire study program. Although I was making a sacrifice and cutting back on many things, I found that the cost of eating and staying healthy to effectively function in the classroom was still very expensive. The reality was that, despite all the cutbacks, if I did not access financial assistance, I would not be able to complete the Course. I would possibly make it through to ninety percent of my studies but no more. While I was seeking financial assistance, I kept focused on my tasks ahead so that I can be successful in my studies. It was hard but manageable, so I kept praying. I subsequently found out about financial assistance being offered by the Tobago House of Assembly from the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS). I therefore applied, trusted in the process and was eventually provided with the financial support I requested. I was able to successfully complete my studies in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology with distinction and was awarded a Certificate. At that juncture, I questioned myself: What is next? Where do I go from here? Pursuing a Diploma seemed feasible but I did not have the finances to take me through the Diploma year. Given that I had the blueprint for surviving on a low budget and was already familiar with living in Trinidad, to make my dream a reality, I decided to work and study. YEAR TWO – The Diploma My Diploma year was a replica of the first but more refined. I worked while pursuing my studies and bought a food steamer, which made preparing my meals easier. I refrained from eating out, as food was one of the highest expenses. To avoid the exorbitant taxi fares, on mornings, I woke up at 6:00 a.m. and walked to the bus route to travel on the 7:45 a.m. bus, which travelled from the University of the West Indies (UWI), to San Fernando. The trade-off was my grades. They took a hit in the end because of the work and study dynamic but I was grateful that I did not fail my Course. In retrospect, trying to balance work and studies prove to be an extremely difficult period. There were even times where this required commutation between the two islands. For example, there were times that I boarded the slow ferry which departed Trinidad at 11:00 p.m. and arrived in Tobago the next morning, in order to work on a construction site or to teach water sports there. I then took the ferry back when done. In the end, it was worth it, as I obtained my Diploma (which consisted of three courses) with a distinction, merit and a pass. Shortly thereafter though, the same question surfaced. I found myself once again confronted with the thought of: What next? Where do I go from here? To help me determine the next step, I consulted with my Lecturer at ATC Mrs. Sangeeta Ramlal and she recommended that I pursue a Higher National Diploma (HND) at the School of Business and Computer Science (SBCS). This was a two-and-a-half-year program, which, based on the final grade, qualified the participant to be admitted into the final year of a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Greenwich. Pursuing this programme would have required better financial planning and so I decided to take a one year break. During this time, I was able to work and accumulate my savings, plan and search for an apartment close to the school and seek early financial assistance, to avoid some of the challenges I had encountered over the past two years.   YEAR

WRITTEN TESTIMONIAL Mechell Andrews Project Management MBA Business Administration Though my monthly earnings were significantly less than my bills, I was still glad to be in receipt of a stable income from my full time job to assist with my mortgage, along with periodic revenues from my business. However, given that my business was affiliated to the tourism sector, during the pandemic, it was adversely affected, making it even more difficult to pay my bills. As a result of this, I was compelled to make some changes to maintain my standard of living and to keep my property. One day, while reflecting on all that had transpired and thinking of what to do to solve my problem, I recalled that at my full time job, I enjoyed working on projects. Then and there, I decided, that    I would focus on this career path. Keeping this objective in mind, at my job, I began to gather as much knowledge as possible. I already knew what the Division was about generally and its comprising units. I therefore started to learn more about the different desks, which, although it did not speak to what I loved, prove to be an awesome experience. I also began to be more diligent and intentional about learning and inquiring about projects within my Department and the more I learned, the more I became interested in pursuing project management as a  career, although it was a late start for me. Though apprehensive, I remained resolute in my decision and I completed short courses at Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business. My breakthrough came in 2020 though, when I learned about the program dedicated to tertiary level students, through the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS). In my quest to attain funding to further my tertiary education, I initially submitted a letter of interest directly to Mr. Kelvin Charles, the then Secretary of Education at the Tobago House of Assembly. However, in response, he redirected me to DATAS and advised that I submit an application there. I learned that DATAS assists persons who may have difficulty in covering the financial costs of their tertiary level programs. It was therefore the perfect opportunity for me to move forward with my project management goals and I decided to apply for financial assistance. I immediately acquired the necessary forms and sourced the documents to be attached with the application. This included writing an essay, obtaining a medical report and getting the accreditation document. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the limitations it posed, I encountered some difficulties to obtain the accreditation certificate for the school of my choice, as calls to their office went unanswered for many days. I was eventually able to make contact with a representative though. Admittedly, filling out the financial aspect of the form was tedious. However, I am grateful that someone was able to assist me with it. In retrospect, it’s amazing how everything aligned perfectly through this entire process. At the beginning of my studies, I was admittedly a bit confused in certain areas. I have come to realize that one could never really be fully prepared for the journey involved in pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), regardless of what advice is given beforehand. I had to really focus and work even harder than I had imagined I would need to, even re-sitting two of my modules to ensure that I gave them the best effort. Today, my heart is filled with gratitude for God’s guidance in my pursuit of tertiary level education. I couldn’t have done it without him. After all the late-night studies and assignments, I am pleased to report that I successfully completed the MBA, specializing in Supply Chain/Project Management. Despite the limitations of the global pandemic, I was able to keep up with studying online. I learnt a great deal and had the opportunity to research and follow instructions, especially where modern technology is concerned. The School’s website provided all the information that was needed to ensure a smooth sailing in relation to class attendance, assignment submission and Lecturer/Staff interaction. Overall, pursuing my Master’s was a great experience for me, as I networked with other entrepreneurs and business gurus. I enjoyed studying, researching and even sharing ideas with classmates. This served to expand my knowledge base, which in turn helped me gain more confidence in my workplace and business. Having successfully completed this program and obtained the experience, I would say that one has to be focused in life and determined to overcome the obstacles that may present themselves while on the journey. I also highly recommend DATAS, to those who are seeking financial assistance in the area of tertiary education. Thank You DATAS. My advice to persons seeking specifically to pursue a MBA is to aim high and be prepared for the unexpected. Push and seek divine guidance. The modules can be demanding, lecturers and fellow students may be challenging at times but keep working until you reach the finish line. It is worth it. MORE STORIES

Paul Crooks- Success Story

WRITTEN TESTIMONIAL Shantar Bruce Tourism Manager University of the West Indies; Centre for Hotel and Tourism Management When I was a child, I was obsessed with becoming a Midwife. I was captivated by TV series such as One Born Every Minute, The Midwife or any medical TV show I could find. I would often mix chemicals that I found in the house; and one time I’d almost caused myself to become unconscious when I concocted dangerous chemicals. Thereafter, chemist was a house name. I believed that I was destined to be a midwife but destiny had another path for me. I left Goodwood High School in 2010, anxious to start my career after receiving an acceptance letter from the Ministry of Health in 2010. My mother and I had set sail to Trinidad to complete my official documents. To my dismay, they could not have enrolled me into the nursing programme because they realized that I was only seventeen (17) years old, months shy from the legal required age. My heart sunk to the floor. I was disappointed but I was still hopeful. I enrolled in the sixth form programme at Goodwood High School from 2010-2012, and at the end of my tenure there, I received a scholarship to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Tourism Studies at the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (THTI). I accepted the call, regardless it wasn’t my dream. After completing my studies in November 2014. It was evident that my island would benefit from me pursuing a degree in Tourism Management as a career. I had fallen in love with the field and was determined to pursue it relentlessly. In 2015, I signed up to pursue a B.Sc with the University of the West Indies, Center for Hotel and Tourism Management (UWI; CHTM); with the intent to start that semester. However, I had to postpone my studies due to a lack of funds and was worried about studying in the Bahamas without a clear source of income. Even though my mother encouraged me and tried her best to sway me that she would take care of things, I simply wasn’t persuaded. I was not poised enough to leave my beloved country to go out into the unknown, not having an inkling of an idea where my next meal would come from. I took a year off and started a small business in order to raise capital to be able to afford school comfortably. By the next year on Wednesday August 24th, 2016 to be exact, I walked down the aisle and heard those magical words…. “This is your captain speaking”.  Right there and then, a new chapter in my life budded. Travelling to uncharted waters to pursue my dream didn’t come without a hefty price. Just a little over a month studying in the Bahamas the islands were hit by Hurricane Matthew; a category four (4) hurricane, which ravaged the islands. I was left without water, electricity and a stable place to shelter for one (1) month. My apartment was damaged by the strong hurricane winds, thus making it unsuitable to live in. With no service, little food and no pipe borne water, I felt like I was starring on the TV show Survival. With no contact to family, friends or the Government for assistance, I was left to rely on my fellow classmates. After a few weeks, I finally got in contact with my family who assisted me as much as they could. I was not yet in partnership with the Tobago House of Assembly Financial Assistance Programme. I then tried to contact the Government for assistance but to no avail. In total, there were twelve (12) nationals from Trinidad and Tobago. When I thought that my challenges were over, it seemed like they had just begun. I faced so many health scares at school. It felt like just before every end of term exam, I would fall terribly ill. I remembered in my third semester, it was a regular Sunday, the day before my exams commenced. I got an acute ear ache that came out from nowhere, which made it impossible for me to concentrate. I stumbled upon a plethora of difficulties while pursuing my passion; whether it be financial, personal or encountering snags while attaining a goal. One academic goal was to pass my Financial Management class, which at the time seemed like a Goliath in my life that placed a spoke in my wheel. I was determined to not just barely pass but to slay that giant. With hard work, dedication to the cause, resilience, persistence, time and a lot of extra classes. I wasn’t only able to pass the class, I also emerged as one of the top students. Every brick that was thrown at me, was used to build a firm foundation. I didn’t have to fight any battles, God fought them all for me. God was my fortress and guiding light. My mother, immediate family and small circle of friends remained my standard bearers in and out of time and seasons. They supported me, lifted me up and were my biggest cheerleaders and confidants. Thanks to my mother, dear friends and the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS) and myself of course. I was able to complete my studies debt free. To persons interested in pursuing their dream, I urge you to cultivate a mind that encourages free thought, inspires ideas and fertilizes innovation and be empowered to imagine creative solutions to problems. Just remember that your track record for surviving bad days is 100%.  Be bold enough to face it. Be courageous enough to overcome your fears and be strong enough to know that trials won’t last When passion drives you, let reason hold the reins. Two roads diverged into the wood, but I could not travel both. One road looked very promising, fair and familiar, and perhaps the better claim. The other unknown and mysterious. I took the one less travelled and it

https://thaedu.gov.tt/success-story-dominique-baptiste/ https://thaedu.gov.tt/success-story-dominique-baptiste/  

WRITTEN TESTIMONIAL Olando Fraser Engineer in Training Electrical and Computer Engineering My career path started in the year 2010 after several discussions with my mother who was and still is the pinnacle of my success. She would constantly ask “Olando, what do you intend to do with your life?” At the time, I was a young man and just started as a Clerk I in the public service, to me life was good. She realized I began to neglect my academic development; so she had a conversation with me that changed my life. I sat a while and did some serious soul searching, I asked myself what I really wanted to be in this life. The decision wasn’t a hard one for me, but I must say at first it wasn’t to be an Electrical Engineer. I applied to the School of Business and Computer Science for their Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technician’s Diploma followed by the Advanced Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technician’s Diploma. The Advanced Diploma to me was very challenging because I was the only student from my year to successfully complete all modules of the first year, hence applying simple economics it was not prudent to pay teachers to teach one student. It was here I encountered my first hurdle; I spoke to my mother who is always optimistic in every situation. She told me you came this far, and God won’t leave your side. I proceeded to do my final year on my own without any guidance or teachers to assist. It was very difficult, but I overcame this hurdle. After being the only student to successfully complete the Advanced Diploma, I was ready to go home, apply for jobs and start living life, my mother however had other plans. She asked me why stop here you came this far, you proved everyone who doubted you that you can do it. She asked, “Why don’t you try for the Engineering Degree?” in my head I thought me, an Engineer, a little boy from Tobago to be an engineer. I said well ok, can’t hurt to apply right. I called some close friends and asked for advice since I knew nothing about this university life. I should mention, everyone I asked told me I would never be accepted to be an Electrical Engineer. I was told they only accepted the best of the best and half the class were scholarship winners. I was a bit despondent because I only had CXC level Mathematics and CAPE Mathematics was a fundamental tool for this degree. I told myself well it makes no sense being in over my head I did enough, already right? My mother however, had other plans, again she encouraged me to move with faith, God is greater than man. I applied and I was given a “Deferred Acceptance” meaning I will be accepted for the next year on the condition that I have to complete CXC level Chemistry and obtain either a grade I or II. I left Trinidad and came back to Tobago and enrolled in private Chemistry classes. Upon successfully completing Chemistry where I obtained a grade I, I sent my certificate to the Engineering Faculty and awaited feedback. Time passed and I received no feedback. I decided to follow up via several phone calls. Finally I got through and was told that they tried contacting me but there was a mistake with my phone number so I was replaced by another student. My heart sank, the Clerk said she will talk to her supervisor for advice on the way forward since it wasn’t my fault. Later the day, I was contacted and informed that I was accepted to start the programmme. This was a bitter-sweet moment for me because I got this information on Thursday and the following Monday was the beginning of the new semester. As the saying goes, I was like a fish out of water, I made several calls and asked fellow Tobagonians to assist in acquiring an apartment. I was able to secure an apartment the Saturday and moved in by Sunday to start school Monday, I can’t begin to explain the anxiety and stress that came with this transition. 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

WRITTEN TESTIMONIAL Crystol F. Caesar Meteorologist BSc. Meteorology My name is Crystol Fayola Caesar of Signal Hill, Tobago and I first got interested in the field of Meteorology as a child. I would lay for hours in the yard looking at the clouds envisioning different cloud shapes but mainly wondering how they came to be. I attended Signal Hill Secondary Comprehensive School from September 2004 up till May 2012 where I pursued Pure Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Geography, and languages. Languages are advantageous to a meteorologist because weather is not confined to the boundaries of our twin-island republic and as such you never know where in the world you can end up. In August 2013, I journeyed to the University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill campus in Barbados to begin reading for the Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. Prior to leaving for Barbados I had applied to the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS) for financial assistance and in October of that year I received confirmation that I had been selected for the scholarship. This was elating news because my family and I quickly realized that Barbados is not cheap. In addition to funding from DATAS, I also received a loan through the Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP). As the Tobago saying goes, “One one cocoa does full basket!” and I needed all the help (pun intended) I could get. Living and studying in Barbados was challenging because on one hand as was mentioned before, it is a very expensive country and on the other hand being away from family for long periods of time proved a challenge as well. In my second year I believe, the banks stopped issuing travellers’ cheques with the alternative being Prepaid MasterCard/credit cards. There was this one unfortunate time I had forgot to inform the bank that I was proceeding back to school and upon using the card in Barbados, it was blocked for fraud. I can laugh now looking back on it but being in a foreign country with limited funds is “pressure”. My family, landlady Ms. Rose, Mrs. Angela Edghill, a family friend and Barbadian national, as well as other Tobagonians all assisted me to overcome such challenges and press forward. I would like to make special mention of Ms. Petronella Neptune (deceased) at DATAS who was my officer for the majority of my university career and who always provided words of encouragement during the times I would go in to collect a cheque or even via email. I graduated in October 2018 with a BSc Meteorology with a minor in Environmental Science but my journey did not stop there as I once again returned to Barbados to complete a professional development course namely the Operational Aeronautical Forecasters’ Course (OAFC) in May 2019. In short, this course enables a meteorologist with the skills needed to work at an airport in an aeronautical forecasting capacity. DATAS facilitated this need by providing financial assistance towards the OAFC. I graduated from the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology in July 2019 with this additional qualification added to my resume. After attaining this qualification, I continued my on-the-job training at the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service where I gained full competency as an Operational Meteorologist in December 2020. Overall, I am indeed grateful for the tremendous support which the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has provided myself as well as other Tobagonians. My advice to persons seeking to enter the field of Meteorology is to ensure that you properly research what it entails before pursuing. Mathematics is engrained into this field so learn to love it! Also, there are various fields under the umbrella of Meteorology and while persons may ask, “If you’re a meteorologist, how come I never see you on TV?” there is no pressure to work at an airport. Other fields include Broadcast, Marine, Agro-Meteorology, Forensic Services and Hydro-Meteorology (just to name a few); it is important that you find one that fits your fancy and be prepared to work hard and do not forget to pray! MORE STORIES