Local News

Brother & sister from Walvaroo graduate from Monroe University with First Class Honours 

24 October 2024
This content originally appeared on One News SVG.

Caption: Kenisha James (left) Mrs. Gloria Homer-James, the mother of the two graduates (centre), and Keon James (right).

By Admin. Updated 9:58 p.m., Thursday, October 24, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Almost a decade apart in age and of different genders, siblings Keon James and Kenisha James are surely different, but they both have demonstrated that they share a similarity in academic excellence.

Keon James, 22, and his sister Kenisha James, 31 both recently graduated from Monroe University with First Class Honours bachelor’s degrees.

They told One News SVG that their “accomplishments represent not only years of hard work and dedication but also the unwavering support of our family, mentors, and community. This achievement is particularly meaningful given the challenges we overcame along the way, as we navigated the demanding balance between full-time work and full-time studies”.

Kenisha James graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, specializing in Health Services Administration.

She said her decision to pursue a career in health services was deeply influenced by a personal experience.

“In April 2020, our mother was involved in a severe road traffic accident. She was hospitalized for eight days, and just a month later, she was admitted again, this time for a life-threatening condition requiring urgent surgery. Doctors gave us a 50/50 chance of her survival. Following a successful operation, she spent considerable time in the ICU. We are incredibly grateful that our mother is still with us today, a living testimony to God’s grace and purpose”.

“This experience fueled my passion for the healthcare field and inspired me to work towards improving patient care and administrative practices. Currently, I am employed as a Medical Records Clerk at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, a role I deeply cherish. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the healthcare community and strive to make a difference in the lives of patients. A special thanks goes to my supervisor, whose daily encouragement was a constant source of motivation throughout my studies,” she added.

Her brother, Keon James earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, specializing in Computer Information Systems.

“His program prepared him to excel in the technology industry, where he is passionate about developing innovative solutions and using information systems to solve complex problems. His achievement reflects not only his love for technology but also his commitment to continuous learning in a rapidly advancing field,” the siblings told One News SVG.

“Currently, Keon is a teacher at the Intermediate High School, where he shares his knowledge and inspires the next generation of students. The practical experience he gained while juggling work and studies has made him a well-rounded professional capable of applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations,” the added.

They described that their journey to success was not an easy one, often marked by excessive demands and a quest to balance their academic and professional responsibilities.

“Our path to success was not an easy one. Keon and I both managed the demands of full-time jobs while attending classes full-time, which required us to master the art of time management, resilience, and sacrifice. There were countless long nights of studying after work and early mornings preparing for exams, yet we remained committed to making the most of our educational opportunities” they said.

“There were times when exhaustion and doubt crept in, but we found ways to push through those moments. This journey has taught us invaluable lessons in perseverance and determination, shaping our character and building a mindset that sought growth through every challenge. It wasn’t just about reaching the finish line; it was about becoming stronger and more resilient with each step,” they said.

The two expressed thanks to their educators, their parents, well-wishers, and others who played a role in them attaining their earlier education in St. Vincent.

“Our academic journeys began long before Monroe University, shaped by the schools and communities that nurtured us. I am a proud past student of Sion Hill Government School, Bishop’s College Kingstown, and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College Division of Technical and Vocational Education. These institutions laid a solid foundation for my academic pursuits. Keon, meanwhile, attended Kingstown Anglican School, Bishop’s College Kingstown, and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College Division of Arts, Science, and General Studies. Each institution contributed significantly to molding us into the individuals we are today, instilling in us values of discipline, resilience, and a passion for learning,” the said.

“We take immense pride in being from the community of Walvaroo in East Kingstown. Although some have labeled Walvaroo as a “bad” area, we hold a different view, and many others can attest to the strength and positivity of our community. Our experiences growing up there have shaped us not with negativity, but with a profound sense of determination, pride, and resilience. The support and encouragement we received from neighbors and friends played a vital role in our achievements. We hope our story serves as an example of the talent and potential that exists within Walvaroo and communities like it,” they added.

They expressed special thanks to their mother.

“A crucial pillar of our success has been our family, especially our mother, whose unwavering belief in us never faltered. She constantly encouraged us to keep pushing forward and reminded us that our hard work would soon pay off. Her daily prayers and words of wisdom uplifted us during our toughest times, providing the strength we needed to persevere. We also owe a heartfelt thank you to our sister, who inspired us to pursue our studies and whose continuous support kept us moving toward our goals”.

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We are also profoundly grateful to the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for implementing the tuition scholarship program, which made higher education accessible to us. This initiative played a vital role in alleviating the financial burdens associated with university, allowing us to focus more on our studies and less on financial worries. It is a program that has turned the dream of higher education into a reality for many students like us, and we extend our sincere thanks for this opportunity.

In the article, Kenisha James said, As I reflect on our journey, my favorite quote resonates deeply: “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” This saying encapsulates our experience, as the road to success was filled with trials and setbacks. What defined our journey was not the absence of challenges, but our determination to rise after every fall. We chose to see each difficulty as an opportunity to grow, learn, and move closer to our goals.

To anyone considering furthering their education, my advice is simple: start now. Don’t wait until it is too late. Embrace every step of the process, no matter how challenging it may be. Each obstacle is an opportunity for growth, and every setback is a step closer to becoming the person you are meant to be.

Our achievements reached a particularly memorable highlight when we were recognized at our graduation ceremony in St. Lucia last Sunday. The ceremony was a momentous occasion that celebrated not only our academic success but also the beginning of the next chapter in our lives. With our bachelor’s degrees completed, Keon and I now look ahead with anticipation as we both pursue our master’s degrees.

We hope that our achievements will inspire young people in our community and beyond to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence, regardless of the obstacles they may face. Our story demonstrates that with determination, perseverance, and the right support, even the most ambitious goals are attainable.

They said they are celebrating the “significant achievement with the community that has played a crucial role in our success. We hope that by sharing our experiences, we can motivate others to persist in their educational and career pursuits, no matter how difficult the road may seem”.