NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023 28 SCHOLARSHIPS TO GO F ATURE | THE GLEANE | THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023 TWENTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD JADEJA James, the Jamaica Energy Partners 2018 scholarship awardee says the scholarship did not only pave her way to success, but propelled her philanthropic endeavours. Inspired by the JEP, James, a physiotherapist employed to the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) within the Ministry of Health and Wellness said, “I believe in investing in youths. I am an example and product of what that looks like.” The St Jago High School alumna told The Gleaner that despite 10 Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) subjects with six grade ones, and four Caribbean Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) subjects, her potential matriculation into university looked bleak, as there was one hurdle, money. James, who is from Old Harbour in St Catherine said taking a student loan would unearth long-term financial burdens for her, and so she opted to seek alternatives. “I had already made up my mind that I was not going to take the student loan. As a young person coming in, I didn’t want to start my adult life in debt, so I knew that a student loan was not going to be the route for me. I wasn’t exactly sure where the money was going to come from, but I knew for a fact that student loan was not going to be it.” James said a friend advised that she applied for the JEP scholarship. She said word that she was granted the scholarship came as a relief. EASED THE PRESSURE Speaking of the scholarship, James said, “It took the mental struggle and strain off of studying, so I could focus on being a student. I didn’t have to bounce around trying to figure out where the money was coming from, or will I get locked out of exams. Every semester I knew that the money was there, so I could focus one hundred per cent on being my best self in school, and just enjoy the university experience.” The scholarship, valued at $250,000 yearly was applicable throughout her tenure at The University of the West Indies, Mona. The JEP scholarship fund was founded in 1997. JEP said it “understands that ‘Powering a Brighter Future’ begins with securing and actualising the academic prospects of our youth.” “One of the questions is how your career will tie back into energy, and how it will then benefit the wider Caribbean at large, because the Jamaica Energy Partners are big on corporate-social responsibility, so they always want to know howwhat you are doing will benefit Jamaica at large,” said James. James said that she was first introduced to the physiotherapy arm of medicine while serving as an intern at the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in 2017. She currently works at May Pen Hospital in Clarendon, and is basks in the positive impacts she is able to make in the lives of her patients. She also credited her success to strong family support, asserting that having a strong community behind her was motivating. She said she is forever grateful to JEP, for giving Jamaican youths a chance to actualise their dreams. “It’s not something I down only any at all,” James said. Jadeja James. CONTRIBUTED EDUCATION IS paramount to one’s development and everyone should have the opportunity to access education in a way that will enable their success. However, the trials and tribulations of life might stand as great barriers to access what we need and it might be difficult to see a way to overcome these obstacles. Thankfully, Jamaica Energy Par tners has made it their mandate to help students to minimise the financial obstacles to find their way to a better education. In my journey to become a medical doctor, they have provided invaluable assistance that helped my parents in being able to afford my tuition. As I complete my final days in this programme, my heart is full of gratitude for their indelible contribution that helpedmake it possible. I believe that many others can and will benefit from their benevolence, goodwill and genuinely kind hearts. Thank you, Jamaica Energy Partners, for playing a part in helping me to actualize my dreams. AS A past recipient of the Jamaica Energy Partners Group scholarship, I can assert with confidence that the programme has positively transformed my life in numerous ways. Inmy first year of university, I faced the daunting challenge of medical bills and was left with no option, but to depend on the benevolence of my grandmothers to make ends meet. However, the JEP Group scholarship not only lifted the weight of financial constraints, but also instilled in me a sense of determination to achieve academic excellence. As a final-year computer science major, I am specialising in cyber security, a field that is of utmost importance in today’s society. With the help of the JEP Group’s scholarship programme, I have been able to pursue this passion and make strides towards breaking down barriers for women in STEM fields. This experience has not only broadened my horizons, but has also allowedme to gain invaluable skills and knowledge that will undoubtedly benefit me in my future endeavours. Thanks to the JEP Group, I have been able to focus on my academic pursuits without the added stress of financial burden, enabling me to excel in my studies and make the most of my university experience. As a result, I was able to maintain a high standard of academic performance which led to annual placements on the dean’s honour roll. This, in turn, opened numerous opportunities for me, including coveted cyber security internships and other academic prospects. Beyond the financial assistance, this scholarship programme has instilled a sense of belonging within me. The programme’s community initiatives have allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals who share a philanthropic mindset which helps me to contribute to the betterment of society. I strongly advocate for all students to apply to the JEP Group’s scholarship programme, as it provides more than just financial aid, allowing you the freedom to explore your passions to their fullest potential. Breanna Julal, Jamaica Energy Partners Group Scholarship recipient. CONTRIBUTED JAMAICA ENERGY PARTNERS GROUP Jadeja James: JEP scholarship paved way for success TESTIMONIALS JEP providing invaluable assistance JEP allowing you the freedom to explore your passions Abbigail Parchment, past recipient of the Jamaica Energy Partners Group scholarship. CONTRIBUTED
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