NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024 14 Asha Wilks/Gleaner Writer ONE OF many lessons that Akalia Bailey has learnt is “what is for you, will be for you”. Bailey, the 2023 Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP) Group scholarship recipient, was baptised in basic school and has been following her Christian faith since Grade Three. She gives God the glory for His intervention in her life. She went through periods of uncertainty about how her studies at the Caribbean Maritime University would be paid for, especially as the family’s financial situation worsened when her father fell ill and her mother had to work fewer hours during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It became as if she was just working to go to work, like she couldn’t save anything at all ... . So, in 2022, she stepped away from her job and started to do vending instead,” she said of her mother. Bailey, a former Glenmuir High School student from Clarendon who relocated to Kingston for university, said, through it all, her faith brought her through. She learned about the scholarship offered by JEP Group while in search of several grants and scholarships that she applied for to ensure that she could afford her tuition. “Originally, I saw it (the JEP Group scholarship) on Instagram, and I overlooked it because the region that they said they were offering it to was Kingston, St Catherine and St Andrew, and I think another region, but they didn’t say Clarendon, so I wasn’t going to apply for it,” she said. But, when she happened to come across the advertisement again, she said “you know what, if it’s for me I will get it, if it’s not for me I won’t get it. So I applied for it anyway.” Bailey, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Operation Maintenance and Industrial Systems, said that the scholarship provider’s operations aligned with her desired career path. “They deal with power generation and I’m studying engineering. And I also did my internship at JPS so I’m interested in that field. [So] that’s why I really pushed to apply,” she said. It was with a sigh of relief and a joyous occasion when the final-year student received the call informing her that she was awarded the scholarship. She advises fellow scholarship seekers to apply “even when you think you’re not qualified ... if it’s yours, you will get it”. Bailey urges them not to become complacent after receiving the scholarship as “it’s easy to go downhill from there”. Future engineer secures JEP scholarship through effort and faith AS A former JEP Group scholarship recipient, my journey from scholarship recipient to where I am today in my medical career has been both challenging and rewarding. The scholarship provided the financial support I needed to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor, alleviating the burden of tuition fees and allowing me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies and extracurricular activities. During my undergraduate years, I immersed myself in various healthcarerelated volunteer activities and internships, solidifying my passion for medicine and exposing me to the realities of patient care. Graduating from medical school, I navigated the rigorous internship training phase, honing my clinical skills and expanding my medical knowledge through perseverance and dedication. Today, as a competent and compassionate physician, I have the privilege of positively impacting my patients’lives every day. Throughout this journey, the support of my mentors, colleagues, and the JEP family propelled me forward during moments of doubt and adversity. Additionally, the networking opportunities facilitated by the scholarship expanded my professional network and enriched my academic and personal growth. Since graduating from medical school, I’ve achieved significant milestones in my career, including completing certificate courses in various aspects of medicine and specialising in aesthetic medicine. These achievements reflect my dedication to excellence, continuous learning, and commitment to providing exceptional patient care. The scholarship ignited a transformative shift in my mindset, driving me to pursue excellence and professional advancement. As a scholarship recipient, I also volunteer at health outreach initiatives organised by JEP, refining my skills while nourishing my spirit through meaningful volunteer work. For current scholarship recipients or aspiring medical professionals, I would offer the following advice: Stay focused and committed; seek mentorship and guidance; embrace lifelong learning; stay updated on the latest research, advancements, and technologies in your speciality/field; develop strong communication skills as it is essential in any career, especially medicine; stay humble and compassionate, stay true to your values: uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct. Empowering Dreams: How JEP Group Scholarship Shaped A Doctor’s Path to Success TESTIMONIALS: JAMAICA ENERGY PARTNERS GROUP OSHANE CARTER IN 2017, I was awarded the prestigious Jamaica Energy Partners Group Scholarship, which set the stage for a transformative journey. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I graduated with second-class honours in Accounting from the University of the West Indies, Mona, in 2020. This scholarship eased the financial burden and ignited my passion for mentorship and giving back. Following graduation, I joined JEP Group as an administrative assistant before transitioning to a purchasing officer role. Subsequently, I gained valuable experience at KPMG CARICOM as an auditor/accountant. These experiences, coupled with my master’s degree in Accounting and Chartered Accountant designation from ICAJ, shaped my professional journey. Now, as the Group Accounting Supervisor at First Union Financial Group of Companies, I oversee financial reporting and accounting processes. Guiding a team of 15, I prioritise motivating and encouraging their personal and professional growth, embodying the spirit of mentorship instilled by the JEP Group Scholarship. The scholarship provided financial support and opened doors to networking opportunities and internships, shaping my career aspirations. It validated my potential, instilled confidence, and positioned me as a strong candidate in the competitive job market. Looking ahead, I aspire to leverage my expertise to start an entrepreneurial venture bridging academia and the corporate world. This venture aims to empower individuals and businesses, fostering growth, development, and success. I’ve navigated my career path with confidence, resilience, and purpose by seizing opportunities, staying focused on goals, and embracing challenges. As I continue to pay forward the support I received, I hope to inspire the next generation of accounting professionals. I strongly encourage students to bet on themselves always and apply for the scholarship as the JEP Group continues to pave the way for a brighter future. JEP ignites passion for mentorship, giving back YANIQUE DIXON AKALIA BAILEY SCHOLARSHIPS TO GO FEATURE | THE GLEANER | THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024
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