NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024 18 “I can be changed by what happens to me but I refuse to be reduced by it.” THIS IS a quote from Maya Angelou, renowned poet and civil rights activist. Resilience therefore means that you experience, you feel, you fall, you hurt, but you keep going and us awardees stand as testament of that principle. Many of us were able to recover from challenges faced or could quickly adapt to changing situations. And here we are, benefiting from the toils of our labour in turn showing us that hard work does indeed pay off. I take this opportunity to thank the Carreras team and extended family for granting me this honour. I am blessed to have received this scholarship twice, now, as in my first year of study I was granted this scholarship, which allowed me to pursue my academic aspirations. I must give my personal testimony as it is with great pleasure that I highlight that I was given an award for top year-one law student at UWI Mona for the 2022-2023 period among other accolades. Thank you, Carreras, as it would not have been possible without your generosity. I am not alone in testimonies as many of us can relate to having a very difficult time financing undergraduate studies, often worrying about the prospects of further financing our education. Some of us take loans, which many times are still not enough to meet the gargantuan expenses that include tuition and miscellaneous costs. Despite the challenges, however, we remained determined that though the path seemed abysmal, we had no choice but to operate by faith and maximise on whatever opportunities we had. With a mindset of perseverance, we achieved. The Carreras team has recognised our continued diligence, despite the hurdles we faced. Let us therefore not squander this opportunity as we soar to even greater heights. Thank you, Carreras, for investing in our future. Let us continue to tread this path of excellence as we build a brighter nation, giving back to our country just as we have been given. Scholars’ Response AGAINST THE backdrop of challenges faced by many aspiring Jamaican students, the Carreras scholarships programme shines as a beacon of hope and opportunity. Each year Carreras Limited, through this longstanding initiative since 1967, invests in the academic pursuits of deserving tertiary students, embodying a tradition of commitment to education. Recently, at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, the annual Carreras scholarship awards ceremony unfolded, celebrating the achievements of 83 outstanding scholars selected from a competitive pool of more than 600 applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. These scholars represent a spectrum of disciplines and their stories, often marked by financial hurdles and sacrifices, underscore the vital role that scholarships play in unlocking the potential of Jamaica’s youth. Beyond the financial assistance provided, Carreras’ commitment to nurturing talent and fostering academic excellence is evident in the rigorous selection criteria. Scholarships are awarded not only on academic merit but also on the applicants’ demonstrated extracurricular involvement and commitment to community service. This holistic approach ensures that recipients are not only academically proficient but also well-rounded individuals poised to make meaningful contributions to society. Franklin Murillo, managing director of Carreras Limited, reiterated the company’s dedication to educational development as a catalyst for social progress. He emphasised the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering individuals to realise their full potential. Through this initiative, Carreras continues to invest in Jamaica’s future leaders, nurturing a cadre of talented individuals equipped to drive positive change in their communities and beyond. As the 2024 scholarship cycle commences, Carreras invites aspiring scholars across Jamaica to seize the opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations. With a renewed commitment to educational excellence and social responsibility, Carreras remains steadfast in its mission to empower Jamaica’s youth and build a brighter future for all. Carreras scholarship programme shines as a beacon of hope and opportunity Rhameish Smith, student, Faculty of Law, UWI , Mona. CONTRIBUTED Rhameish Smith thanks Carreras Franklin Murillo, managing director of Carreras Limited, poses with members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the 2023 special awardees, who are children of JCF officers on active duty or who died while on active duty. CONTRIBUTED CARRERAS APPLICANTS 2023 ACHIEVEMENTS 600 SCHOLARS TOTAL: TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS DISBURSED J$18M across 13 institutions 83 50 33 RETURNING SCHOLARS NEW SCHOLARS SCHOLARSHIPS TO GO FEATURE | THE GLEANER | THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzNTI=