NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024 23 WHILE EDUCATION remains a viable passport to the future, VM remains the boarding pass that will take many Jamaicans from point of entry to destination. The Foundation continues to create, reshape and transform the educational journeys and goals of many Jamaicans, including Davion Sterling. Sterling was the only student in 2019 to cop the VM Foundation’s Master Plan scholarship, which came just in time to support his decision to study a master’s degree in chemistry with education. His journey towards the scholarship began with a simple post on Instagram that caught his attention, leading him to apply after realising he met all the criteria outlined. Sterling was always aware of his potential and his brilliance and his ambitious nature always played to his strength. “The selection process, which included a panel interview, was a positive and enjoyable experience for me. I was most of all impressed by the professionalism and welcoming atmosphere created by the VM Group from the point of me walking into that interview, to me exiting.” But what cannot be left out of his story of academic pursuits is his firm family structure which consists of a supportive mother, a diligent father and encouraging sister, who all back his dedication to continuously excel. For Sterling, his passion for chemistry and teaching naturally guided his academic path, setting the stage for a fulfilling career in education. “Receiving the Master Plan Scholarship from the VM Foundation not only alleviated the financial burden on my family but it also served as a reminder of the impact our actions as well as the actions of others have on the present and future of our young people. The opportunity reinforced the importance of volunteering for the right reasons and striving for excellence in all endeavours, which is something I live by,” he says. The Cornwall College alumnus is happy to be back on home ground, but this time giving back as a dedicated chemistry teacher, with a long-term goal of contributing to national development through STEM education initiatives. Reflecting on his own journey, Sterling’s advice to others starting out in their academic journeys is to seek out similar opportunities for academic support, while staying true to themselves. “I believe that being authentic will bring quality people in your life and the right people which will open doors of opportunities you would have never dreamt about otherwise. There is saying that goes ‘real knows real’, and I believe in that.” He regularly embraces the wisdom of the quote “know thyself,” something he saw daily displayed on the walls at Irvine Hall while he was a student at the University of the West Indies. For him, this quote emphasises the power of self-awareness in shaping a successful and fulfilling life. As Sterling continues to make a difference in the lives of his students and his community, his story stands as a demonstration of how the decisions of organisations like the VM Group can make meaningful and long-lasting impacts. The VM Foundation’s Master Plan for Davion Sterling Davion Sterling, VM Foundation Master Plan Scholarship recipient for 2019. CONTRIBUTED VM FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS TO GO FEATURE | THE GLEANER | THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024
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