This graduation season, the Beacon is publishing excerpts from various valedictory addresses.
I would like to briefly share with you my story of how I became a student here at the Claudia Creque Educational Centre. Upon my graduation from the Althea Scatliffe Primary School, my mom wanted nothing but what she thought was the best for me. So instead of going to the Elmore Stoutt High School, she enrolled me at St. George’s Secondary School, hoping for the highest level of education possible for her young superman.
I spent two and a half years at St. George’s not trying very hard to be the best individual that I could have been at that time. I was satisfied just going along with the flow and being average, which is what I had done for most of my life. After the first term in form three my mother decided to transfer me to CCEC on Anegada in hopes for— I’m still not quite sure, but if you let her tell it, like everything else that she does, the Lord just told her to.
A transition
The timing couldn’t be any worse. Could you imagine being a 14-year-old going through puberty and being told that you would have to leave everything you knew on Tortola and move to Anegada? I was not too thrilled, but on the long boat ride over, I tried to see the many positive aspects of this transition. I tried to see it as a fresh start to turn over a new leaf and become a different person: a person who is hard-working and determined instead of lazy and nonchalant.
As I stepped off the ferry and looked around, a wave of heat burst onto my face. There were no mountains on the horizon — not even a hill. I thought to myself, “Welcome to Anegada.” Of course, mommy did not make this transition with me. She remained on Tortola while I resided with my sister Harella Georges and brother-in-law Lawrence Wheatley, whom I now recognise as my mother and father away from my mother and father.
On the first day of the school term, I felt sad and alone, just as any teenager would on the first day in a new and different environment. I tried to keep my composure as a tsunami of emotions took control of me. At this point I was faced with a decision either to drown or climb aboard the raft that was “divinely” provided to take me safely to my destination. Two and a half years later I am proud to say that I’ve weathered the storm and have completed my tenure at CCEC.
…
To my fellow graduates, I will not say we’ve done it, because the doing has only just begun. We all have different stories and come from different backgrounds, but the one thing we all have in common is that our futures are bright. It is up to us as individuals to fulfil our God-given purpose as we are granted the opportunity to exist here on earth.
Do not follow where the path may lead, but instead go where there is no path and leave a trail. We have had many memories together that I’m sure we will all cherish. The road was not easy, but through hard work and determination we prevailed. I pray that you all continue to make positive choices that will cultivate the greatness within each and every one of you.