Jamaican woman earns family’s first tertiary degree

When Shekeem Dennis migrated from Jamaica to the United States in 2017, her desire was to create a better life.

She wanted to use the opportunity to attain higher education, but that dream was deterred when she failed to find her grounding in the new country.

"The journey for this degree was not an easy one, because in the beginning, I had a set plan and it didn't go the way I thought it would when I moved to America. I didn't have a stable home here and I had to stay with friends, which didn't last long. Seeing that I was struggling to keep a roof over my head at the time, I decided to take a break to get my life in order," Dennis related. The 27-year-old explained that for two years, she paused her studies at the Kean University in New Jersey and gained employment at a furniture store as a manager. She was also a part-time hairstylist, in efforts of securing her own apartment.

Seven years later, Dennis is now beaming with joy, having graduated last weekend with her bachelor's degree in political science. Ending her four-year programme with a grade point average of 3.7, the Olympic Gardens, St Andrew native is proud to be a first-generation, tertiary-level graduate. She was also inducted into the political science honours society, scholar honours society, and was a member of the African association club.

"My family is very proud of me. They can't stop singing my praises. My mother called everyone around the world that she knows just to share the good news. My dad is also proud of me because he knows what it took for me to get here. My grandma and aunty flew in as well for the graduation. I cried, because moments like these you have to cherish," she told THE STAR.

Dennis, who also loves fashion and travelling, related to the news team that she grew up with both parents, Selena Stewart and Donald Dennis, who ensured that she balanced her academics while being involved in sporting activities.

The Holy Childhood high and St Hugh's high schools alumna said she was influenced to pursue a career in law after watching the television series Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

"This series showed me a system that I can be an asset to, and also showed me a way in which I can help my people whenever they are faced any injustice. In relations to my major, political science, I chose it because that's the root of law, in my eyes. To know how laws are created initially, gives me a different outlook on the legislative and judicial system. Political science focuses on that, and also the government in its entirety. To become a successful and impactful lawyer, I believe you should know how a country is governed," the budding lawyer explained.

For the duration of her studies, Dennis remained focused through constant praying and support from her family. She admitted that at times she questioned herself, especially when the workload became overwhelming.

"I prayed for guidance and clarity, and that's why I prevailed and I'm here today celebrating a win for me and my family," she confessed. Her tuition was funded by financial aid, as well as assistance from her parents and her own sweat.

"My family was my motivation, especially my mom and dad. I've seen them sacrifice so much to give me the life they didn't get to have. I saw how hard my mother worked to build herself up so that she can provide for us and my dad, with countless tours across the world just to make sure my school fee was paid," Dennis said.

Armed with her first degree, Dennis is preparing to sit the Law School Admission Test and to begin a master's programme.