Shadelle Brown navigates rocky road to university

Shadelle Brown's determination to become the first woman in her family to attend university has been a driving force in her life.

The Stony Hill, St Andrew native has long had her sights set on acquiring tertiary-level education, and was never prepared to allow the fact that she is from humble beginnings be a barrier to her success.

"My parents were never afforded the opportunity to go to university, and I have always wanted to be able to honour their sacrifices so it feels rewarding to know that I'm not only fulfilling my dream, but their dream as well," said Brown.

Brown is the daughter of a childcare provider and a chauffeur. Despite their financial constraints, her parents worked tirelessly to provide for her and her two older siblings.

"We didn't have much growing up, and we weren't well-off, but my parents worked really hard to ensure we had what we needed," Brown recalled.

Eager to make the most of their sacrifices, Brown excelled at St Andrew High School for Girls, graduating with nine Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects, all with grade one. She has been accepted to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science at The University of the West Indies.

"I believe Jamaica has a long way to go in terms of advancement. By studying computer science, I hope to contribute to the country's development, as technology is crucial for our progress," Brown explained.

Despite her enthusiasm, she faced the challenge of funding her studies.

"I honestly didn't know where the money would come from because my parents couldn't afford it. However, I was determined to find a way. I knew if I worked hard enough, I could secure a scholarship," she said.

Brown's hard work paid off when, last Wednesday, she was awarded a $500,000 scholarship from the Jamaica Public Service Foundation Power Up Scholarship Programme. She was one of 28 recipients and one of 10 first-year university students to receive the scholarship that is aimed at supporting studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

"I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity. I wanted to go straight to university after high school, and this scholarship is making that possible," Brown said.

The scholarship covers more than Brown's first-year tuition fee of $325,383. At the award ceremony held at Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St Andrew, Brown's mother, Jevan Clarke Brown, beamed with pride as her daughter's name was announced. Overwhelmed with emotion, Clarke Brown witnessed her daughter achieving a milestone that marked a significant shift in their family's history.

"I'm so proud of her. She worked hard and was very determined," Clarke Brown said through tears.

"It was ruff with me. Growing up, I didn't get to go to high school nor those things, so I try fi give them that education that I never get, and I try my best with them; and it feels good to see her up there," Clarke Brown said.