Jamaican youth overcomes setbacks to secure Commonwealth scholarship

Kenloy Smith, a 26-year-old linguistics and language education graduate, has navigated an extraordinary journey marked by academic success, personal trials, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

In a recent interview, Smith shared his experiences growing up in rural Jamaica, overcoming mental health challenges, and eventually securing a prestigious Commonwealth scholarship to study at the University College London.

Smith's story begins in Williamsfield, St Elizabeth, where he was raised by parents with starkly different personalities -- his introverted, Adventist father and his extroverted, Revivalist mother. Despite these differences, his upbringing was filled with love and support, fuelling his academic ambition from an early age.

"I always loved art and wanted to get more involved in that, but I was very academic," Smith shared. "Academics was a safe space because when you're smart, people treat you with more respect."

Smith excelled in his studies, becoming deputy head boy at Black River High School. He continued his academic journey at The University of the West Indies (UWI), where he pursued a double major in linguistics and language education. His time at UWI was marked by leadership roles and participating in cultural activities like elocution and dance. However, the pressures of over-involvement soon caught up with him.

"I did feel like I didn't take care of myself as much as I should have. I was very tired, very burnt out. I remember running from event to event, studying, rehearsing, and not having time to rest," Smith recalled.

In the midst of this demanding schedule, Smith experienced a mental health crisis which led to his hospitalsation.

"It was, honestly, the most embarrassing thing," he admitted. "I felt like I let down my parents, my friends. One minute I was on top of my game, and the next, I was admitted and couldn't even contact anyone."

Despite the setback, Smith's faith, family, and community helped him recover. In less than a month, he returned to his home in St Elizabeth, where he focused on regaining his health. With the support of his family, friends, and church community, he embarked on a slow but steady recovery.

"I gained some weight, stopped dancing, and found it hard to focus. But my family and church stood by me. Small steps, like early-morning walks and fasting, helped me get back on track," he said.

In 2020, Smith accepted a teaching position at Roger Clarke High School. His passion for education, particularly gender studies, was deepened through the various interactions with his students. His passion for understanding gender issues, especially the challenges facing boys and men in Jamaica, became a primary focus.

"I've seen first-hand how boys and men, especially in rural Jamaica, struggle and I want to find solutions," he told THE STAR.

Earlier this year, Smith was granted the Commonwealth scholarship to study at the University College London. Now settled in the United Kingdom, Smith reflects on the love and support he has received from his community, both in Jamaica and abroad. He feels that the sacrifices he made for his students are now being rewarded.

"People a tek care a mi. Mi get curry chicken back fi eat, people a gi mi money, and tek mi out pon tour. It feel like all di love mi give mi students an' all di sacrifice, mi a reap now."

For Smith, the journey from St. Elizabeth to London has been marked by determination, faith, and an unwavering sense of purpose. As he continues his studies, one thing is clear -- he's not just paving the way for his future, but for the boys and young men of Jamaica who look up to him.

"I'm owning my space," Smith affirmed. "I'm taking up space, and I'm going to use my education to make a real impact. Helping our males directly help our females."