FINDING SUCCESS WITH STUDENT SERVICES —A Student Story
Indies. Luckily, I learned about UWI’s many programmes and avenues of support.
The following is a true story submitted to the Division for Student Support and Development (DSDD). The student has asked to remain anonymous, but their experience is not unique. “I grew up in very humble beginnings in a slum in Trinidad. My childhood was very difficult. In primary school, I remember the principal calling my class to her office to speak with us about SEA (the Secondary Entrance Assessment). She told us to not choose too many “top schools” as children from our school don’t really pass for “top schools”. My parents recognised my potential and put top schools anyway. Eventually, I passed for my first choice—the first person to do so from my community in years. However, secondary school had new obstacles, such as navigating the elite status quo of my school while I personally battled with poverty, a mood disorder, ADHD, a tumultuous household, and many other challenges. Despite the challenges, CSEC was a breeze. CAPE—not so much. While preparing for CAPE exams in Form 6, I was struggling with many depressive episodes, familial abandonment and much more. Thus, university was the last thing on my mind. I figured once I was finished with Form 6, I would need to work full time and figure out how to support myself all on my own as I would not be able to afford university. I wasn’t aware of the opportunities available to me at The University of the West
Upon applying, The UWI community immediately embraced and supported me. I was provided with living accommodation, countless resources, and even very helpful academic advice. Once I became a student, I felt very at home. I made friends from all walks of life and I have a new outlook on life. I was supported in every way—financially with a scholarship, emotionally through CAPS (UWI’s Counselling and Psychological Services), academically by way of amazing lecturers, tutors and even academic accommodation from the SLDD (Student Life and Development Department), and physically through UWI’s Health Services Unit on campus. At the health clinic, I would receive free personal medical attention whenever I needed it.
Thanks to the support from the UWI, I am currently a full-time student and the experience has changed my life for the better.”
Profits from the annual Carnival fete and other events hosted by the UWI Endowment Fund go directly to students in need, in the form of scholarships and bursaries, but the Campus provides several other support services. To find how you can support a student, contact STA-Marketing.Communications@sta.uwi.edu
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