Sadieka Smith
Sadieka Smith’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering faith. Hailing from Palmers Cross, Clarendon, Ms. Smith spent her formative years in an extended family home where she learned the values of hard work and perseverance. As the second of four children raised by her single mother, Ms. Smith’s passion for healthcare blossomed at an early age. She
enjoyed tending to the needs of the children in her community who sought help for their scraped knees and bruised elbows. This early calling was not just a personal aspiration; it became a beacon of hope and a promise to herself and her family to overcome any obstacles that came her way. From the outset, Ms. Smith understood that knowledge was the key to unlocking her dreams. It was this understanding, coupled with sheer determination that led her to this day. Her educational journey commenced at the Cross Primary and Junior High School, where she quickly gained a reputation as a dedicated and exceptionally bright student who made the principal’s honour roll. Ms. Smith gained a place at Vere Technical High School, where she continued her academic excellence. She consistently ranked among the top three students in each grade, and maintained her position on the principal’s honour roll. In addition to her academic pursuits, Ms. Smith was a model for service and leadership. She was a member of the Teens Against Drugs Club, a US Youth Ambassador, Form Prefect, and Student Council President. Her dream of entering the medical field was almost derailed due to financial constraints, and she flirted with the idea of joining the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JDF). She had already successfully passed the JDF’s exam and was awaiting a panel interview. But fate stepped in, and with the support of family, friends, and financial aid, Ms. Smith continued on her original path. She successfully applied to The UWI, where from her very first semester she consistently made the Dean’s List and the honour society. In 2022, her performance earned her the prestigious Sheryl Lopez Award for Outstanding Clinical Performance and the title of Most Outstanding Academic Performer in the BScN Program. Additionally, she served as an integral member of her class’s Executive Body.
Ms. Smith achieved a significant milestone when she became
72 | The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
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