Here I seize the opportunity to celebrate my journey and it is a journey which deserves being celebrated for all that it has brought. My journey at COSTAATT has been in every sense a rewarding, educational and fulfilling experience.
It started in 2012. Back then, after much soul searching I knew what I wanted and it meant working towards that. Those that know me know quite well that ‘giving up’ never fits in my vocabulary and that instead you would find the words ‘determined’, ‘diligent’ and ‘persistent’. I wanted a career change and I wanted to pursue a field that I was very passionate about. It was a decision I thought about long and hard and it is a decision I can confidently say I have had no regrets about.
From the very beginning I was determined to embrace it for all that it was and I knew that my life was going to change. Mind you I was wondering how “Transforming Lives, Transforming Communities, Transforming the Nation, One Student at Time,” works at COSTAATT and I can say four years later I know now.
Along the way I met some really hardworking and dedicated lecturers and I made some really good friends. I found myself doing things I never thought I would be able to. More so, I did courses I never imagined myself doing but I am happy I did and I am a better person for it. At COSTAATT you need to work and this is something I am sure all COSTAATT students can agree with. If you don’t want to, then your reality is a rude awakening!
My first real interactions at COSTAATT came from my then Advisor, Ms Lynette Sampson and Mr Earl Best. Mr Best became my advisor after Ms Sampson left. They were two of my best lecturers and throughout my journey I was fortunate to have other hard working and dedicated lecturers.
Those lecturers I was fortunate to have are:
- Mr Joel Nanton
- Ms Michelle Mitchell
- Mr Kayode James
- Mr Michael Griffith
- Mr Roddy Batchasingh
- Mr Christian Dial
- Ms Julie Harris
- Mr Mark Wilson
- Ms Jada Lee Condappa-Lewis
- Mr Gabriel Woodham
- Mr Jason Charles
- Ms Candia James
- Mr Ashford Jackman
- Ms Michelle Wooding
- Ms Dionne Smith
- Ms Anisa Powder
- Mr Russell Dhalai
The hardworking Administrative Staff at the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies- Blossom, Jodene and Mitzy- was always helpful.
Though I was not the classes of either our Dean, Ms Clarinda Jack or the Chair- Communication Studies, Ms Sophia Edwards-Knox it was always a pleasure communicating with them and they were always helpful!
To everyone I have listed above and to those I may have forgotten, Thank You all!
From each class and each assignment I had I learnt something valuable. Many may ask how it was rewarding but this I can assure you is a question I can surely answer.
Here are some highlights:
Interesting Projects:
- My thesis: The accessibility of the Internet for persons with disabilities living in Trinidad and Tobago (with a focus on the visually impaired and those who have difficulties using their hands)
- A comparative analysis of the Media in New Zealand with the Media in Trinidad and Tobago
- Conducting an in-depth analysis for my Case Study on GlaxoSmithKline
- Developing a full Advertising Campaign in Mr Dhalai’s class using a Business Idea of my choice
Some fun times:
- Conducting interviews on Charlotte Street
- Singing a jingle for Swinger matches
- This was really bitter-sweet: Making a presentation using an Analysis of Ed Sheeran’s Song Thinking Out Loud. I was happy I was able to do it because on the morning of my presentation my Grandfather passed away. My presentation was based on the love he and my Grandma shared.
- Gathering information for my Advertising Campaign: I was able to contact individuals in various media houses and get a better sense of how things worked in the industry. This helped me decide what was best for the business idea I had chosen and it was an idea I loved.
Compared to where I was, I can surely say that I am more aware, I am more confident and I am better prepared.
Today, I can safely say that I am proud of who I am and where I am. Who would have thought it would be as it is now? I have grown in so many ways! I am confident; I have made the most of so many experiences.
My knowledge and experience have helped me create opportunities of my own. I have embraced all that has come my way and I will surely continue to do more of this as I move forward.
Just as I walked out of the graduation hall today I was greeted by a most pleasant surprise. Yes, I wasn’t expecting this but I am looking forward to it very much. Small though it may be it should be a start in the right direction!
What’s next? The next chapter of this incredible journey!
Celebrating Existence 