Out of several applicants vying for the coveted scholarship, emerged someone’s dream, a prestigious opportunity, a financial blessing but most importantly an answered prayer for Sonya Thompson. Stemming from poverty, she was determined not to allow her situation to hinder her success. So throughout her childhood she remained focused and was determined to pursue any career that would give her that financial stability to assist her family.

Mathematics became her love, as she exceled continuously in that field the higher she climbed in the educational ladder. Not only did she impart her knowledge with students she assisted, but she also displayed her keen eye and awareness in the financial institutions where she worked for summer internships.

This is where her desire to become an actuary was birthed. Handling challenges, managing risks, preventing loss is what Sonya does best. Her deepest desire is to see Jamaica’s economy in a stable enough position that even the low income earners can afford life insurance. Sonya is currently in her second year at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, pursuing her Bachelor’s in Actuarial Science and intends to attain a Master’s degree in Economics.

A presentation of this monetary grant was presented to the beaming Ms Thompson on October 16, 2015 by our President Eric Hosin. Also present were representatives from the Mona Campus:

• Prof. Ishenkumba Kahwa – Deputy Principal, UWI Mona Campus;
• Dr. Novlette Saddler-McKnight – Dean’s Representative, Faculty of Science and Technology;
• Mrs. Beverly Hunter – Admin. Officer with responsibility for donor-sponsored scholarships, OBUS;
• Ms. Vinessa Henry – Admin. Assistant, Office of the Board for Undergraduate Studies (OBUS);
• Mrs. Janet Grant – Administrative Officer, OBUS; Ms Carlene Davidson – Sonya’s mom;
• and Miss Tiffany Nicholson her close friend.

Sonya is truly appreciative of this award and promises to continue striving for higher achievements. As she constantly reiterates “my destination, not my situation”, her determination is to never give up on her dreams. She was the first child out of her six siblings to reach tertiary level education and intends to break the cycle of poverty! As the Bible says “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”