I think In the life of any student, being awarded a scholarship is a big deal as it not only indicates a belief in one’s potential but it is also an investment in one’s future. Being the recipient of the Granville Marsh Scholarship in 2019 was an exciting and memorable time for me. I remember the day as if it were yesterday, when I received the good news. I was holidaying in Manchester with my family, trying to unwind after the vigours and stress of preparing for and sitting the newly introduced PEP Exams. I was in earshot when my mom received a call and was talking excitedly on the phone. When the call concluded, she turned to me with a big grin on her face and declared, “You have won a scholarship!”.
I was excited and amazed, to say the least. “But I did not apply for a scholarship”, I replied.
Everything became clearer when I received a formal congratulatory letter from the Seprod Foundation. Turned out that they were awarding a top performing male and female in the PEP Exams from the parish of St. Thomas, a 5 year scholarship for high school. Another student Kyle Mignott and myself fell into that category.
This was then followed by an invitation and attendance to the award ceremony, the following October. Attending this ceremony to receive this award continues to be a great and special memory for me.
The Granville Marsh Scholarship Grant is given in honour of Seprod’s longest serving director at the time, Granville Marsh, and offers financial assistance to awardees for five years given that they maintain a high level of academic performance.
Being awarded the Granville Marsh Scholarship has been an empowering experience for me, both academically and personally. It has not only provided financial support but it has also boosted my confidence in a big way as it has showed me that I am capable of achieving my academic goals. Knowing that an esteemed organization such as Seprod recognized and supported my academic endeavors has been incredibly validating. It has motivated me to strive for excellence and has reaffirmed my belief in the importance of hard work and perseverance.
I am currently awaiting my CSEC results and will be continuing to 6th form at Morant Bay High School and as I reflect on the journey that has led me to this point, I am filled with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. I am very thankful that I was given the opportunity to benefit from the scholarship and I hope that future recipients will carry their achievement with a sense of pride, just as I did.
Thank you Seprod for the motivation to continue to work hard, for believing in my potential and for investing in my future and the future of the young people of Jamaica.
Yemisi Rowe, July 2024