Cyan Sylvester
What were your goals while you were a student at Providence and what steps did you take in order to achieve these goals?
My goals as a student at Providence were to, do my very best to learn and to be a person that students could look up to just as I have looked up to certain students before me as well as my peers.
How did you keep yourself motivated during tough times during your time as a student?
I prayed immensely, I always asked God to lead me through every exam and every achievement that I have attained. I also looked up my role models who always reminded me that I needed to work hard, through their actions and who gave me motivation by encouraging me.
Tell us about your study habits. Did you have any kind of special schedule and did you attend any extra lessons outside of school?
I could never stick to a specific study schedule, however check lists worked really well for me, from homework, to labs or studying, I always tried to get everything done even if it did not happen the very same day.
How did you balance your social life with your education goals?
My education goals always came first, I’m a homebody so it was not hard for me to balance the two as I did not go out often, but when I did that just meant I had to ensure my work was done before or right after.
Did you have a lot of support from your family? Describe your support system and its importance in you attaining your goals.
Yes, they constantly ensured I had what I needed as well as reminded me that I had the ability to attain my goals. They were a key part in praying and manifesting this moment.
Do you have any advice for your younger peers at Providence?
My advice for my younger peers is firstly to work hard for “you”, we all have the ability to do well and the hard work comes in getting to that point. Its being able to put your energy into your goals and manifest it.
Shannia Rattan
What were your goals while you were a student at Providence and what steps did you take in order to achieve these goals?
Firstly, during my time at Providence I always aspired to do my best and finish with good grades to make everyone proud. Never did I believe that I could attain a scholarship, although people believed it for me. However, in order to achieve the goals that I had set for myself, I studied hard, put in extra time to do extra work and pushed myself. If I got a mark that dissatisfied me, that further fueled me to work harder to improve. Lastly, but not least, prayer was such an important factor in helping me reach these goals. Without God I would not have what I do today.
How did you keep yourself motivated during tough times during your time as a student?
As a student, there were many ups and downs. I remember during my advanced level classes especially,there were moments where I wanted to give up and crack due to feeling frustrated, however, I used to keep reminding myself that it would all be worth it. This kept me motivated.
Tell us about your study habits. Did you have any kind of special schedule and did you attend any extra lessons outside of school?
With regards to study patterns, I never really had a cemented one. I just used to sit and do what I had to do, homework, IA's, revision; whatever I had the energy to do. I would start with homework, then IA's or past papers, revision of the day's work and a quick read ahead (all from various books ) of the following chapters for whatever was scheduled to be taught the next day. This happened every day. Sometimes I refused to eat dinner or even take a break because I felt like that time could have been spent studying ( this was unhealthy, I know ) but my mentality was , " I need to get this done." Light music in the background helped some days, other days, pulling "all nighters" were the way I got things done. Furthermore, I rarely attended outside lessons. I attended add math lessons in form 5 and accounting unit 1 lessons in upper 6 as a refresher course since I was redoing that exam. However, from forms 4-6 I did attend french classes because I undertook an extra subject at both the CSEC and CAPE levels ( French). The workload of an additional subject was never a burden to me because it was something I truly loved.
How did you balance your social life with your education goals?
During the period form 4-6, I rarely went out or engaged in social activities with my friends. I usually always had my French classes on those days that an event was taking place; they were on saturday's for 3 hours, so I always made the sacrifice my weekend to attend my classes and skip the events. Familial events that took place away from home saw me taking my books or laptop and doing work there; those that took place at home found me either studying or having done all my work beforehand so I could spend some time relaxing at the events.
Did you have a lot of support from your family? Describe your support system and its importance in you attaining your goals.
My family was always a strong support system for me during this time. My parents always supported my decisions and walked with me every step of the way. My dad always made the time to take me to my classes on weekends and even leave work early to take me to my accounting classes, where he'd wait in the car sometimes 3 or more hours for me to finish. My mom always stood by me, especially those times where I'd refuse to eat as aforementioned, she'd bring me dinner in my room and even feed me! She also used to bring me nourishing snacks and drinks to feed my brain while studying. They always provided everything I needed for school, spent late nights and early mornings with me so much thanks to them!! Credit is also due to my teachers, certain ones who used to take the time to sit with me, listen to me if I ever had a dilemma, personal problem, needed assistance or words of encouragement. They also played a key role in my development and getting me to where I am today.
Do you have any advice for your younger peers at Providence?
For my younger peers at Providence, I say, work hard, persevere and most importantly always pray and have faith in God. He will get you through it, no matter what form you are in right now or whatever course of study you are currently undergoing and He will continue to do so in the future for you. Review what you did for the day, read ahead, do past papers and use the resources available to you to their fullest potential. Hard work and sacrifice will prove itself at the end and you will feel so great to know that you did it and triumphed; its such a rewarding feeling.
