Kameika Robinson Reigns as Queen of History

Kameika Robinson, the 17-year-old student from The Queen's School, has dominated the regional rankings for Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) History Unit 1 examinations for the 2017-2018 academic year.

From a cohort of hundreds of students around the Caribbean, Robinson has topped the rankings of a subject widely regarded as a particularly challenging one.

Jamaica has not had a student ranking first place in this subject for the past five years.

Additionally, Robinson's tenacity paid dividends in this year's examinations as she also placed sixth in the Caribbean for CAPE Law Unit 1.

Having secured regional placements in CAPE, it is not surprising that Robinson achieved all ones for the four subjects she sat.

Robinson's choice of subjects underpins her desire to be an impactful human rights lawyer who demonstrates a devotion to effective advocacy.

 

ULTIMATE ASPIRATION

 

This former valedictorian is described by her peers as passionate, highly motivated, and charismatic.

Her success is driven by a longing to uplift the financial situation of her household.

She shared, "My ultimate aspiration in life is to be better than my parents were" in order to "make my parents proud and, most importantly, myself proud".

She revealed how difficult it is to attend school and how sometimes it would be easier for her to stay at home. She said, "Sometimes my parents don't have it and instead of just sitting at home because of that, I decided that I am going to school nonetheless because I have to beat this struggle."

Robinson achieved her goals, to date, by pursuing a multifaceted approach of listening to her teacher's advice, consulting different sources, and reading widely. Her approach to studying involves revising as often as possible at the end of each day to avoid the dire trap of exam "cramming".

 

... Top CAPE history student balances her time well

 

Topping the region in Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) History is no easy feat, but Kameika Robinson did not achieve this milestone just by being a bookworm. The Queen's School scholar balances her studies with a raft of extra-curricular activities.

She actively serves as president of her school's students' council, president of the Debating Society, vice-president of the Environmental Club, secretary of the Junior Optimist International, vice-president of the Media Club, and a member of the Key Club.

Asked how she juggles all of these portfolios, Robinson shared with a smile: "There is not a day that I go home early. I come to school extremely early in the mornings and I leave extremely late, so a lot of people tend to say that I am the security guard."

She further explained that extra-curricular activities like debating helped to equip her with the confidence necessary for her achievement. Robinson also noted that efficient time-management skills and self-control contributed to her success.

The young lady also highlighted the support she receives from family, friends, and her history teacher, Ms Haye.

"My teachers went above and beyond [the call of duty] to make sure that even if we did not possess the books, we could still have access through the Internet, photocopying, or book loans," she said.

Giving advice to persons sitting the exams next year, Robinson reasoned: "When the student has a passion for the subject and the teacher has a passion, passing is inevitable. Failure is not an option."

Robinson further encourages and challenges students to take history, follow their teachers' advice, remain focused, while limiting procrastination and ultimately, develop a thirst for knowledge.