11-y-o conquers discrimination, racism to excel in academics, sports

WESTERN BUREAU:

With just two words as his source of inspiration, 11-year-old Mikhel Kai Brown was able to overcome an early life marred by trials, racism, and discrimination to triumph in both academics and sports.

The Top Boy at Santa Cruz Prep, St Elizabeth, copped a staggering 13 awards at his recent graduation and will walk through the doors of Munro College in September, having passed his Primary Exit Profile exams to attend his high school of choice.

The articulate and poised young man moved to Jamaica from the United Kingdom with his Jamaican mother just two years ago during the turbulent COVID-19 pandemic. The move came with its fair share of difficulties as Mikhel had to adapt to a new education system and acclimatise to cultural differences. Being just nine years old at the time, he faced challenges in several subjects due to different teaching techniques and the unfamiliar patois.

“Certain things like social studies and general knowledge, I had a hard time learning because I had just got there. They had different techniques in mathematics, and the language was also kind of hard for me to understand,” he shared.

Yet, Mikhel’s tenacity knew no bounds. With the support of his family and the guidance of his teachers, he overcame these hurdles and soon began to thrive academically.

One person, in particular, played a pivotal role in Mikhel’s success. His physical education teacher, Novel Forbes, saw the potential in Mikhel early on and encouraged him with words that made a lasting impact. He referred to Mikhel as a “general” and “champion”, which ignited a fire within the young man’s heart.

With this, the youngster embraced a newfound passion for sports, particularly football, and honed his skills on the field. His hard work and perseverance bore fruit as he went on to be awarded the top footballer in the school. And he didn’t stop there. His excellence also extended to academics and music, particularly, drumming.

High expectations

Reflecting on his accomplishments, Mikhel remarked: “I expected something high, you know. I have high expectations of myself.”

His confidence was not misplaced as during the graduation ceremony, Mikhel stood out among his peers, receiving impressive awards and accolades, including recognition for outstanding performance in mathematics, drumming, football, music, and a Certificate of Distinction for Outstanding Achievement in Grade 10.

In a world where young minds may have been overwhelmed by the transition, Mikhel expressed his excitement about the relocation. Understandably so, as he confided that while in England, he experienced painful racism and discrimination from teachers and other children, which affected his interest in school.

Today, when asked about his next chapter - going to Munro College, one of the top high schools in the country - Mikhel gleefully shared: “I feel proud of myself. I feel prestigious.”

Speaking with his mother, Dr Ava Brown, who is an inspirational figure herself, said it was evident that their unwavering support for each other has made a tremendous impact on Mikhel’s life. As a trained teacher, author, speaker, and farmer, she has been a force in nurturing her son’s aspirations.

The family’s decision to move to Jamaica was driven by her desire to reconnect with their Jamaican roots. She emphasised the importance of family connections and that she sought to provide her son with a wholesome environment despite the opposition she received from a close relative who was adamant that the Jamaican education and healthcare systems were mediocre and that the move would not do the youngster any good.

“One of the reasons this is so great is that [I was told] the Jamaican education system was rubbish. And here he is, proving the naysayers wrong,” she said.

Excited about her son’s newfound love for music, sports, and academics, Brown expressed her gratitude for the indelible mark Coach Forbes has made on Mikhel. In a heartfelt letter to the teacher, the mother wrote: “As a parent, it brings me immense joy and pride to witness my son’s growth under your guidance. Your dedication to shaping the minds and hearts of your students is truly admirable, and I am forever grateful for the influence you have had on Mikhel’s educational journey here in Jamaica.”

As Mikhel looks to the future, his ambitions remain high with his sights set on becoming a professional footballer and potentially playing for England.

Through his journey, he has proven that with hard work, dedication, and a strong support system, even the seemingly insurmountable barriers can be overcome.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com