‘We are the future of healthcare’
Medical sciences, sports graduates urged to move full speed ahead to achieve professional success
Published:Monday | November 6, 2023 | 12:10 AM
As the first valedictorian from The University of the West Indies School of Nursing, Sadieka Smith was beaming with pride during one of the institution’s graduation ceremonies on Saturday.
She was addressing graduands of the faculties of medical sciences and sports.
Like all the other nursing graduands, Smith, who graduated with first-class honours, had participated in an ongoing, enthusiastic cheer for each nursing graduate who walked the stage to receive a degree.
The group ensured that they all felt acknowledged for their four years of hard work and dedication.
It was as though a deep-rooted connection had blossomed among the students during the course of their studies and they all became like family and developed a solid support system.
Among the nursing graduates were those who studied for a Bachelor of Surgery; Doctor of Dental Surgery; Bachelor of Basic Medical Sciences and Medical Sciences; Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Imaging (Radiography); Doctor of Pharmacy, and Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.
Smith, whose interest in healthcare was realised at a young age, as she enjoyed tending to the needs of the children in her Clarendon community of Palmers Cross, challenged the graduates to propel themselves full speed ahead in their professional lives to achieve success.
“Future nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, clinical pharmacists, radiographers, dentists, researchers and sports scientists, we are the future of health care, scientific research and sports, poised to shape the health and wellbeing of our region and beyond,” she declared.
Smith also discussed the significance of the UWI tent, which served as a venue for many final examinations, describing it as “an arena for battle, [and] a chamber of evaluation,” where students had to demonstrate their intellectual prowess.
She went on to describe how, on Saturday, the representation of that tent had transformed into what was now known as “a chamber of celebration”.
“We have proven that dreams can set sail, that education is a compass guiding our way and that our potential as explorers knows no bounds. We are the top 1.5 per cent in the world, possessing the incredible ability to heal, inspire, discover, improve performances and create profound change each and every day,” she said.
Hard work, perseverance
Smith, who is the second of four children, was raised by her single mother.
During her early years, she lived in an extended family household where she was taught the principles of hard labour, perseverance, and unwavering faith.
Utilising her abilities, Smith contributed of her time through service, among other things, as a member of the Teens Against Drugs Club.
Due to financial difficulties, her dream of one day becoming a medical professional was nearly dashed, and she considered enlisting in the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). Fate intervened while Smith was waiting for a panel interview after passing the JDF exam, her family, friends, offered financial assistance to continue her original path.
She took advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate her abilities and potential for success.
From her very first semester at The UWI, she consistently made the Dean’s List and the honour society. In 2022, her performance earned her the prestigious Sheryl Lopez Award for outstanding clinical performance and the title of most outstanding academic performer in the Bachelor of Science degree nursing programme.
Smith is the first person in her household to earn a degree.
Her ultimate ambition is to work as a family health practitioner and an entrepreneur.
“We are rooted in excellence, ready for the challenges and rising to make a lasting impact. Graduates, raise your canisters as a representation of the light rising from the West. Congratulations class of 2023,” Smith said, concluding her valedictory address.