An 11-year test of faith

It took Amoy Bennett more than a decade to complete her degree in early childhood education from the Church Teachers’ College in Manchester.

However, she views those years as a test of her commitment and faith, which she now hopes to use as a testimony and inspiration to others whose dreams of academic achievement are being delayed.

“Continue to push on. Through the grace of God, I finished, so (you) can go through as well,” Bennett emphasised.

During her first year of school in 2013, her mother, who had been battling bone marrow cancer, died. The elder of two daughters said her mother shared her hope that her children would pursue higher education, but after her death, Bennett said she was left with no choice but to take a leave of absence from school at the end of her first year because she was no longer able to afford it.

The Greenvale resident said she tried to put herself in a better position financially to restart school but faced many challenges.

Her rural community in Manchester had a stigma attached to it because of frequent acts of violence that occurred there, so it was difficult to get a job using her home address.

She became an entrepreneur and opened a shop. She also got the opportunity to travel to Trinidad and Tobago, where she worked as a kitchen attendant in a restaurant and a store clerk for six months before returning to Jamaica. Eventually, using the address of her aunt, who lived in another community, she was able to secure a job as a store clerk.

COMFORTABLE WITH JOB

As she started working and earning, Bennett admits that she became “comfortable”, but her aunt encouraged her to resume school, which she did in 2017.

However, a near tragedy struck. She was hospitalised after she was stabbed in an incident. Her financial issues returned, and she had to sit out again.

“But the thing is, I had completed second year and third year, so I had only fourth year, my final year, to complete,” she said.

Although she was hesitant at first, in 2021, she decided to take a student loan to cover her tuition.

“I was trying my best to avoid student loan so I wouldn’t have it to pay back, but at the same time it is really helpful. And I would encourage any young person who wants to pursue their career, if you do not have the money, you can try student loan,” she said.

During her fourth year, she got another job but still had some outstanding courses, which she was able to complete while working.

After 11 years, on Sunday, she was among the 706 students from teachers’ colleges across the island to participate in a graduation ceremony held at The University of the West Indies, Mona.

Reflecting, 32-year-old Bennett said she felt grateful to the many people who supported her throughout the years and to God, who has carried her through.

“I cannot take any credit for any of this – this is all God. That’s all I can say. He gave me the strength to go through all of this. I would encourage [persons to] keep your head above the water no matter what. No matter how hard it gets, keep your head above the water. Crying, keep your head above the water, keep your head above the water. Happy, whatever the situation is, keep your head above the water,” she said.

DISCOURAGED

Bennett said there were numerous times when she became discouraged.

“At one point I even find myself asking God, what is my purpose? When is it going to be my time? I keep going to school and stopping. When is it going to be my time?” she said.

However, not only did she want to fulfil her promise to her mother, but she felt purpose driven in her goal of becoming an early childhood teacher.

“In early childhood education, it brings out the creativity that I have within me. It allows me to meet some wonderful children from they are small. You get to interact with them, and you get to watch them grow,” she said.

“I like it, and I am doing great at it in all. So you see, everything worked out. Everything worked out in God’s favour,” she added.

sashana.small@gleanerjm.com