GoodHeart | Kanya Jackson-Taylor’s pursuit of excellence

Pursuing a degree is challenging, and for Kanya Jackson-Taylor, it has been even harder as she navigated grief and loss. Despite these challenges, she earned the 2024 Kenneth Chung Memorial Accounting Scholarship. A young widow, single mother, small business owner, and full-time student, Jackson-Taylor has shown that faith, perseverance, and a clear vision can help overcome life’s obstacles.

Born and raised in Westmoreland, her early years were shaped by a modest background. From a young age, she understood the importance of self-reliance and education.

“Growing up in a household where finances were always a concern, I knew that if I wanted to change my circumstances, it was going to be up to me. I took on a full-time job while pursuing my first degree to ensure I could afford tuition and support myself,” Jackson-Taylor recalled.

Kanya Jackson-Taylor’s accounting journey began with a five-year stint in Kingston, where she completed her first degree in accounting while balancing a full-time job. Afterward, she returned to Westmoreland to pursue a post graduate diploma in education and training.

In 2021, her life took a tragic turn when her husband passed away. As a single mother raising three children, she was determined to provide them with a better life. Moving to Kingston became a pivotal decision in her journey.

“After the loss, my sister suggested that I move back to Kingston to explore better opportunities. It wasn’t a hard decision to make, but it was daunting. I had to figure out how to make it work for my children and myself,” Jackson-Taylor said.

Life, as it often does, threw unexpected challenges in her path. Within weeks of relocating, Kanya’s car was stolen, and not long after, their house was broken into, leaving them temporarily homeless.

“It was a lot to handle all at once. But in those moments, I reminded myself that God doesn’t give us more than we can bear. We had each other, and we had faith. That was enough to get us through.”

Despite these setbacks, she remained undeterred and found a safe place for her family to stay, ensuring that her children were enrolled in schools nearby.

“It was a difficult time, but through it all, I trusted that everything would eventually work out. Life has a way of teaching you strength in ways you never expected.”

In the face of these challenges, she remained resolute in her decision to stay in Kingston to pursue her master’s in accounting, knowing it was the opportunity to fulfil a long-held dream. And, in 2023, Jackson-Taylor received an unexpected opportunity.

“A particular incident in June reminded me just how much I needed to complete my education. Without hesitation, I submitted my application to the MSc programme at MSBM and was accepted just weeks before the start of the term. I knew that this was the opportunity I had been waiting for,” Jackson-Taylor explained.

Setting an example

For her, the pursuit of education is about more than just personal achievement. It’s about setting an example for her children and showing them that no dream is too big. “My children are my biggest motivation and cheerleaders. They keep me grounded and focused,” she said with a smile. “They inspire me to push harder, to be better, and to never give up.”

This unwavering dedication to her family and education was recently recognised when Kanya was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Kenneth Chung Memorial Accounting Scholarship. The award is given to a second-year student of the MSc in Accounting programme at the Mona School of Business and Management at The University of the West Indies and has demonstrated financial need.

She voiced her gratitude, saying, “This award means that a significant financial burden has been lifted. Now, I can focus on my studies without the constant worry about how I’ll pay for the remainder of the course. It’s a blessing, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity.”

Eric Scott, president of the ICAJ, expressed his admiration for Jackson-Taylor’s resilience, “Kanya exemplifies the qualities we value in the accounting profession – dedication, resilience, and a commitment to excellence,” he said. “She is an incredibly deserving recipient of the Kenneth Chung Memorial Accounting Scholarship, and we are proud to support her journey.”

Meanwhile, at the handover ceremony, Dennis Chung, representing the Chung Family, shared some inspiring words for Jackson-Taylor.

“ You’re entering a very noble profession. It’s a profession that values ethics above all else. You can’t be a great accountant, no matter how knowledgeable, without a strong moral compass. This, perhaps, is the most important qualification of an accountant. So I want to congratulate you on this award ... this recognition affirms that you are someone deserving of it, someone who is stepping into a profession that holds great integrity and purpose.”