Triumphant Trevisa aces CSEC

Sleepless nights, holiday classes, and consistent reading were the ingredients used by Trevisa Bryan in her stew of success.

Rejoicing in her recent success in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, the 17-year-old student credits God for His help.

"It is said that God helps those who help themselves, so I dedicated myself to studying hard, putting in some overtime, and I always pray. I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve out of high school and I didn't let anything or anyone stop me from achieving it. I have always been a high achiever, and I lived up to my reputation," Trevisa said.

The Morant Bay High School student said she was raised by her single mother and things were never as easy as they seemed.

"My parents split when I was five years old, so my mother played both roles. She had three children to fend for. It was a bit difficult due to financial problems. I was denied certain school supplies because of this issue. Things got harder when my aunt passed in 2008 and my mother had to take on the responsibilities of her two children," said Trevisa, adding that they accepted their cousins and willingly shared the little they had.

Good deeds seemingly go unnoticed as help was on its way for the high achiever.

She told The Gleaner: "In 2010, I received the Paul Bogle Scholarship from the Caribbean Education Foundation, which eased the pressure, and through the grace of God, I was able to meet its standard every year."

When Trevisa analysed her family's situation, she knew she had to do well, even if it meant denying herself some of the pleasures her peers were enjoying.

"My books were my best friend and still are. I was not as outgoing as others but that doesn't mean I didn't want to be. However, I knew I had to study and put my work first in order to achieve something out of life. I also knew that the things of this world would be around for a mighty long time, so I put education first. Many of us are tempted each day, but the main goal is to stay focused despite what is going on around us," advised the young visionary.

despite circumstances

She continued: "I saw children of all ages on the streets daily walking and becoming what they saw around them. I didn't want to spend my life doing that or begging, and the only way was to get educated. My mother believes that children should go to school every day despite circumstances. She worked hard to send us to school and to ensure we did our best. She's my inspiration. My mother was always there for me, and she made sure I stayed focused. I didn't want my mom to see me not achieving in school. I wanted to make something of myself and I know God is always here for me, so there was no need to give up."

Now the proud holder of nine grade ones and a grade two in the CSEC exams, Trevisa is happy to reveal that her expectations were met.

"I was travelling to Kingston when I heard the grades and I smiled. I was really happy to know that I did well. I ultimately aimed to please my family and myself. They didn't expect failure from me, and I didn't either," she told The Gleaner.

With hopes of becoming a medical scientist or an information technologist, she shared an important point, "preparation is key."

"Study long before the examination to be on top of things. Be serious about school and about learning as other things will come later. Study hard, stay focused, and make yourself, along with others, proud. Don't be a victim of "if me did know," Trevisa implored.