Lowe, Davis not worried about studying in US

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, student athletes say they are remaining positive about attending school in the United States (US).

Former Kingston College long jumper Shacquille Lowe, who will be attending Mississippi State University, is looking forward to taking advantage of his new experiences despite the pandemic.

“It’s not really a problem for me to attend university in the States while COVID is happening because it has always been my goal to attend school there,” Lowe said.

“I know the pandemic will be rough for others, but I think I can tough it out.”

Former Edwin Allen High School sprinter Kevona Davis said that the constant motivation from her family and friends is the main reason she has been able to remain calm and keep a positive mindset.

“A lot of people from my school call me just to check up and offer words of encouragement by saying it’s a new beginning, a new year to be extraordinary,” Davis said.

“I keep positive people around, and I have the confidence that I will make it despite what is going on in the States.”

Lowe agreed and said that his coaches have been keeping in touch with him daily to check on his health and to reassure him that his safety is most important during his stay in the United States.

“The coaches at Mississippi State reach out to me almost every day to ensure I’m keeping safe by wearing my mask and following protocols,” Lowe said.

“My coaches are very keen with all the safety regulations I’ll need to follow when I start school.”

Davis, who will be attending the University of Texas, said that they have also made sure she is informed on the protocols that they have put in place to keep her in good health.

Focused on the future

The ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships, the Carifta Games, and the World Athletics Under-20 Championships were some of the youth track and field events that took major hits because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This affected many athletes globally, especially mentally.

Lowe said that he was anticipating his last year of competing for Kingston College and that he would have loved to be able to represent his country. However, he has made it his duty to keep a positive attitude towards his future.

“You have to focus, however, on the new mission, which is college, and try to achieve what you wanted in 2020 in the upcoming season and aim higher,” he said.

Davis is also looking forward to a positive outcome in her academic year, as well as her upcoming track and field season.

“For school, I just tell myself that it is another year, another grade, and a new opportunity to perform better than the year before,” Davis said.

- Athena Clarke