The art of never giving up - Policewoman finds success after working through teenage pregnancy

Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Becoming pregnant at age 13 did not prevent Shermin Green from being among Northern Caribbean University's (NCU) graduating class of 2009.

Born in Hammerton district, St Ann, Green is currently a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and has been for the last 12 years.

According to her, the journey to this point has been filled with trials.

"I got pregnant as a 13-year-old while attending the Alexandria Secondary School in St Ann. However, I got a second lease on life and made very good use of it, and now realise that it was a journey well worth it,'' Green told The Gleaner.

Crisis Centre

With a shy-looking smile peeking from her lips, the detective said that second chance came when she took her baby to the Alexandria clinic.

"My aunt went to the clinic after I took the baby there and told her of the Women's Crisis Centre. After attending classes for six months, I went to Brown's Town Secondary and completed grade 10 and 11,'' Green said.

The detective said her thirst for knowledge led her to the Brown's Town Community College where she completed other subjects.

"During this time, I had to do domestic work to take care of my child and to sustain me throughout. Although my mother was angry at me, she, along with teachers, encouraged me along the way, '' the constable said.

Wanting to prove to herself that she was not a failure, she started in the HEART/Trust NTA's on-the-job training programme, which landed her at Charley's Windsor House in Brown's Town.

Not satisfied

"I did this job for three years while awaiting a call from the Jamaica Constabulary Force and was doing quite well in the accounts payable department; however, I was called for training and started April 9, 1997,'' she said.

Even after being posted at the Mobile Reserve, Trelawny, and the St Catherine South divisions, Green was not satisfied.

Thus, she headed back to school, finding her way to NCU, where she completed a bachelor's degree.

"The ultimate dream was when I walked up and realised that I was really among the graduating class with a bachelor's degree in business administration. The only place to go now is for the master's,'' Green, who still yearns for more, told The Gleaner.