Jamaican-American teen focused on giving back, preserving her heritage

From age 15, Jamaican-American student Jadyn Sinclair has distinguished herself among her peers, being the youngest ever vice-president of the student government at the Bronx High School of Science in New York City – a predominantly Caucasian/Asian institution – before later becoming its first black student to be elected president.

At the same time, Jadyn also served as president of the Black Student Union and, in her final year, co-founded a mentorship programme for Black and Latinx (a gender neutral term for people of Latin origin) students, an ambitious initiative that drew questions from some who wondered why she would undertake such a major project so close to graduation.

“It’s something that I felt I could have used when I was in first or second year, and I was hoping to leave a lasting impact and start something that could grow and evolve for years to come, that would have an effect on both the younger and older students,” she explained.

She noted that they were able to host workshops and events and invite speakers, adding that, even after her graduation, she has seen the current leadership continue to grow and develop the programme.

“I have always believed that one of the best things one can do is give back and be able to use what one has gone through and experienced and be able to help other people. Mentorship for me has just come very naturally, and it’s just something that I believe that everyone should try to involve themselves.”

In sports, she was a member of the volleyball team, captain of the junior varsity team, and manager of the gymnastic team. These leadership positions also provided her with opportunities for mentorship.

Jadyn went on to win the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (UJAA) Essay Competition last year, which earned her a prize trip to Jamaica. During her visit, the now 18-year-old paid a courtesy call on Hugh Miller, acting general manager of the JN Financial Group, at the JN Group Corporate Offices recently.

Accompanied by her father, Paul Sinclair, the visit served to deepen her connection with the culture she so vividly captured in her writing.

Reflecting on her decision to enter the competition, Jadyn shared that the opportunity to experience Jamaica through the prize trip inspired her to participate, despite her regular visits to the island.

“I never expect to win. I was pleasantly surprised. I was excited,” she said, recalling the announcement of her win during a virtual ceremony.

“Writing this essay didn’t feel difficult, because it was my life experience, something that was familiar to me. A lot were things that were natural to me and that I’ve gone through my day-to-day growing up,” she explained.

STRENGTHENING CONNECTION TO JAMAICA

Now in its 35th year, the UJAA is a non-profit umbrella organisation representing more than 60 alumni associations of Jamaican schools and educational institutions in the United States. The competition encourages high-school seniors of Jamaican heritage to explore identity, culture, and personal experiences, while strengthening their connection to Jamaica.

Jadyn, who is currently pursuing undergraduate studies at Brown University, plans to study Human Biology or Public Health, and is a scholar in the Brown’s Programme for Liberal Medical Education, granting her direct admission into Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School.

Born American, in her essay, she reflects on being raised in a Jamaican household in the United States, where culture was deeply embedded in everyday life.

“Their Patois came through the moment they arrived home. They routinely made cultural dishes for any meal of the day and would tell us stories about their childhood in Jamaica before bedtime. They didn’t just preserve their culture, they lived it, and, by doing so, they passed it on to me and my brother in the most natural way possible: through love, food, language, and music,” she wrote.

“These lived experiences have taught me that the best of both worlds is the balance between Jamaican rootedness and American possibility. The ways I embrace my Jamaican heritage while being born and raised in the United States are what make me the unique individual I am today,” she added.

The Jamaica National Group, which places strong emphasis on youth development, education, and engagement with the diaspora, has supported the UJAA for close to two decades by hosting the annual visit of the essay winner.

Miller noted that Jadyn’s essay resonated deeply with the organisation’s values and encouraged her to remain grounded as she advances in her academic journey.

“Be mindful of your surroundings and the people you keep around you. As you go through this new season in college, be true to yourself,” he advised.

“You are ahead of the average person in having a sense of direction so early, and that is a very good place to be. You are a leader in your generation, even if it may not be obvious to you right now,” he added.