Students turn teachers

Krysta Anderson, Gleaner writer

Strength, determination motivation, inspiration. Four words that accurately describe Rory Hopkins and Anthony Samuels.

Two teachers at St Margaret's Human Resource Centre, what makes these teachers so significant is that in communities where crime and violence prevail, these two young men rose above to become beacons of hope, for their students and community, as their life-changing journey took them from being outcasts to successors.

Both from inner-city communities (Hopkins, Waterhouse and Samuels, Olympic Gardens), Hopkins and Samuels were heading down a very troubling path at an early stage in life. Their roads to reformation came when they enrolled in St Margaret's Human Resource Centre on Henderson Avenue. The centre, which takes in children from all areas, is also one of four operated by the St Patrick's Foundation. The non-profit human resource community development organisation serves the communities of West Kingston, Olympic Gardens, Waterhouse, Seaview Gardens, Riverton and Callaloo Mews by offering skills training programmes to make a difference in the lives of members of the communities.

Journey

Samuel's journey with the centre began in 2008. Through the centre he was able to excel and eventually receive a level one in electrical installation from the Heart Trust National Training Agency. He also has a level one in carpentry and joinery. He then went on to the National Tools and Engineering institute in Portmore where he completed level two and three, and now has a diploma in industrial electrical maintenance.

His teaching journey began when he became an assistant to the woodwork teacher at the centre. His teacher was impressed and asked him to return after his studies as an assistant. Last year, he became an electrical instructor.

Hopkins began at the centre in 2000. He received a level one in building technology and carpentry and joinery. He had passed his grade nine achievement test and went on to attend St Andrew Technical High School where he obtained four CXCs before he returned to the centre as a shop assistant teacher. He was also the dean of discipline from 2009-2010.

Hopkins boast about having taught Samuels at the centre.

Both told Outlook that when they were asked to return to the centre, they gladly obliged. They told Outlook, they did not choose teaching, teaching chose them.

Teaching process

Despite the ups and downs of the profession, they both enjoy it tremendously. According to Hopkins, "It's always good to reason with the kids, getting it through to them by using street language. As a teacher, I have to read from the book and break it down to teach them, but it's something I love to do."

Samuels shares similar sentiments. "I have to break the ice and get to know them first. I also tell them my own life story to motivate them into going in the right direction."

Both have been in similar situations of their students, "Growing up in the neighbouring community was rough. I got exposed to a lot of things, but I took what was right. I decided to stay and I believe I reach out to the students more because I am still in the community," explained Hopkins. Samuels who is also a coach for the Olympic Gardens under-13 and under-15 football team notes, "I am encouraging to the youth of the community, so living here shows them that since I can do it, they can do it too. I am not ready to move yet, I'll just continue to save lives and show them the right way, and save as much lives as I possibly can."

Most memorable students

Having passed through the system they are very proud to see the positive impacts that they have had on the lives of their students.

Hopkins foundly recalls his former student Omar Reynolds whom he taught woodwork and Omar is currently working by Dugall's Flooring Company and doing very well. Samuels also has some stripes on his shirt in the form of his former student Vivian Francis. He taught him electrical installation, and he is currently living in New Jersey, working in the electrical field. He notes that when Francis' employer called, he had nothing but good things to say about him.

Persons that Outlook spoke to also had nothing but good things to say about the two young teachers.

According to centre manager Susan Smith, "Hopkins works hard with maintaining the discipline within the centre. He has had the full experience being a past troublemaker and I am elated that he now sets a good example for the centre and the community." She recalled that Samuels came to the centre with an 'attitude'. She notes that the centre gave him the opportunity to choose the school or the street and she is happy that he has made the right decision. "He is a hard worker, who inspires young men with his life story, showing where he is coming from and where he is now."

Doreen Hall-Williams, who is the current dean of discipline, has known Samuels for three years and admires the fact that he has returned to the centre to teach. "I use him as a motivational factor, growing from a student to a member of staff, and now he's planted here. It is very nice to know that he is blooming and I hope that he continues to bloom."

Fellow teacher Kadyian Sullivan-Hylton has known Rory Hopkins for 11 years. "He has grown and made tremendous improvement in his teaching techniques because of his own challenges. He uses sports in order to reach the boys, interacting with the children playing sports with them." She notes that his past experience has a lo tod do with who he is today. "The fact that he was a product of the school, the fact that he came back and taught at the school is encouraging to others that no matter what challenges you face in life, you are able to overcome them and achieve success."

Both are now parents and note that their children have also helped to make them better individuals.

Samuels notes that his 15-year-old daughter Azure-Dee while he was studying, they would compete to see who could get the highest grades - whoever loses had to pay. Hopkin's who has twin boys, Ronaldo and Rory, Hopkins Jr, says his sons want to be just like him so he has to be a role model for them.

Future plans

As a budding entrepreneur, Samuels would like to get a licence for his furniture business, as he makes furniture and sells them to stores islandwide. For him, the sky is the limit and he is making plans to get his bachelor's then master's before going on to his PhD. He told Outlook that Dr Samuels sounds extraordinary.

Both say they advise their students never to give up and to always believe in themselves. According to Samuels, "The greatest revenge in life is success, so all the talk, all that is failing around you, make success your driving force."