Craft vendor aims to pursue law

Karrie Williams, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

"Work hard and aim for the stars because you are never too old to achieve your goals," is the philosophy of craft vendor Stacyann Ainsley, who is currently pursuing studies to become a lawyer at the University of Technology (UTech) Academy in Trelawny.

The unassuming Ainsley, who is from Falmouth, balances her time being a mother to sons 14-year-old Errol Barrett and 10-year-old Hannif Hosang by selling her wares weekly at the St Peter's Anglican Church in Falmouth and attending classes at the UTech Academy, where she is now in her second year.

At present, she is preparing for her matriculation into the university's law programme come next September.

Ainsley credits her boys for her strong sense of determination and drive to achieve her career and personal goals.

"My sons inspired me to change my life completely and devote more interest to pursuing my academic goals. I was once a frequent traveller and by so doing I had to leave them for extended periods of time. They were often neglected and abused during my many absences.

"Eventually, I could no longer stand by and negate my responsibilities to them, so I decided to stop travelling, go back to school, and become the best mother and lawyer I can be," Ainsley told Western Focus.

In fact, the past student of the Cedric Titus High School in Trelawny admits that her interest in academia was sparked late in life. She credits the UTech academy for giving her a second chance at achieving her educational goals.

"Initially, I was planning to pursue paralegal studies, but then I found out about the UTech Academy and realised that I could complete all my entrance courses with them and then matriculate into law. They were a lifesaver for me as being self-employed and mother of two, it would have been very difficult for me to pursue my studies otherwise," Ainsley said.

Her dream, Ainsley says, is to ascend to the rank of Queen's Council and eventually to become a judge. She hopes to make a positive difference in the lives of those with whom she will come in touch.