Shawleen Davy
Published:Sunday | July 20, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Natalia Oh, Contributor
It was at Bishop Gibson High School that Shawleen Davy's third-form teacher, Fiona Stewart, created a deep love of chemistry in her heart. Davy tells Outlook that there are some teachers who teach and some who make you fall in love with a subject. "It was the way Miss Stewart packaged the information that made me love it," she explained. Encouraged by her older sisters Yvette and Colleen, Davy decided from very early on that she was going to become either a pharmacist or a forensic scientist. She knew she wanted her future to centre around the subject she loved - chemistry. She describes it as 'the most intriguing of all the science subjects' and she was good at it.
However, like some loves that don't come easy, she soon realised that she would have to work a little harder for it. After passing all her CXC science subjects, Davy went on to sixth form at Manchester High School. There, she prepared to sit chemistry in lower sixth form, but to her dismay, she failed the subject she loved the most. She was devastated but not deterred. She knew she had another year to prepare, and, for sure, she thought she would pass it in upper sixth form. Late nights studying, investing in extra lessons and making social sacrifices, she dedicated her final year to studying.
She was again successful in all her subjects, except chemistry. She recalls to Outlook that she ran into the girl's washroom and wept openly, wondering why of all the science subjects, she was having the most problem with the one she loved.
She thought that maybe she had chosen the wrong career. But her family consoled her and urged her to continue with her dream of forensic science and not to give up. She remembers her father telling her, "'There are many paths to the road of success and those who experience failure normally make the most humbling teachers'. He told me that there is nothing wrong with trying something, and if it doesn't work, I should go back to the drawing board to find out where I went wrong and take another approach.
"That has stuck with me to this day, because it is a very important lesson to learn - that failure is not a full stop. If things do not work out in a particular way, it is not the end of the road. God closes and opens doors for us and it is always a part of His divine plan."
The divine plan led Davy to the University of the West Indies and a degree in molecular biology and chemistry. After securing her degree, Davy was anxious to enter the working world so she could start making a financial contribution to her family for all the financial sacrifices they made to ensure she received a proper education.
She had her interview suit neatly pressed and ready to go at a moment's notice. But Davy soon faced the harsh reality that other Jamaicans face - the prospect of employment was bleak. She thought she had a clear advantage armed with a degree and being young and vibrant. So after months of waiting, there were 50 résumés out, zero calls in.
Perplexed and emotionally drained, Davy panicked. It was a casual reading of the Sunday Gleaner that would change her career path. Her older sister Yvette saw an ad for a teaching position at the Denbigh High School. Though she met all the qualifications for the position, she was still very nervous because she was not a formally trained teacher. Armed with her degree, the hope in her heart and a new suit, the 22-year-old got the job. She was later told that it was her spirit, preparedness and confidence that got her the job.
Davy was now a sixth-form teacher for CAPE chemistry, mathematics and biology. Barely older than her students and far shorter than most, she tells Outlook that she uses her youth and size to her advantage. As a recent student herself, she understands the issues her students faced, and because of her relatability, they have grown to love her and, most important, respect her. She can empathise with her students as she knows what it feels like to fail, and can rally their spirits in any defeat.
Like her third-form teacher, Davy's approach to teaching is simple. She says she wants her students to fall in love with what she teaches. She tells Outlook she focuses on the 'hidden curriculum', which she describes as one which focuses on personal growth and moral enlightenment. She says she knows that some of her students come from homes where there is no one to talk to, and parents or guardians who can't relate. So she tries to fill that void.
Though teaching is not the career path she had planned, Davy has now accepted that it is the greatest profession one could hope for and one that comes with the greatest rewards. She says how she ended up at Denbigh High School was divine intervention, and she wouldn't have it any other way. She has learned to sometimes let go and let God and just watch things unfold.
She has not given up on her dream of becoming a forensic scientist, but now she wants to become a lecturer in the field - enjoying her two loves - that for chemistry and teaching, but only if it is God's will.
OUTLOOK: How do you spend your weekends?
SHAWLEEN DAVY: After work on Fridays, I spend time with my friends hanging out at Moby's in Clarendon lyming - enjoying listening to some music over a meal with family and friends When I'm not writing lesson plans, I enjoy mind-puzzling games and watching suspense movies.
Where is your favourite Jamaican vacation spot?
My favourite vacation spot is Portland. It's an amazing place for its untouched and breath-taking beauty. The beaches are beautiful with crystal-clear waters. It is quiet and you can be at one with nature. It's always the place I go to get away from the hussle and bustle of work and to unwind, and feel revived and refreshed.
Where is your dream international vacation spot?
My dream vacation would be to travel Europe because, when I think about Europe, I think of an eclectic mix of history, art, culture, beauty and romance.
Who is your favourite author?
Barbara Taylor Bradford, because I am easily bored, but her writing style paints a vivid picture for her readers without giving away too much. She captures the reader from the beginning to the end.
What is the best advice that you have ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is from my father. He told me, 'There are many paths and approaches to the road of success and the failing ones are normally the more humbling teachers.'
What is the charity that means the most to you?
Any charity that involves less fortunate children. I love babies and children, and just reaching out to them and showing them that they are loved, that they are special and their circumstances don't dictate who they are and what they can achieve. It is also a part of God's plan that we reach out to the poor and needy. So it is always a fulfilling feeling knowing that I am contributing in this area.
CREDITS:
Creative director, photographer, stylist, make-up artist: Natalia Oh
Instagram and Twitter: @imajumaican
Clothing provided by:
Primrose Couture, Virtual Store
876-336-9916
A butterfly print on a black sheer top is sported with black short shorts and gold thong sandals, which would be an easy option for a weekend look.
Davy
CREDITS:
Creative director, photographer, stylist, make-up artist: Natalia Oh
Instagram and Twitter: @imajumaican
Clothing provided by:
Primrose Couture, Virtual Store
876-336-9916
CREDITS:
Creative director, photographer, stylist, make-up artist: Natalia Oh
Instagram and Twitter: @imajumaican
Clothing provided by:
Primrose Couture, Virtual Store
876-336-9916
CREDITS:
Creative director, photographer, stylist, make-up artist: Natalia Oh
Instagram and Twitter: @imajumaican
Clothing provided by:
Primrose Couture, Virtual Store
876-336-9916
CREDITS:
Creative director, photographer, stylist, make-up artist: Natalia Oh
Instagram and Twitter: @imajumaican
Clothing provided by:
Primrose Couture, Virtual Store
876-336-9916
CREDITS:
Creative director, photographer, stylist, make-up artist: Natalia Oh
Instagram and Twitter: @imajumaican
Clothing provided by:
Primrose Couture, Virtual Store
876-336-9916
CREDITS:
Creative director, photographer, stylist, make-up artist: Natalia Oh
Instagram and Twitter: @imajumaican
Clothing provided by:
Primrose Couture, Virtual Store
876-336-9916