Mijanou's mission

Her air of calm conviction belied the turmoil she had been through.

Third-year medical student at The University of the West Indies Mijanou Mitchell was happy to have been awarded a HOPE scholarship by Carreras last week, but her greatest victory was being able to continue her studies following the death of her mother, who was killed serving her country.

Her late mother was a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and her father is still a member. When her mother was killed, she knew that it could have ended her dream of becoming a medical doctor as life was difficult enough on two polices' salaries.

"I am truly appreciative of what Carreras has done for me. They recognise the strains that the police go through in Jamaica, and this gesture of a scholarship is so practical and insightful in helping the children of slain officers get on with their lives," she observed.

Mijanou is committed to staying in Jamaica and striving to provide better healthcare for Jamaicans through service in the public-health sector.

"I am prepared to work in public health because I see the need. Patients need a friendly face to speak with as they will be more open to describing their symptoms and understanding their condition better, and this helps in analysis and providing medical care. I think my friendly bedside manner is an asset in this regard," she noted as she smiled brightly.

Mijanou aspires to specialise in nephrology, the study of the kidney, where she sees a great need.

"I agree with Carreras that professionals need to give service to their country, especially when they have benefited from a scholarship. It is only fair to give back to your country."

Nine students received HOPE scholarships this year from Carreras to pursue various courses of study. They are among 42 awardees who received some $7 million in grants and bursaries.

VIGOROUS PROCESS

According to Carreras, the students are selected after a vigorous process of interviews aimed at unearthing their best attributes, including a solid character, community engagement, and financial need and they must also maintain a 3.0 Grade Point average (GPA).

Richard Palmer, who is entering his final year at the Shortwood Teachers' College, is pursuing an undergraduate degree in French and Spanish.

"I am most grateful for the help from Carreras. The grant has been a great help in paying my tuition, and it also removes the hassle of registering as the company deals directly with the school," he noted.

"I am truly impressed with Carreras. They understand the needs of students and the country; they don't just give to one or two schools, but the entire range of tertiary institutions in Jamaica, and [the awards are] multidisciplinary," he noted.

"I am a parent and have to find funds for my own children's education, so the gesture is very practical and meaningful to me," he said.

Renae Foster, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing at the Knox Community College in conjunction with The University of the West Indies, plans to specialise in public-health nursing or mental-health nursing.

"I am motivated to give back to my community as I am community-oriented. Because of this, I would like to work at the Black River Hospital, which is where the members of my community in St Elizabeth attend and where members of my family, including myself, have received medical care," she noted. She was very thankful to Carreras and noted that she would use her chosen profession to advance the well-being of as many Jamaicans as possible.