Delay not a disadvantage

Jamaican Alex Anderson, a preparatory school teacher, has been named valedictorian of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Class of 2025. For him, the honour is proof that perseverance pays.

“Professionally, this recognition reminds me that delay is not always a disadvantage. Sometimes growth requires time, reflection, and lived experience. Being named valedictorian affirmed that perseverance and intentionality matter, even when the path is not straightforward,” he told The Gleaner days before the ceremony.

Born in Montego Bay and educated at Cornwall College, Anderson studied psychology at the University of Waterloo in Canada before returning home in 2012. After working in several fields, he eventually discovered his vocation in teaching. “Teaching, especially at the primary level, showed me how foundational education truly is and how early intervention can shape lives,” he said.

That insight led him to pursue a Bachelor of Education in Leadership and Management at UWI, where he graduated with first-class honours. “Today, I remain a classroom teacher first, with a strong belief that leadership is most effective when it begins at the ground level, working directly with students.”

He sees his academic training as a bridge between psychology and educational leadership: understanding individuals while reshaping systems. Exposure to peers across the Caribbean reinforced his view that leadership extends beyond classrooms to regional collaboration and policy.

HEIGHTENED RESPONSIBILITY

The honour comes at a time of heightened responsibility. “In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, it became even clearer that students rely on teachers not just for instruction, but for reassurance,” Anderson said. “Being named valedictorian during that period reminded me that teaching carries responsibility, especially during times of uncertainty.”

Eight years in the classroom have given Anderson a clear-eyed view of Jamaica’s educational challenges: exam-centred teaching, resource disparities and teacher burnout. “Addressing these issues requires attention at both the classroom and policy levels,” the Montego Bay Preparatory School teacher said.

Faith, he said, sustains him. “In practice, that means meeting students and colleagues where they are, listening actively, and leading with understanding. Rather than being expressed verbally, my faith is reflected in how I lead and how I treat others.”

He advocates problem-based learning and greater autonomy for teachers, arguing that creativity flourishes when trust is given. Digital and flexible models, he added, can expand access and inclusion. “The UWI Global Campus model demonstrates how flexibility can support quality education,” Anderson said of the institution, formerly the UWI Open Campus, which served as the university’s online and flexible learning arm with sites in 17 territories across the region.

Francis Severin, pro vice-chancellor and principal of the Global Campus, said the honour should inspire other educators whose work is often overlooked. “Teaching rarely brings financial reward; its fuel is the accomplishments of students,” he noted.

For Anderson, balancing teaching, study and family life required discipline. “Managing the workload required consistency and careful planning. I entered the programme shortly after undergoing eye surgery, so from early on I had to be very intentional about managing my energy and time.” Support from his fiancée, now wife, proved vital. “That support made it possible to stay motivated during demanding periods.”

His message to fellow graduates is one of service. “I hope to emphasise collective responsibility. Our qualifications are not just personal achievements but tools to serve our communities. Education carries an obligation to contribute meaningfully to national and regional development.”

The graduation ceremony will be streamed live tomorrow at 6 p.m. eastern Caribbean time via UWItv and other platforms.

editorial@gleanerjm.com