Jamaican tops class in New York

Kaymian Weekley, Gleaner Writer

SURPRISED! THAT was what Jamaica-born Yonnicka Smith felt when she found out that she was the 2011 symbolic degree recipient for academic excellence from the School of Health Professions at the Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York.

Smith was the only Jamaican in her class of 21 students pursuing a bachelor's degree in respiratory care.

"I got a call saying I was the symbolic degree recipient, but I had no idea what that meant so the secretary explained that it was for coming out at the top of my class," said Smith.

The 27-year-old wife and mother is also the humble recipient of School of Health Professions Dean's Scholar awards for academic excellence. Coupled with this prestigious honour, Smith is also the beneficiary of the Professor's Award for academic excellence.

As an exceptionally high achiever, she was also awarded 'cum laude', a title for graduating with honours.

'Sometimes very challenging'

According to Smith, "Studying with a two-year-old and a husband was sometimes very challenging because my son refused to go to bed at nights."

However, "I did what I had to do with my son, my husband and my parents and sisters on my mind," added Smith.

She commenced her studies in 2006 and her graduation ceremony was held at Kumble Theatre recently, where she sat as the only student from her class with her professor and other dignitaries.

"I am grateful to my husband who assisted me and allowed me to complete my studies," said Smith.

Family tradition

She comes from a line of health-care professionals and following suit was not a difficult task.

"My grandmother was a nurse, my mother is a retired nurse, two of my three sisters are nurses and one hire nurses for her business, so I wanted to do something in health care," said Smith.

"We are very proud of her and so excited because we knew she was doing well, but we had no idea she would have gotten all of four awards," said Smith eldest sister, Dawn Williams Gordon.

According to Gordon, "All of us (four sisters) graduated with honours, but Shelly took it beyond that."

Smith has also completed her board examinations, which qualified her to practise in the state. She is awaiting an interview with a top hospital in New York.

Her long-term dream is to become a doctor and return to Jamaica to live and practise her profession.