Against All Odds

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“Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.”- Nido Qubein. We all like a good story; a human interest story which speaks to endurance and determination of the human spirit. Most of us like to support those who have been written off by the society. We are especially appreciative of the proverbial underdog who wins at the end. The life story of 38-year-old Jennifer Blake, a former bartender and janitor who recently graduated from the University of Technology (UTech) with honours, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Midwifery is both inspirational and poignant. “I was thrown in the garbage bin and left to die,” Blake told one of the local newspapers in an interview. Blake, who is from the rural northern Clarendon community of Pennants, was abandoned as a toddler by her mother. She got pregnant at age 16 and graduated from high school with one subject. She got pregnant again when she was 18 and 20. In many societies teenage pregnancy is frowned upon and there is a tendency to write off girls who become pregnant. However, Blake’s story is a testimony that we all deserve a second even a third chance. Her drive and determination for change as well as her commitment to her children propelled her to make a U-turn and transformed her life forever. We all need someone in our corner for emotional support and Jennifer Blake was fortunate to have had her foster mother, Beverly Brown who played that supportive role. As an educator Beverly Brown influenced Blake’s career in medicine. Blake added that she also saw the field as an opportunity to offer support to teenage mothers. She was able to lean on the strength of friend Neicy Townsend, who drafted a plan. Townsend and other friends sent their hard-earned cash to help her pull off the unthinkable. Janice’s entrepreneurial skills also assisted her to stay afloat. Blake revealed that she sold sweets on the university compound and expanded her nascent business. Blake’s story reinforces the never give up attitude that most Jamaicans have. We are blessed in our DNA with a fighting spirit; perhaps, this is a result of over three hundred years of our forefathers being enslaved. As the adage states it is not where you are from but the plans you have to get where you wish to go. Undoubtedly, the odds were stacked against her, however, with an unflinching and indomitable spirit along with the help of good Samaritans she was able to pull herself together and reap the benefits which a solid education affords. Blake’s story is indicative of many Jamaicans who live by the mantra, “if yuh want good, yuh nose haffi run” Her resilience mirrors the most recent Youth Month Theme: “reTHINK Youth: Resilient through Entrepreneurship, Training, Hope, Innovation, Networking and Knowledge”. Blake’s story is one of motivation; not only for teenagers who have experienced teenage pregnancy, but also to the wider society. Most of us have challenges, very few of us are born with a golden spoon in our mouths; yet regardless of our circumstances we have to face our challenges and make the best of this journey call life. In life there will always be challenges, however, there are support systems both at the government level as well as non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) in place for the youth to tap into. There is no shame in asking for help as no one is an island and we all require some assistance occasionally. Blake in her charge to those who are facing an uphill struggle in life, said, “Never give up on your dreams. Let naysayers be your motivation, as this will put them to shame and silence,” Stay positive! Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo ©

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