CXC students overcome challenges to attain academic excellence

Amidst life’s challenges, a group of students from Chase’s Academic Foundation, Parade Street, Kingston, Georgetown, have emerged triumphant in the recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. Their stories of determination and achievement are nothing short of inspiring.
Azriel Waldron, Cicle Dookharan, Steve Kumar, and Orin Smith are each a testament to the power of resilience and hard work.

Just two years ago, Waldron was involved in a life-threatening accident after he was struck down while riding his bicycle. After the accident, he was left fighting for his life by the roadside. His resilience, however, defied all odds.
He was subsequently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital where he spent two gruelling weeks with doctors, uncertain about his chances of recovery due to the extent of his brain injury.
Despite the odds stacked against him, the 17-year-old not only recovered but emerged stronger than ever.
While he still grapples with walking difficulties and hearing loss in one ear, his zest for life has been rekindled. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “Things like that make you really appreciate life more and show you how, in the twinkle of an eye, everything can be gone.”
Through sheer determination and hard work, he transformed his academic trajectory. With guidance and dedication, he leaped from struggling with writing skills to achieving Grade Ones in English A and B.
He said his drive to excel was fuelled by his awareness of the challenges his mother faced in supporting his education and his determination to rise above them. Today, Waldron stands proud with an exceptional achievement: 12 CXC passes, including 2 Grade Ones, 8 Grade Twos, and 2 Grade Threes.

He extended his gratitude to his mother for her unconditional love, the Director of Chase’s Academic Foundation for believing in him, and the remarkable educators who guided him to success.
Meanwhile, his peers, Cicle Dookharan, Steve Kumar, and Orin Smith who are from St John’s Bosco Boys’ Orphanage, also performed exceptionally well at the exams.
Bound by shared goals and unbreakable bonds, these students proved that hard work and determination can reshape destinies, regardless of challenges.
These teenagers crossed paths in the realm of education, driven by a common desire to succeed against all odds. Each with a unique journey, they converged in their pursuit of academic excellence and a brighter future.
When asked about their aspirations, their responses were heartfelt and resolute, reflecting their deep-seated motivations. In fact, prior to the examination, the children were tasked with an activity to write about life and their expectations.
“I badly want to be successful to show my parents that even without them I can still be successful in life,” Orin Smith wrote.
“…When people see me, they see me as a drunk like my father, but I want to show them that I can be somebody good in life,” Kumar scribed on his piece of paper.
According to them, their individual struggles and aspirations created a powerful connection with their teacher, whose belief in their potential became a guiding force.
Among these students, Cicle stood out for determination and quiet resilience. Overcoming obstacles, he emerged as a shining example of hard work paying off, celebrating eight CXC passes including Math and English.
Kumar’s self-taught proficiency in Spanish revealed his innate thirst for knowledge. From once contemplating life as a fisherman due to limited opportunities, Kumar defied expectations, securing 10 passes. His message to the world is clear: “Regardless of one’s circumstances, aspirations can transcend limitations.”
Smith, on the other hand, is known for his vibrant personality and brilliance, which according to his teachers, made him stand out. Despite a period of doubt and setbacks in the lead-up to the exams, he overcame the challenges with determination and support.
Today, he celebrates a remarkable achievement: passes in nine CXC subjects, including Math and English. His message resonates deeply: Life’s challenges might bring us down momentarily, but resilience ensures the final victory.
The successes of Cicle, Steve, and Orin are also a testament to the unwavering support of the Bosco Boys’ Orphanage staff, who believed in their potential and helped them overcome obstacles. These young men now stand as beacons of inspiration, illustrating the power of perseverance and a nurturing community.