Manmay LaKay Magazine Debut Issue | Page 77

What am I going to do?’ I looked into the University of the West Indies(UWI) but thought it was really expensive and that I couldn't afford it. Although my Leaving no stones unturned, Whitney attended the seminar. The next thing you know, she was on a flight from St. Lucia bound for Louisiana. family said, “Go for it; we will cross that bridge when we get there, I thought this was not an opvtion.” “I honestly didn't know what I'd do with a bachelor’s degree in biology," she says. "But, at 19 years old I Whitney waited on that Cuban scholarship. In the interim, she found herself substituting, teaching Math and Science at her alma mater, St. Josephs Convent. decided to take the plunge and left the comfort of my home.  I was worried and wondered whether my academic preparation from St. Lucia would be sufficient. I had “It was a unique experience, I still felt like a student," never travelled to the United States, and didn't know she says. "As students we were not allowed in the what to expect...boy was I nervous." staff room and there I was sitting at my desk, with all my teachers whom I hold in high regard. Although it was initially awkward, teaching at SJC was a great But as is characteristic of Whitney, she was ready and had no problem assimilating... learning experience.” “Fortunately there was a cohort of St. Lucians who Her 3-month stint ended and Whitney found herself teaching again, this time full-time in a new setting. were also going to attend Grambling State University, so in the end I wasn't really alone, they eventually became my family away from home," she says. "Once I got to Grambling I naturally became “Then I got a job at the Micoud Secondary School. It part of the school community. I joined the science, was my first time being in a co-ed setting, and the cultural, scientific and religious organizations. I also exposure to this new environment and teaching found myself tutoring students in science and dynamic was very enriching," she says. "There I mathematics.” developed many good friendships with my colleagues and hopefully, made a positive impact on the lives of my students. But even while I was there, I Her summers, she spent in research labs across the country broadening her knowledge... felt like I needed to explore other options and continue pursuing my educational endeavors.” "Every summer I tried to get into a program where I could gain research experience," she says.  "That Her sister passed on some information that would forever change her life course… prove to be challenging because of my international student status as most undergraduate research programs were federally funded. Only a few places "One day my sister, Darra, said to me, 'I came across would accept international students and that made this announcement online stating that someone will it very hard." be coming to St Lucia to speak and offer scholarships to Grambling State University."