Isat down to a virtual chat with Dr . Swaby , a dynamic , highly motivated , very intuitive , and compassionate woman . A free-spirited individual , Dr . Swaby leaves an indelible impression on the world of what owning one ’ s self looks like . Our cameras came on , and there she was . Ready to jump in , she welcomed our conversation with exuberance .
Dr . Sandra Swaby , 48 , was born Sandra Allen , in Dunsinane District , Manchester , Jamaica . The third female child of five girls , though one of whom passed away 18 years prior after being diagnosed with leukemia . Her parents are the Reverends Lloyd Allen and Lois Allen . As a child , she lived in what she describes as a bubble , a world of her own . Dr . Swaby always wanted to become a doctor and would do experiments on insects — roaches , lizards , etc . – to prepare for her dream . She would cut them open to see how they work , much to the dismay of her mother , who had an aversion to the critters . In her words , “ I would come straight into the house and start cutting them open , and my mother would end up in a fright .”
Dr . Swaby started her high school years at Manchester High School but found herself unsettled without a connection to the school . She did not believe Manchester High mirrored the aspirations she had for her life . She relayed this to her mother , who was open to hearing what young Sandra had to say . She was transferred to Knox College , Sandra ' s choice although it was far from where she lived . When she got to Knox , Sandra knew she had found her home . “ I loved , loved Knox ” she shared . She flourished while at Knox and would later hold various positions of responsibility and influence such as Student Council President , President of 4H Club , Ranger , Head girl , and more . “ The principal at the time was Mrs . Barbara Jones , and we became close . She was a mentor to me . It was a lot of work and a lot of what I call excitement , but I enjoyed my time there . I left Knox with 11 CXC subjects , all A ' s and B ' s ”.
In her words : After Knox , I was tired , tired of school and studying . I decided to take a year off . I went to South America at 15 years old .
Initially , my parents said no . I then wrote them a letter outlining my reasons for going . I made them tea , then sat them down and I read my letter . I shared that it was time for me to put into practice some of what they taught me over the years .
At this point , I had to interject , stating how self-assured and aware she was to have been able to choose to go to Knox over Manchester High School and then make her claim to support that choice 34 years ago . Then , she chose to leave her family and venture to South America at 15 years old . I needed to know where her self-assuredness came from ? After all , the world was way different then from what we know it to be today .
Dr . Swaby : You know that is a good question . I love my parents dearly ; they have always listened . And I have always worked hard for their trust because , to be honest with you , I did not like to get a beating . So , I am always telling myself to stay on the narrow path . When mom and I discussed changing schools , I realised how open she was and how readily she wanted me to have my own dream while having her own dream for me as well , I said to myself — okay , I ' m on my way . My father , on the other hand , is very pragmatic , he listens then asks questions . I believe my interest in South America was piqued when I hosted a foreign student from Brazil at Knox . And so , taking the year off , I said , now is the time . I wanted to take a break from school ; I wanted to explore the world , broaden my horizon and learn something different after studying so hard .
TBWM : You seem to have been in the know and very responsible at that time . Would you say that you got that from your parents ? Where did the maturity come from ? Dr . Swaby : I can only say it is how I was born and how God created me , and I try to manifest the best version of how God created me and go with the flow . I was always very , very responsible . Taking care of my little sisters , taking care of things at school .
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