Voices Magazine-Vol3-Issue-6-WEB

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | September - December 2020 12 Melesha Hill’s love of teaching inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in one of the most difficult areas of Mathematics. The high achiever relates that one of her best experiences at the University was tutoring classmates who were having difficulties understanding complex concepts in some modules. As a result of her tutelage, her friends were able to do well in their examinations. “Having to complete work meant for four or more persons all by myself, in addition to my own individual work, placed on me tremendous demands both physically and mentally,” Melesha expressed. Her faith in God, her positive mind set, her resolution to make the very best of her opportunity to pursue a tertiary education and her willingness to give her all propelled her to academic heights, where she received the highest GPA of the 2020 graduating class. Melesha now hopes to pursue a Master of Science in Mathematics to enable her to lecture in Mathematics, and is currently seeking long-term employment. Edward Seaga Award for Academic Excellence The Edward Seaga Award for academic excellence to the student with the highest overall GPA in the last Academic Year, was presented to Melesha Hill, Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science, Faculty of Science and Sport. The Award which was being presented for the second year, is in memory of former Prime Minister and Chancellor, The Most Honourable Edward Seaga, ON, PC in acknowledgement of his outstanding national service and contributions to UTech, Jamaica. President’s Honour Roll The President’s Honour Roll is comprised of students who have achieved the most outstanding academic performance by attaining qualifications of a grade ‘A’ and GPA of 3.75 - 4.00. This year, the following students met the requirements for the President’s Honour Roll: Meet our high achievers Tthe most outstanding students from the graduating class of 2020, who were awarded the President’s Pin, and the prestigious Edward Seaga Award for Academic Excellence. Like many tertiary students, Rayion’s biggest obstacle to completing his studies at UTech, Jamaica was lack of adequate finances for housing, tuition and other essential necessities. But with the support of his family, friends and generous scholarship donors, he was able to realize his dream. Fascinated by electrical equipment from an early age, Rayion studied the principles of electrical engineering, with the hope that he would be able to make a significant contribution to engineering innovation. “I believe that one of the ways in which Jamaica can grow and expand is through engineering innovation,” he reasoned, adding “I take comfort in the fact that I am a part of a critical field in our society.” Currently employed at UTech, Jamaica as a Lab Technician in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Rayion hopes to pursue graduate studies to join the ranks of professional engineers, and to eventually establish his own engineering firm. His advice to current UTech, Jamaica students is to remain steadfast in their goals, and to remind themselves why they have started their tertiary journey. “The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted our daily life and has forced us to change the way we do things. I know it is especially hard on students both physically and psychologically but the fact that you are a university student is proof of your resilience,” the star student asserted. STUDENT VOICES Melesha Hill Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science Faculty of Science and Sport Rayion Sawyers Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Computing