Don’t settle for foolishness – Scholar who overcame poverty and murder encourages grads in Kellits
June 30, 2019Dr Taneisha Ingleton has made an impassioned appeal for graduates of Kellits High School in Clarendon to develop a habit of making wise decisions that engender success.
“Don’t settle for foolishness; don’t settle for disrespect,” she urged the approximately 170 graduates.
“Set your standards; let people know who you are and whose you are.”
Dr Ingleton projected herself as someone who had taken the advice she now gives.
She explained that she grew up under dirt-poor conditions in rural Clarendon, adding that she was 10 years old when her father was murdered.
Notwithstanding the setbacks, Dr Ingleton went on to attain first class honours and a distinction respectively when she completed her undergraduate degree and postgraduate diploma at the University of the West Indies.
She has served in various positions, including Principal Director of the National College for Educational Development.
“Twenty-two years ago, I was sitting in your position. Nobody could tell me I could be where I am at,” she told the graduates. “You don’t have to run down anything; you don’t have to be hurrying up to get anything. Focus. Set your goals. Go to university; go to college. Find your passion; work on the things that make you happy and energized.”
Dr Ingleton further reasoned that making wise choices should not be limited to academics, but should cover all areas – such as relationships and careers.
“Do not be average; don’t take anything that’s mediocre,” she continued. “You need to be so good at what you do so that no one can ignore you…”
Dr Ingleton, in the meantime, cautioned the graduates that, as they reap the rewards of their wise decision-making, they should expect a challenge from ‘badminded’ people.
“Count it all joy when people have badmind against you, because it means that you are doing a great thing,” she said.
A number of the graduates, who sat in earshot on June 26, indeed have been ‘doing a great thing’.
They have been awarded for excellence in areas such as academics and leadership.
Ronaya Williams is the female fifth former who received the most academic awards; Mickeal Jones is the male awardee.
In the Grade 13 batch, Shaveena Harrison is the female who copped the top award for academics. Raheem Richards is the male recipient.
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