By: Jhanae Winter
UB graduates express excitement and concern about their future as their 2021 virtual commencement ceremony approaches. As they close one chapter of their lives and prepare for another, they are filled with both glee and uncertainty due to today’s climate.
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Maygan St Claude changed her dream career multiple times but finally decided upon becoming a Health and Safety Specialist. She majored in Biology with a minor chemistry, because she wanted to pursue medicine.
Maygan said, “I am most excited about not having to complete any more assignments, but also making my family proud as a first generation college graduate.”
She feels the opposite about entering the workforce with her career of choice because of the pandemic.
“I am not enthused at all. Witnessing so many people around the world loose their jobs and businesses, and recent graduates not being able to go into their fields of study has been quite discouraging. However, I believe what is for me, is for me and I have placed my trust in God,” she said.
Maygan’s job search has grown increasingly difficult because the pandemic has affected her networking and reaching out to potential employers.
She is also concerned about whether she will actually be able to pursue her dream career, “I am unsure how long this given climate will last,” she said.
Like the other graduates, Maygan will have to go abroad to continue her education and secure better opportunities for her career.
Maygan came to Nassau to obtain her degree but had to adjust to city life in Nassau compared to Abaco.
“Everything seemed more fast-paced, adjusting to traffic and trying to navigate this tiny island was a task,” she said.
Despite her concerns, obstacles and challenges, Maygan has no regrets.
“I believe that there is a perfect timing for everything, and all that I have been through has molded me into the brilliant individual that I have become today,” she said
What Maygan takes from her time at UB is, “to take risks, enjoy the journey, and realize that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. It is important to take care of yourself and be kind,”
she said.
*PICTURE*
Media journalism major, Jeffery Burnside is grateful to have completed his degree.
“I completed something that I started. Something that was not easy as I did it while working a full time job. The fact that many people don’t complete a degree and I was able to despite my circumstances, makes me feel great and proud of my accomplishment.”
Jeffery started his own business while fully employed and being a full time student; one many occasions he felt this pressure of this load.
“I faced financial, mental and personal challenges as I completed this degree. Money wasn’t always there and many times I felt depressed because of the numerous tasks and the stress of handling everything always followed me, but I got it done,” he said.
Jeffery chose to study Journalism because it was the closest major to Mass Communication. However, he enjoyed learning all the various aspects the major had to offer and it allowed him to find his dream career: Public Relations and Corporate Communications Specialist.
He will be pursuing his Master’s Degree in Public Relations online at Georgetown University with the expectation of obtaining it in Spring of 2022.
Although Jeffrey is not entering his full-time career just yet, he hopes that things will be back to normal when that time comes, so there will be better chances of securing a job in his field, he said.
*PICTURE*
UB Class President Aaron Moss majors in Biochemistry and feels “no excitement” about graduation because “every day is a movement forward,” he said.
Aaron had his own challenges that almost discouraged him from continuing at the university.
“I had emotional trouble after I got shot (not due to the shooting per say) in my Junior year and I had to work full time plus be a student part-time. My family issues led to a whole different life entirely for school and at some point I was ready to quit life entirely,” he said. However, Aaron’s passion for science and service is what caused him to continue with the programme of study.
Aaron plans to work and establish his networking that will provide security in his future. He also wants to obtain his Masters and PHD along with a degree in Accounts and Arts.
His goal is to be the owner of a private practice in Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Aaron too feels the effects of the pandemic in his field of choice as it limits his career opportunities. He also plans to study abroad “because there are little resources or accommodations for my major,” he said.
But he views the success of his career on an individualistic level.
“My concerns are failing due to mediocrity and disappointing myself,” he said.
His biggest regret during his four years was not creating the first UB male Volleyball team. Nevertheless he learnt a lot at the university.
“UB has taught me to not slack off and that being diligent, respectful and honest with yourself, (responsible) are important to how far you will go,” he said.
*PICTURE*
Media journalism major, Catherine Gomez said, “I am so excited to graduate and close this door in my life. It feels great to know that I was able to gain so much knowledge and conquer all the obstacles thrown at me. Graduating really shows me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Catherine aspires to be the “Bahamian Oprah''. Like the billionaire, Catherine wants to use her many talents and skills to be a TV anchor and produce films.
However, the media landscape here and lack of opportunities troubles her. Like many young professionals she frets that the only way she can achieve her career goals is outside her own country.
“I really love The Bahamas but I’m scared I may have to leave my home because our media industry is underdeveloped and media professionals are underpaid for all the laborious work they do,” she said.
With God at the center Catherine advanced in her career by branding herself as a Reporter with her three year internship at ZNS.
Another of her career goals is having her own media company, which she started with her partner Beijing Rodgers. Her mission is to provide wealth for Bahamians, educate those interested in the media industry and help businesses with their branding and marketing, she said.
UB 2021 graduates share mixed emotions about graduating in the misdt of a pandemic as their virtual commencement ceremony approaches.
As they close one chapter of their lives and prepare for another, they are filled with both glee and uncertainty due to today’s climate.
Maygan St Claude changed her dream career multiple times but finally decided upon becoming a Health and Safety Specialist. She majored in Biology with a minor chemistry, because she wanted to pursue medicine.
Maygan said, “I am most excited about not having to complete any more assignments, but also making my family proud as a first generation college graduate.”
She feels the opposite about entering the workforce with her career of choice because of the pandemic.
“I am not enthused at all. Witnessing so many people around the world loose their jobs and businesses, and recent graduates not being able to go into their fields of study has been quite discouraging. However, I believe what is for me, is for me and I have placed my trust in God,” she said.
Maygan’s job search has grown increasingly difficult because the pandemic has affected her networking and reaching out to potential employers.
She is also concerned about whether she will actually be able to pursue her dream career, “I am unsure how long this given climate will last,” she said.
Like the other graduates, Maygan will have to go abroad to continue her education and secure better opportunities for her career.
Maygan came to Nassau to obtain her degree but had to adjust to city life in Nassau compared to Abaco.
“Everything seemed more fast-paced, adjusting to traffic and trying to navigate this tiny island was a task,” she said.
Despite her concerns, obstacles and challenges, Maygan has no regrets.
“I believe that there is a perfect timing for everything, and all that I have been through has molded me into the brilliant individual that I have become today,” she said
What Maygan takes from her time at UB is, “to take risks, enjoy the journey, and realize that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. It is important to take care of yourself and be kind,” she said.
Media journalism major, Jeffery Burnside is grateful to have completed his degree.
“I completed something that I started. Something that was not easy as I did it while working a full time job. The fact that many people don’t complete a degree and I was able to despite my circumstances, makes me feel great and proud of my accomplishment.”
Jeffery started his own business while fully employed and being a full time student; one many occasions he felt this pressure of this load.
“I faced financial, mental and personal challenges as I completed this degree. Money wasn’t always there and many times I felt depressed because of the numerous tasks and the stress of handling everything always followed me, but I got it done,” he said.
Jeffery chose to study Journalism because it was the closest major to Mass Communication. However, he enjoyed learning all the various aspects the major had to offer and it allowed him to find his dream career: Public Relations and Corporate Communications Specialist.
He will be pursuing his Master’s Degree in Public Relations online at Georgetown University with the expectation of obtaining it in Spring of 2022.
Although Jeffrey is not entering his full-time career just yet, he hopes that things will be back to normal when that time comes, so there will be better chances of securing a job in his field, he said.
UB Class President Aaron Moss majors in Biochemistry and feels “no excitement” about graduation because “every day is a movement forward,” he said.
Aaron had his own challenges that almost discouraged him from continuing at the university.
“I had emotional trouble after I got shot (not due to the shooting per say) in my Junior year and I had to work full time plus be a student part-time. My family issues led to a whole different life entirely for school and at some point I was ready to quit life entirely,” he said. However, Aaron’s passion for science and service is what caused him to continue with the programme of study.
Aaron plans to work and establish his networking that will provide security in his future. He also wants to obtain his Masters and PHD along with a degree in Accounts and Arts.
His goal is to be the owner of a private practice in Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Aaron too feels the effects of the pandemic in his field of choice as it limits his career opportunities. He also plans to study abroad “because there are little resources or accommodations for my major,” he said.
But he views the success of his career on an individualistic level.
“My concerns are failing due to mediocrity and disappointing myself,” he said.
His biggest regret during his four years was not creating the first UB male Volleyball team. Nevertheless he learnt a lot at the university.
“UB has taught me to not slack off and that being diligent, respectful and honest with yourself, (responsible) are important to how far you will go,” he said.
Media journalism major, Catherine Gomez said, “I am so excited to graduate and close this door in my life. It feels great to know that I was able to gain so much knowledge and conquer all the obstacles thrown at me. Graduating really shows me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Catherine aspires to be the “Bahamian Oprah''. Like the billionaire, Catherine wants to use her many talents and skills to be a TV anchor and produce films.
However, the media landscape here and lack of opportunities troubles her. Like many young professionals she frets that the only way she can achieve her career goals is outside her own country.
“I really love The Bahamas but I’m scared I may have to leave my home because our media industry is underdeveloped and media professionals are underpaid for all the laborious work they do,” she said.
With God at the center Catherine advanced in her career by branding herself as a Reporter with her three year internship at ZNS.
Another of her career goals is having her own media company, which she started with her partner Beijing Rodgers. Her mission is to provide wealth for Bahamians, educate those interested in the media industry and help businesses with their branding and marketing, she said.
