UWI Today November 2016 - page 5

SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER, 2016 – UWI TODAY
5
This year Megan Simmons
graduated with first
class honours from the Bachelor of Education Early
Childhood Care and Education Programme. Her
‘superlative’ achievement was really no surprise to us
at the School of Education. From the start we expected
Megan to master the programme. She stood out for
her commitment to excellence and hard work. Megan
truly “read for her degree.” But that’s not all. She has
an affective side which truly makes her outstanding.
Megan is a genuine good- natured person. She is a team
player who always took time to seek the wellbeing of
her peers. Further, her ready smile radiates outer and
inner beauty, reflecting the kind heart of a teacher, now
fully qualified to teach young children.
Megan explained that even though she received
the award for most outstanding student from level
I to level III, her achievement was “no easy road.”
Whenever tribulations and trials surfaced, she
reminded herself that, “This was a choice I made
for myself and am committed to.” Megan stated that
her desire and passion to work with young children
guided her in the direction of studying early childhood
care and education (ECCE). After completing an
associate degree in ECCE in 2010, she applied to The
UWI for professional development to become more
knowledgeable in the field. Throughout her time at
the university she also worked at a preschool. She
attended full time evening university almost every
day. Some semesters it was every day. This meant,
“rising at 6 am to head to work, finishing university
classes at 8 pm and reaching home at 9 pm most
times.” Saturdays consisted of assignments and projects
while Sundays was often the same. She gave up the
luxury of restful weekends. It was a choice and a
sacrifice she made.  
Missing Classes Not an Option for
Most Outstanding Student Teacher
b y S a b e e r a h A b d u l - M a j i e d
ENERGY
UWI GRADUATION CEREMONIES 2016
During her second year there was a difficult period
when she contemplated giving up. There were a few
assignments which, “I thought I would never finish
or rather accomplish.” Fortunately for her, that’s when
family support kicked in. The boost of encouragement
she received fromher family helpedMegan to put aside
her fears and propel herself through. Support helped
her to stay up late at nights into early mornings. Her
classmates could not understand how after a long day
she had the stamina to go home and still do work.
They needed a good night’s rest to begin again early
the following morning. 
Two personal characteristics helped her to succeed.
One quality was her drive to never be a procrastinator.
Once she got her assignments Megan startedmapping
out a plan on her calendar. She tackled and completed
assignments giving herself a few days before handing
in to review. Another quality was her commitment to
attending classes. She said, “Missing classes was out
of the question!” She wanted to be present to get the
information first hand. For her missing classes meant
playing the catch up game which led to additional
work in the long run. 
Her happiest memories involved her friendship
with, “the group of girls.” Her friendship circle
provided motivation, support and encouragement
throughout. She added that the female friends helped
her, “To be at the place where I am today.” 
Megan expresses gratitude for the support system
provided by university lecturers, family and friends.
She attributes her success to understanding that
sacrifice is needed to achieve the vision one has for
oneself. Her final reflection is, “As I graduated with
first class honours I can safely say, hard work really
does pay off!” 
Megan is a genuine good- natured
person. She is a team player
who always took time to seek the
wellbeing of her peers. Further, her
ready smile radiates outer and inner
beauty, reflecting the kind heart of a
teacher, now fully qualified to teach
young children.
Dr Sabeerah Abdul-Majied is a Lecturer at The UWI’s School of Education.
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