Life's Transition - Help from Rotary
By: Deandre Williamson
September 27, 2008
Deandra tells her story of how assistance from our very own East Nassau Foundation changed her life.
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With a dream of transforming media in The Bahamas, I've always had the desire to become a famous journalist. Upon completing my first degree I felt that it was not enough to make my dream a reality. I knew I had to further my education, which meant leaving my loved ones and home behind in pursuit of a goal I would never regret.
When someone wants to accomplish something in life one must possess desire and determination. In some situations one must not only have the desire and determination but also the finances to cover the cost of what should be accomplished.
For me, I had the desire to further my education but the finances were not there. I asked myself, "What I am going to do?" During this time in my life it would have been impossible for my parents to fund my education. Constant prayer was all I did with the faith that one day I would be able travel off to school.
Knowing that I would be unable to pay my tuition out of my pocket, I applied to
In May 2007 I graduated from the
As a part of my Associate Degree requirement an internship had to be done. I interned at Jones Communications where I wrote articles for The Bahama Journal and occasionally wrote scripts for Love 97 FM news broadcasts. After graduation I stayed with the company for several months to continue as a summer student because I enjoyed the internship at the company.
While at Jones Communications I received my official acceptance letter from
Things went from bad to worse and unfortunately the relationship between the editor and I became bittersweet and as a result I decided to leave the company. Some people thought I made the wrong decision. I was a recent college graduate, jobless, and with no visible hopes of a further education. Many said, "You should have stayed on the job until you see the way clear with the finances to go off to school."
I considered what people said about my decision however I knew my prayers were soon to be answered.
One day I was on the Internet searching for scholarships for Bahamian students and a thought came to mind, which caused me to search for Rotary Clubs in The Bahamas. Well, I stumbled across the Rotary Club of East Nassau and I decided to email someone there about scholarships for Bahamian students. I stated my situation in the email and within a matter of days I got a response from a Rotary Official Richard Pyfrom who forwarded my email to another Rotary Official Everod Peart. These Rotarians were so efficient and effective with their responses therefore I knew they would help with my tuition.
Time was moving quickly, it was mid August and classes for Fall 2007 at
Classes began August 20th 2007 and I was still in
Unexpectedly, my uncle Kendall Jones, CEO of Quantum Technologies, and also a Rotarian, saw my desire to further my education and the night before I left for
I arrived in
For the direction I'm heading Bahamians should not be surprised to one day see me as a reporter on CNN, Fox or writing for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Wherever life takes me I would do my very best to represent myself, and my country. With God all things are possible. I thank him, the Rotary Club of East Nassau and the government of the
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