By Karlene Johnson,
Contributor
Terry-Ann
WHAT IS the stuff of which leaders are made? This is a question that merits examination. Some believe that the ability to lead is an inherent, God-given gift. Others think that leadership is learnt. Still others assert that good leaders benefit from a combination of talent, training and opportunity. Terry-Ann Walters, President of the United Student Movement at Northern Caribbean University, presents an excellent case study.
Born in Mandeville to a single mother, Pauline Dwyer, Terry-Ann was the second of three children in what was a close-knit family. She learnt early that financial challenges often result in dislocation in families, as her mother moved to Kingston to find work, leaving her and her brothers with their grandparents in another parish. It was one whole year before the young Terry-Ann was reunited with her mother when the children moved to Kingston to live with her. The separation had been a traumatic one for her. "I remember missing my mother immensely."
Painful childhood separation
But that experience was to be soon outdone by the migration of her mother to New York City, to seek opportunities to better the lives of her children. At that time, Terry-Ann and her brother went to live with their father in the big city, Kingston. According to Terry-Ann, "this was by far the most painful childhood separation from a loved one and the most taxing relocation, because although we were with our father, he, of necessity, had to be away at work in order to provide for us, and so we were often left with helpers."
This separation marked a turning point for the young girl, because it was during this period that she started talking to God. She asked Him to reunite her with her beloved mother. She promised Him that if He did, she would serve Him always. "God heard and answered my prayers and later that summer I gave my life to Him through baptism."
Although being with her mother in New York was wonderful, time spent together was very limited, because her mother held several jobs in order to maintain the children. Life only got better when Terry-Ann's older brother Gary left high school and chose to go to work instead of college, in order to help their mother with the expenses. The challenges of the new environment were tremendous. She was made to feel the outsider at school with her Jamaican accent, excellent English, outmoded clothes and out-of-date hairstyles. It wasn't until much later in high school, that she became more integrated.
Those painful years taught her the power of persistence and hope. She eventually submerged herself fully in high school life and became an active student. According to Terry-Ann, "... I had become well liked and respected. I looked forward to going to school and I was incredibly active in my church."
I was devastated
But once again, at just about the time when she least needed it, life dealt her another body blow. "My plans for moving onto Oakwood College were placed on hold when my mother gave my brother and I the news that we would be moving from New York to Maryland where she would start a better job. I was devastated." But, as it turned out, that move was a pivotal one, for she became exposed to a new approach to school life. It was a "... vastly different lifestyle... Students actually went to all their classes and were happy about doing so." She was able years later, to see the contrast between the positive course her life had taken and that of her friends who had remained in New York. She thanked God then for that particular relocation.
The time came for her to go off to college. But, in her first semester, once again fate stepped in and Terry-Ann became very ill and had to be sent home. Months later after her recovery, she decided to go to work for a while instead of returning to school. The working world was good to her and seven years later she was an independent young woman, engaged to be married and living a full life. But the illness struck again and she was forced to take long-term disability leave from her job.
Despite the challenges
She wondered where life was taking her, but determined that despite the challenges she would not lose her desire to please the Lord and to give Him her best service. With the collaboration of her parents, she decided to return to the slower paced lifestyle of Jamaica in order to recover her health. She says, "I prepared for another separation from family and loved ones... to break off my engagement...only this time it was my decision."
Today, Terry-Ann is blooming in the relationship she has re-established with her businessman father, who is also a determined high-achiever. She enjoys watching how happy and settled he is, at last, with his life partner. She knows that time will only strengthen the precious bond they share as father and daughter.
Terry-Ann has been able not only to recover good health in Jamaica, but to excel in the nurturing atmosphere of Northern Caribbean University. The holistic approach to life - combining the importance of God's purpose, a professional education, a healthful diet and a supportive climate - has moved her beyond her own expectations to a higher level of achievement. When she was nominated to become President of the student movement at Northern Caribbean University this school year, she admits to being reluctant at first. However, she decided to leave it to the Lord. She asked Him to supply the strength and support that she would need were she to be elected.
After her election, Terry-Ann admits that she felt no undue elation. "There was not so much excitement... I felt an acceptance of God's will, and a willingness to follow." Prior to her presidency, Terry-Ann had also been selected by the university's President, Dr. Herbert Thompson, on the advice of university administrators, to sit on the President's Roundtable of Students, which advises the administration on overall university development. She is also a broadcaster on the university's radio station WIC 88.3 FM, among many other involvement's, and was also voted the Most Outstanding Community Student for 1999-2000.
Terry-Ann has discovered that the numerous challenges of her life have given her a maturity beyond her years and an ability to understand the struggles of others. Listening to the warm tones of her speaking voice, it is difficult not to hear the confidence and strength which she has developed over the years.
A Bachelor's degree
In August 2000, Terry-Ann graduated Cum Laude with an Associate degree in Business Administration. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Counselling, which will help to take her closer to her dream of serving as a missionary for a few years, before she becomes more involved in her father's business. In 1998-1999, she was Magna Cum Laude on the Dean's List and has maintained above average grades since then.
Are leaders born? Are they made? Perhaps, as in the case of Terry-Ann Walters, they are formed by a combination of innate talent, skills and lessons learnt from the school of life, and the blessing of timing - the right opportunity at the right time.
Miss Walters is one to watch. If, indeed, success is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration, the Northern Caribbean University family expects that success will continue to crown her efforts in spite of the hurdles that will come her way.
