Smith
Marlene McPherson, Outlook Writer
MANY STUDENTS nowadays are not self-motivated and persistent in their quest for excellence but here is a student who is different.
She enjoys studying and taking on challenges.
Meet Racquel Smith, the recipient of the Jamaica Female Scholarship for September 2003-2004, who is currently pursuing studies at the Medical Faculty of the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.
This young woman epitomises discipline. She works assiduously at any given task, prioritises her time, adheres to schedules and reaps success. This 19-year-old is expected to "create waves" at the university and has already started. She was chosen to symbolically sign the matriculation register at the official start of the 2003-2004 school year, since she was the individual with the highest mark in the incoming cohort of students.
The foundation of her education was laid at the Flemmings Basic School in Seaforth, St. Thomas. She then continued at Morant Bay Preparatory School where she sat the then Common Entrance Examination. Success at that examination sent her to Campion College in St. Andrew.
Achievements
For her seven-year stay at Campion she commuted daily to the city but performed efficiently nevertheless, claiming the top awards at prize giving exercises. She was successful in eight subjects in the 2001 CXC all with distinctions. They include English Language, Mathematics, Spanish, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, English Literature and Technical Drawing. Of special note is the fact that on the national level she was the top student in Technical Drawing, second in Biology and fourth in Mathematics and Physics.
Outstanding
In the General Certificate of Examination at the Advance Level her results were outstanding. She received As in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.
But Racquel's performance was no surprise to her parents, friends or teachers who all attested to her brilliance.
"Very detailed about her work, a stickler for perfection...always grateful for any help given and knows how to show appreciation," said Angella Alcock, her former Language and Literature teacher.
Kathryn Stewart, her former Biology teacher, agreed. "Very hardworking, highly motivated and persistent in her quest for knowledge. She had a high level of involvement and is very responsible," said Mrs. Stewart.
Racquel held leadership roles as a prefect, a prayer monitor, president of the Drama Club, director of the Octagon Club; the latter being an outreach that is dedicated to serving the less fortunate. She was humble enough to be a team player; she was a member of the Reading Club, the school's Debating Team, and a member of the Junior Society for Science. In addition to these clubs, she played netball and volleyball.
Racquel affirms her faith in God.
"I fast and pray often," said the confident but humble Racquel, who is convinced that this practice has contributed to her success.
"She is very conscious about eating, pays attention to diet and spends time in prayer and fasting," her mother confirmed.
Racquel, the first of two children, was born in St. Thomas on February 27, 1988 to parents Myrtle Smith, a teacher at Seaforth High School and Roger Smith, a businessman.
She is a well-rounded young woman, who is goal oriented. She knows what she wants and sets out to achieve it.
