Joseph Cunningham, Gleaner Writer
CSEC whiz kid, Deborah Williamson - ANDREW SMITH /PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
NATIONS, CONGLOMERATES and schools have mottos, but very rarely do homes. The motto of the home of Doreen and Timon Williamson is 'excellence', and its people personify this.
It is that motto and the stable relationship between parents and children that has created the environment for all within the abode to succeed at the highest level.
That is the major inspiration behind the success of 17 year-old Debra-Gail, the Williamson's daughter, who was the recipient of eight distinctions and one credit (2) in the 2005 Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate (CSEC) examinations. Following the example of her brothers, Don, a chemical engineer, and Johann, who got six distinctions in the 2004 CSEC exams, she greatly appreciates the 'cuddling' atmosphere that her parents' love creates.
"Mommy is basically another teacher, she provides extra material for my studies," she said, "And provides moral support when I get those anxiety attacks by causing me to overcome the fear of failure". She added that her father provides a wealth of knowledge, especially on topics covering the sciences.
POSITIVE ROLE MODELS
Mrs. Williamson was present during the interview at The Gleaner's North Street offices, and took the opportunity to personally emphasise the value of the home. "I would appreciate if you emphasize the positive role Debra's father and I play in our daughter's success". She added that "our children grew up in a Christian environment where we taught them dependency on God, and that they are inferior to nobody."
Many parents say they love their children, but their kids have all the latest name-brand shoes and clothes, but their school bags have no books, she said.
The best investment you can make in your children is to give them a good education, she added.
Debra's professional aspiration is to become a child psychologist and an early childhood educator. Her love for both fields she said, originates from the tender environment she grew up in as a child, and a natural love for children.
