Moore
IYATUNDÉ MOORE sees her master's degree as something she simply had to achieve. And while she says she is proud of her achievement (she received an A grade average), if her demeanour were to be used as a benchmark, Mrs. Moore doesn't seem to think she has done anything particularly remarkable.
But her no-fuss attitude is characteristic of the very beautiful young lady who followed her heart and migrated to Jamaica from Sierra Leone several years ago. Dressed in a chocolate-coloured top, rich crème-coloured pants and sensible low-heeled brown shoes, Mrs. Moore is the epitome of understated elegance.
MINIMALIST
Her minimalist tendency is further mirrored in the absence of myriad accessories. Tiny droplet earrings, with sunlight in their depths and her wedding band, were the only jewellery that she wore. With her hair pulled back in a neat, French-inspired bun, Mrs. Moore sat forward with a friendly smile in her office in Kingston, and in a matter-of-fact way, talked about her academic achievements and the sacrifices she had to make in order to achieve them. She credits God and her supportive family for her success.
"To be honest, if it wasn't for the grace of God, I would not have been able to do it," she confided. "I was lucky that my family was supportive," she continued in reference to her 10-year-old daughter and her husband.
"The course lasted 14 months, and during that time, they were self-sufficient. The course was so intense, that all I could do was sleep, study and come to work," she reflected.
She said she is proud of herself for having achieved her master's degree in human resource management, which she said is something she had always wanted to do, but she did not get a chance to do it before.
"I am proud of myself, for the fact that I not only did it, but I did it well and I excelled," she acknowledged with a smile.
And she says she is certain that anyone is capable of doing what she did.
"Anyone can achieve their goals regardless of age or other perceived obstacles," she insisted.
She says this with confidence as she said she started the gruelling master's programme immediately after she completed her bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
What next for the senior travel consultant with Total Travel Service?
"Right now I am focusing on supporting my daughter who is preparing to sit the GSAT exams. And, as I no longer need to spend most of my time studying, I am just learning to relax again, and enjoy Sundays again."
A.D.
