... ’State care saved me’
ALTHOUGH ADMITTING that state care was not void of its challenges, she credits it for helping to shape the person she is today, because of the stability, discipline and the financial support it provided.
“While living with my mother, I was not under any order and I had limited guidance. State care saved me and helped me to be the person I am today. Living in the children’s home gave me emotional support, a mentor, and gave me all the basic things I needed to attend school,” Hall said.
With the structure provided in foster and state care, Hall was able to complete Ocho Rios High School with nine Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate subjects, subsequently attaining an award for outstanding performance from the Ministry of Education in 2016. In addition to being actively involved in her school community, she was named deputy head girl and prefect.
Having benefited from the kindness of ‘strangers’ for most of her life, it is no surprise that Hall’s career choice reflects her gratitude for the positive impact these individuals have had on her. The now third-year student at Northern Caribbean University (NCU), pursuing a degree in social work, sees this career path as her way of paying it forward to support others who have also experienced similar unfortunate life circumstances.
PURPOSE
“I chose social work because, while I was a ward of the State, I met some really good people in the foster-care system and I want to be a part of that group of persons who make a difference, by going beyond the call of duty,” Hall said.
It was while working with the Montego Bay Autism Centre that Hall was introduced to the JMMB Joan Duncan foundation, a chance introduction that led to a change of fate. In addition to providing employment, as the project assistant for a regional coordinator of the Foundation’s national project, CFG, had a transformational impact on her life.
“I used the principles taught in the CFG programme every day and it has truly changed my mindset. As I see the possibility in everything, I can conquer the world. I am the best,” Hall shared, as she lauded the programme for the transformation it has allowed her to experience as a more positive and self-confident person.
For the new academic year, the foundation offered over $7 million in scholarships, primarily to students at the tertiary level, and to others at the primary and secondary levels, on a case-bycase basis.