A role model for her students

Charmaine Henry, as her first name suggests, was a true charmer. She only taught me one course in my first year at the University of the West Indies, yet the impact that she has had on my life makes it appear as if I had her class every day of my three-year tenure. Thinking about it now, I think that’s because I saw some of me and who I wanted to be in her: her ever-present, warm howdy-dos, her magnetic charisma, her genuine interest in the overall development and wellness of her students, her love for the creative arts and her incessant encouragement and positivity.

We didn’t speak much, neither did I visit her office regularly, but those few times that we ended up seeing each other, I always left her company with a smile and a feeling of worth. The way she spoke with confidence, her love for Christ, and the way she carried herself spoke wonders. I honestly think that she was an angel living on Earth with the responsibilities of healing the scores of broken-hearted struggling on campus, feeding the hungry and the poor, and giving hope to those who had grown hopeless in a very short period of time. If only she could have lived a little longer to continue her magic among millions!

Even if I try to forget her, I won’t be able to. She has become my newest role model. She will forever be in my heart, reminding me for the rest of my life about the importance of living a Christ-like, purposeful, and worthwhile life.

Rest in peace, Miss Henry. I know you are in a better place. Thank you for leaving your mark on me.