Camille Wyllie moving up

On June 10, Camille Wyllie graduated John Abbott College with an average of 88 in Youth and Adult Correctional Intervention.{{more}}

Because of her impressive academic standing, Wyllie has been accepted into three universities with scholarship offers and entrance as a second year student. She has chosen Carleton University in Ottawa where she will be pursuing a BA Honours degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law.

On July 18, Wyllie received a second scholarship from the Coloured Women of Montreal club, which was presented to her at the Union United Church in Montreal. On August 16, she will also be receiving the John Abbott College professional scholarship.

Hailing from the village of Rose Bank, Camille Wyllie is the daughter of Sandra Lavia and Ken Wyllie and the step daughter of Desmond Lavia. She is married to Hopeton Harris who migrated to Montreal, Canada, in 1998.

Wyllie has maintained a good academic standing throughout the past three years, despite several trials and tribulations. She is the mother of two children, one of whom is in her second year of high school and the other who is in grade three. Throughout the three years, Wyllie said she sacrificed a great deal to fulfill her dreams.

“I have received numerous bursaries form from John Abbott College, of my hard work and dedication to my studies,” she said.

She said the scholarship presentation was very emotional for her, “but it shows no matter where you are from, or whatever obstacles come your way, you can achieve, it is all about applying yourself.”

Wyllie said that furthering her studies in the field of Criminology and Criminal Justice will help her to educate others. “In this way, I can help them build up their self esteem and to regain hope that there is always a better tomorrow. In this country of great opportunities, you can achieve no matter what. This career path will give me a sense of fulfillment. I have always aspired to not just finding a job but one that is fulfilling and would make me feel like I am actually doing something for the betterment of society.

“This would add to my legacy and make me feel like a complete person. I have learned that in keeping with my personality, I require a fulfilling career so that I can have an impact versus a job that I am doing for financial reasons only,” Wyllie said.

Wyllie said her time in Canada has been a time of personal growth that she would like to extend to her professional domain.

Wyllie said she has learned that she can “persevere, focus and attain any goals that I may set for myself.”