Associate degree student triumphed despite low self-esteem and self-doubt

by Jada Chambers

The recipient of the Divisional Award for Excellence in the Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies(DASGS) Associates Degree Programme at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College(SVGCC), struggled to believe that she would have stood out among her hard working and intelligent classmates.

Karissa Moses, who was among 691 students that graduated last week Tuesday, June 25, 2024, told SEARCHLIGHT on July 4 that self-doubt, low self-esteem, laziness, lack of self-confidence, and little motivation are some of the giants that she had to overcome during her tenure at the SVGCC.

“In the last semester I faced a lot of procrastination and periods of laziness which made me question if I could keep up with my responsibilities and maintain good grades,” Moses said.

“There were times that I gave up on studying because I did not understand the subject material as I was never focused during the lectures, and I waited until the last minute to study.”

So when Moses found out that she was selected as the valedictorian for the DASGS Associates Degree programme, she was more than a little surprised, but quite happy.

“…my happiness was overwhelmed by nervousness because I knew being the valedictorian came with writing a speech and I’m not a fan of writing speeches,” she continued.

However, Moses said that her loved ones were thrilled when they learnt of her achievement.

“…they were more excited than I was. My family was happy and expressed how proud they were of my hard work. My friends were too excited…for some reason, their reaction made me feel kind of weird, so it took me a second to reply to them congratulating me.”

Continuing, Moses said her classmates were supportive and offered their heartfelt congratulations.

“Some of them were not surprised, but others expressed that they were glad that I was the one to receive this award,” she said.

Moses also shared with SEARCHLIGHT that she is focused on improving her self-esteem and confidence, and hopes to address her struggles of self doubt and procrastination.

“I am currently taking the time to figure out what course I want to take if/when I do decide to further my studies. In the meantime, I want to explore and see what I’m passionate about and hopefully, find a job,” she said, adding that her aspirations involve embracing new beginnings even as she is scared of the unknown.

Moses has some encouraging word for today’s youth. She is urging them to believe and be confident in themselves and their abilities, even when faced with self-doubt and other challenges.

“Stay focused and take time to study, as there would be regrets when you realize that you could have done better if you had started studying earlier.”

She also is advising the youth to set goals, then work hard to achieve them; to surround themselves with people who support and motivate them, and to ask for help whenever they need it.