Class of Covid

Miss Sashan Brown- Class Valedictorian

Miss Sashan Brown, former Deputy-Head Girl of the St. Elizabeth Technical High School (ST.E.T.H.S.) joined the CMU family in 2016 through her enrollment in the Customs Processes, Freight Forwarding and Immigration (CPFFI) programme in the Faculty of Shipping and Logistics. Guided by Proverbs 19:21- Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails, the Dean and President Honour Roll recipient was also passionate about Student Leadership and served as the Secretary and Senior Executive Advisor of the Students’ Union. The Class Valedictorian sat with The Anchor to share, as a graduate, what the CMU’s 40th anniversary means to her.

1. What was it like graduating in a pandemic?

In all honesty, I would say it was a very scary experience, considering the current economic climate of our nation caused by the pandemic which would have a direct impact on the ability of many students to secure meaningful employment. Thankfully, because of the unique nature of the CMU’s degrees, that has not been a difficulty of mine!

2. As a graduate of the class of 2020, what does the 40th anniversary mean to you?

It means a lot to me, as the preservation and growth of any institution for that length of time speaks to its leadership fabric. It’s quite evident that resilience and perseverance have been demonstrated time and time again despite the odds that the institution faced. This has instilled in me a deep sense of pride to be associated with such greatness.

3. How should your fellow students feel about the anniversary?

This achievement is definitely something that should be embraced and celebrated with great sense of pride and appreciation. Despite the many detours and daunting challenges, we triumphed!

4. What does your graduation mean to you and your family?

This achievement is undoubtedly one that has been perceived by us as that achievement that will create a greater level of security and mutual growth. I win, they win!

5. Where do you want to be in the next 5 years?

The plan, if God wills it, is to be a Customs Director and start my family.

6. How will your degree help you to achieve that goal?

It will definitely open up more opportunities for me and pave the road I desire, to take me to my ultimate goal of becoming Commissioner. The degree will be very useful, but for me it’s the journey behind the degree. That journey has prepared me in so many ways for the real world.

7. What is your most memorable moment at the CMU?

I have a lot of memorable moments so it’s really hard to decide, but I would say, it was that one instance where I was contacted by a student who was not able to sit an exam that was a few hours away. Knowing me, I got into action as a member of the Students’ Union, lobbied for her and at the end of the day, she was able to do her assessment. The feeling of being able to help a fellow student in such a critical situation was priceless!

8. What advice would you give to current students at the CMU?

I would say, be open to opportunities that are out there irrespective of where they are. Never limit yourself! The world is colossal and it’s yours to make the most of. Finally, never convince yourself that a 9-5 is an end, rather, perceive it as a means to an end.

By: Nahjae Nunes

life, if not media. more. I have It will help develop the attributes you need in future endeavours come to understand the value of networking – in person and on social media. It will help develop the attributes you need in future endeavours and it will change your perspective on perspective on life. life. By: Amoy By: Amoy Vernon Vernon

Mr Roshane Ferguson- Engineering Prodigy

Also joining Sashan in the interview is another exceptional student named Mr. Roshane Ferguson. Roshane read for a Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Systems and is now a successful Mechanical Technician at a notable Industrial firm locally. He lives by the mantra “Quality of life changes when your mentality of life changes.”

1. What was it like graduating in a pandemic?

This pandemic changed everything. It certainly was not the ending that I anticipated or hoped for, but I was happy that I successfully closed another chapter of life especially during our 40th anniversary celebrations! I was pleased and humbled to say the least.

2. What does this achievement mean to you and your family?

This achievement signifies a high level of competence. It denotes the confidence with which I can enter any organization as an employee. It shows that I have had world class training and that I am among the elite. For my family, it’s simply bliss. The joy is infectious. They are elated and proud to witness the culmination of my hard work and sacrifice throughout my four years at the CMU.

3. As a graduate of the class of 2020, what does the 40th Anniversary mean to you?

For me, the 40th anniversary is significant. It symbolizes 40 years of industry dominance, world class graduates and quality that is comparable to none.

4. Where do you want to be in the next 5 years?

I hope the next five years will be some of the best in my life. I want it to be the foundation for continued growth and success. I hope that those five years will significantly bring me to the peak of my career. In that time, I wish to continue learning and gaining new skills to help bridge the gap between Jamaica’s current demand for labour and the skills available to fill that demand.

5. How will your degree help you to achieve that goal?

My degree covers a great deal of knowledge and so it exposed me to many areas within the industry. This equipped me with all the basic and technical skills required to compete in the industry l and so I have no doubt that my qualifications will play a significant role in helping me to reach the heights of my career.

6. What is your most memorable moment at the CMU?

My most memorable moment was when I entered the annual Mr & Miss CMU pageant. Though I placed 5th in the competition, it was instrumental in me gaining confidence that benefitted me later in life, during interviews and presentations.

7. What advice would you give to current students at the CMU?

My advice would be to invest in your professional life just as much as you invest in your social life, if not more.

I have come to understand the value of networking – in person and on social media. It will help develop the attributes you need in future endeavours and it will change your perspective on life.

By: Amoy Vernon