The Road Less Travelled
Alma Marta ST Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS.)
It was a very tightly packed few days on the island. The first day saw me driving across the country from Kingston to the South Side where I conducted an assembly at my old High School: Alma Marta ST Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS.) At this session, I was able to honour one of the greatest mothers. She was there for me as parent in absentia and a source of support. Mrs. Johnson, a Home Management Teacher now retired was in attendance and I felt truly blessed. Being the tough girl I am I didn’t intend to cry, however the tears came and I didn’t hold them back. The students were touched and I signed whatever objects they could get their hands on.
I am proud to say that I attended this noble institution, it has shaped the woman I am today. I can only hope that I am able to shape the lives of those young women in the way that my teachers shaped mine.
My trip was made complete when the Deputy Head Mrs. Holiness said “If you gave us $200000 US dollars this morning, it couldn’t equate to that which you imparted to the children this morning. It was invaluable”
Maggoty High School
I swiftly moved onto Maggoty High School where, although a stranger to the students’, I was met with warmth. The lovely Board of Directors Lola Marshall Williams, Chairman of Board of Directors and Mrs Evans were the first to welcome me. It was an extremely hot afternoon, yet the students stood and snatched every word from my mouth. They were hungry for the message and even asked for an encore. This affirmed for me there and then that this was what I wanted to do, I wanted to impact on the lives of others, help to shape their destiny and afford them the guidance I never had.
Greater Portmore High in St Catherine
The day ended and I journeyed back to Kingston to prepare for the next day which promised to be just as exciting, but I was now nervous. My next engagement would not be an audience of high school students but university students, who were keener and even more critical. My next stop was Greater Portmore High in St Catherine, I was invited by an Educational Officer who was lovely enough to pick me up and drove me to the school. The students were lovely, warm and very receptive. I left them with the message of self-belief and perseverance, which I believe is fundamental to achieving any real success.
Honourable Ambassador Burchelll Whiteman
I then hurried back to my apartment to change into something more formal for my book reading at the University of Technology, where I would read my book to an audience of lecturers and students. It was an amazing experience that was heightened by the appearance of the Honourable Ambassador Burchelll Whiteman. He was instrumental in helping to fashion the woman I am today and of course I presented him with a signed copy of my book.I was introduced to my attentive audience by my very good friend and Godfather of my children Dr. Garfield Young who also acted as my host while on the island.
“Profile” talk show
That day got even busier as I had a date with Ian Boyne the host of the prestigious “Profile” talk show. My mum accompanied me and it was great to see her glow with pride and happiness at how far I had come.
Watch the Full interview here.
I was pampered and preened in hair and make-up and I must say, when they were done, I did a double take. I didn’t know I could look so good!. The beach seemed a fitting place to rest after two very hectic days, so my mum, my son and myself headed to the beach where we chowed down on the very best of Jamaica’s seafood delicacies. I sat there and allowed the waves to massage my tired, worn and weary body.
Meet up with Nashuman Drummond,
Lifestyle Gleaner editor
The weekend came and things took a slower pace which was truly what I needed. I got a chance to meet up with Nashuman Drummond , Lifestyle Gleaner editor who did the piece “From mangoes to MBA”. We chatted about the book and just being back home after such a long time, it was fantastic to finally meet her.
Taking it to church
Being a Christian, regardless of where I find myself globally, I strive to find a place of worship. While in Jamaica this is an easy choice to make. Not only was there so much to be thankful for I wanted to mix with my people. I ended up at Fellowship Tabernacle: a church of over 2000 people. The Reverend Al Miller gave me the opportunity to address his congregation and I was able speak about my bio. This was such a special moment as Reverend Miller christened my daughter Chardonae Elizabeth. He was delighted to see how far I had come and this experience reminded me of Gods favour and grace in my life.
My last stop
Before I knew it, it was almost time to leave, but not before I visited the much respected University of the West Indies to address the Autobiographical Studies Department. Lisa Brown the Adjunct lecture made me feel so welcome and I have taken that with me, as this was resonated at each venue I visited. It was delightful. The students were intrigued and asked many questions. I was most honoured when Professor Carolyn Cooper and my very own cousin, Sharon Brown walked in. Shortly thereafter, I had to leave for the airport, walking away from my beloved island: from the soil that moulded me. I know it wasn’t good bye but see you soon, be good, be well and be safe, until we meet again. Thanks Jamaica “My passion has been renewed and my drive more than ever inspired”
Until next time Love Ava Brown x
Comments
My name is Anika Stephenson. I attend St Elizabeth Technical High school and I am in grade ten.in the future I would like to become a lawyer I always told myself that it was not possible due to my financial status but your story really touch me that despite what I am going through one day the trial and tribulation will come to an end because once I work hard and put God first.
Hello Ava this is Matthew Dawkins from St. Elizabeth technical high school I watched your program on profile and it was very inspiring it thought me a lot of things that you should be eager to learn and I interested into that so i will take u as a very good example and go through life.
the profile interview was quite inspiring and life fulfilling. your past experiences were quite challenging but you did falter and that is majestic in lack of a better word. this gives us (Davian and Anelka) the drive to surpass our current challenges no matter if we fall and falter we can still overcome even though the devil is hell bent on making us fail we shall overcome with the help of the almighty God. Ms. Brown you have been an inspiration and you earned a new best fan. please continue on your path to success and continue inspiring I thank you.
WOW I AM IMPRESSED .Girl I am honoured to have met you. You are a star. Also that is one of my dream to go back to Jamaica and share my story, hoping that it will inspired someone. May God give you the energy to impact lives as you journey through. I love what I SEE SO FAR ALSO YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL
fantastic IT LOOKS GREAT. YOU HAVE DONE WONDERFUL AND I AM PROUD OF YOU Jamaican SISTER. May God gives you the strength to take territories and break barriers
you have inspired me great to have you at my school(MAGGOTTY HIGH SCHOOL) nice to meet you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!