The Brown’s Town Community College Graduating Class of 2024 was treated to a powerful and uplifting keynote address from Dr. Maurice Smith at the annual graduation ceremony held on November 21, 2024 at Holiday Haven, Runaway Bay. Speaking on the theme, ‘Born to Fly: Unveiling Your True Potential’, the University of the West Indies’ Registrar/Chief Administrative Officer, offered a message of empowerment and personal growth that resonated deeply with the graduating students.

Drawing a compelling parallel between the principles of flight and personal development, Dr. Smith emphasized that each graduate, like an aircraft, possesses the potential to soar to great heights. “You are just as gifted as others,” Dr. Smith affirmed, “but to reach your full potential, you must understand the forces that drive you, much like a plane’s journey through the skies.”

Among the graduating class was the first cohort of students to complete the Bachelor of Science in Social Work, one of whom received the highest Grade Point Average amongst the Council of Community Colleges, Jamaica’s (CCCJ) programmes. Miss Dominique Howard obtained the highest GPA from this first cohort, boasting a 100% completion rate.   Miss Shaneice Burris, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme graduate, topped the graduating class with a GPA of 3.92. 

In continuing, the UWI Registrar outlined four key lessons that each graduate could apply to their life:

1. Thrust – Vision: Just as an aircraft needs thrust to take off, individuals must have a clear vision of where they want to go. “Potential is already inside you,” Dr. Smith said. “It’s called thrust, and when you connect with it, you will find the momentum to move forward.”
2. Weight – Let Go of Burdens: Just as an aircraft’s weight must be carefully balanced to achieve flight, graduates must learn to let go of emotional weight, such as unforgiveness and stress, that holds them back.  “Unforgiveness is like dead weight; stress will kill your dreams,” Dr. Smith stated. He urged his listeners to love people, and release what weighed them down.
3. Drag – Avoid Negative Influences: Dr. Smith compared drag on an aircraft to the negative influences and distractions that can slow down personal progress. He cautioned the audience to be careful from whom they take advice and to choose their  companions wisely. He added, “Surround yourself with those who lift you up, not those who slow you down.”
4. Lift – Connect with Purpose: Finally, Dr. Smith emphasized the importance of finding something greater than oneself that can provide the lift needed to reach new heights. “Planes fly because of the wings that carry them. You too need something bigger than yourself – whether it’s your faith, your values, or your passion – to lift you when times get tough.”

Dr. Smith concluded with a message of hope and resilience: “As you leave this place today, remember you were born to fly. The sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning of what you can achieve.”

The Class of 2024 along with the College’s faculty, staff, and well-wishers left the ceremony inspired and ready to face the challenges ahead, armed with the wisdom of Dr. Smith’s words.

                                                                                                                           -30-