KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a heartening development for Jamaica’s healthcare education sector, Sheena Thorpe, a final-year nursing student at the University of Technology’s Caribbean School of Nursing (CSON) Western Campus, has been honored with a US$1,000 scholarship from the Jamaica Nurses Association of Florida (JNAF). The award ceremony took place on December 15, recognizing Thorpe’s academic dedication and financial need.
The prestigious scholarship, traditionally granted to registered nursing students maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 while demonstrating economic hardship, arrives at a pivotal moment for Thorpe. Her studies have coincided with significant challenges, including the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa and persistent resource constraints that have tested the resilience of nursing students across the Western Campus.
Professor Adella Campbell, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, praised Thorpe’s achievement, underscoring the extraordinary perseverance exhibited by nursing students. She reflected on the cohort’s ability to excel in national examinations despite facing natural disasters and limited institutional resources, calling it a testament to their commitment.
University President Dr. Kevin Brown commended the JNAF for its sustained investment in Jamaica’s developmental future through education. He highlighted the crucial role such financial support plays for students from low-income backgrounds, noting, ‘Where we can get scholarships to offset those costs, it is truly appreciated.’
An elated Thorpe expressed profound gratitude for the timely assistance. ‘I’m super happy and I’m very grateful,’ she stated, revealing the award would alleviate burdens exacerbated by hurricane-related expenses in her decisive final year. Her motivation for entering the profession stems from a deep-seated passion: ‘I love to care for people, especially when they’re sick. I have a passion for it.’