UCCI greets Brac students

By Basia Pioro, basia@cfp.ky

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News of a new Brac satellite Cayman Brac at a recent welcome reception held for them at UCCI.

UCCI Students Shane McCoon, Lloyd Zapata and Marieka Hunt had the chance to chat with Governor Stuart Jack at the Brac Students welcome reception.

In a message conveyed to the students by UCCI Dean Brian Chapell, UCCI President Hassan Syed also remarked that Brac students may have another more convenient option of pursuing post–secondary studies now that UCCI has secured facilities for a new campus in the Brac.

“Dean Chapell has been working on the project and during my recent visit to Cayman Brac I was deeply encouraged by the sentiments expressed by the community as regards the learning opportunities offered by UCCI,” said Mr. Syed’s message.

“I would like to thank the Hon Minister of Education for his support and encouragement that allowed us to reach this landmark that truly defines UCCI as a national university.”

At the reception, the seven Brac students had the opportunity to introduce themselves to Governor Stuart Jack, Education Minister Alden McLaughlin, and Chair of the UCCI Board of Directors Conor O’Dea to discuss their educational goals.

“I’m really interested in becoming a paediatrician, so I’m studying natural sciences,” said Marieka Hunt.

Both the governor and Mr. McLaughlin encouraged the students to not give up on their dreams.

“You have been given a wonderful opportunity to be the best that you can be, I encourage you to not let it go to waste,” said Mr. McLaughlin.

The students are part of a new transitional programme coordinated by Mitch Ebanks. Its aim is to help integrate the Brac students into life at UCCI by providing accommodation, assisting with the registration process and monitoring the students’ wellbeing.

“As an outcome of things we were hearing during a recent Brac recruitment drive, this programme addresses concerns expressed by parents on the Brac that their kids were a bit young to be away from home and going to school,” he said.

“By offering support, such as holding weekly meetings, and providing supervision outside school hours we have been able to deal with these concerns very effectively.”

Because of the current lack of student residences, UCCI, just–graduated Brac students were quite a rare sight at UCCI, and the programme has moved to address that need by providing accommodation in apartments within easy walking distance to the campus.

Mr. Ebanks also provides 24–hour on call service so the students can get in touch with someone any time day or night.

“I think they, and their parents, find it reassuring that there’s someone there for them,” says Mr. Ebanks.

Students Rhojel Gayle and Kevin Sterling are in the UCCI hospitality programme. Rhojel, now in his second year, is interested in the hotel business, and Kevin is interested in becoming a chef.

“We like where we are staying, it’s very nice, and we like the people we’ve met so far,” says Rhojel.

“Being a part of this programme is helping us a lot in our studies.”