Rashalee Gayle

My tertiary education is quite important because without it I cannot venture into my future job of

becoming an attorney. My bachelors in law must first be obtained then I will matriculate to the

Norman Manley law school to further my legal studies and pass the bar exam. This degree has been a

lifelong goal from as early as thirteen years old. I have always envisioned myself leaving the physical

constrains of my surroundings and becoming that voice that other less fortunate individuals can look

up to and strive to empower themselves.

Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.

Jamaica’s economy is quite important to the country because the budget the government outlines will

be based off our financial resources. Myself and other like-minded individuals that choose to further

their education to the tertiary level play a significant role in a country’s development. Completing my

qualification would mean that I am contributing to the human development and growth in my country.

According to this index, the more educated a population is, the greater value they will have to

themselves and their country and considering the fact that people are the most important resource a

country has, the statement would seem true. Thus, by choosing to educate myself I become a small

drop in a larger pond of students harnessing our full potential to obtain our degrees. The more

educated individuals of working age will increase Jamaica’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) because

this would mean fewer dependents upon the government. Furthermore, any money pumped into the

country, from investment, public and private sectors, remittances, will be used towards growth and

development which will enhance the economic climate.

Moreover, economic development as severely been implicated by crime because it has a domino

effect. Hailing from the parish of St. James, I have personal experience of the negative effects crime

would have on the economy. Due to the fact that tourism is the most thriving sector in Jamaica and

Montego Bay being the tourist capital, the crime wave has left a trail of disaster in its wake. Many

individuals lost their jobs and businesses had to close early which would result in a loss of revenue for

both them and the government. Airlines and travels agencies alike issued warnings advising tourist to

be cautious if they do decide to visit here, others opted to cancel their trips. Considering the fact that I

intend to pursue a degree in law, I will be giving back to my community and St. James as a whole to
 Rashalee Gayle

improve this growing crime issue. Mainly through empowering youths about the dangers of that life

will result in and also providing other innovative avenues that they can pursue.

This scholarship, if received will assist in payment of tuition and other miscellaneous fees because my

course of study is quite expensive and any drop in the proverbial bucket is beneficial. Due to my

locality I possess the qualities to relate to my peers and my mother has worked hard to ensure I’ve

achieved all that I have today and in so doing I’m more equipped to be a future leader in my

community. The youths and even adults will have a voice, that I didn’t see growing up, to emulate and

strive for better thus rising from the hardship. By then I hope to one day provide the resources that

they may need to do- help me, help Jamaica.

In conclusion completing my qualifications will further improve human development which

ultimately means greater productivity and thus economic development. Ultimately economic

development will help Jamaica achieve its 2030 vision.