Within the very first episode of Jamaicans Finding out Overseas, we sit down with Davia Willis, a proud Jamaican from Spanish City, St. Catherine, who’s at the moment finding out Felony Justice at John Jay Faculty of Felony Justice in New York Metropolis. This inspiring dialog explores Davia’s journey from highschool in Jamaica to turning into a scholar chief within the U.S.
Embracing Life Overseas
Davia’s journey to New York wasn’t with out its hurdles. After being denied direct entry into John Jay Faculty, she leveraged the CUNY system, utilized to a number of neighborhood faculties with a single software, and finally enrolled at Queensborough Neighborhood Faculty, the place she earned her affiliate’s diploma. Only one Monday after graduating, she began lessons at John Jay—no breaks, simply pure drive.
Why Felony Justice?
Although she as soon as dreamed of turning into a instructor, Davia quickly realised she lacked the persistence for the classroom. Influenced by her father and a love for authorized TV reveals, she shifted gears towards prison justice, drawn to its flexibility and broad profession pathways—together with legislation, legislation enforcement, and forensic investigation.
Tradition Shock & Range
One among Davia’s largest changes was the stark distinction in schooling tradition. From setting her personal deadlines to deciding what to put on to high school, the liberty of the American system was each liberating and disorienting. However her largest studying curve? Range. Navigating a melting pot of personalities, traditions, and communication types taught her the worth of being open-minded whereas staying grounded in her Jamaican identification.
Management & Id
Davia didn’t simply adapt—she led. As President of the Student Government at Queensborough and a consultant within the CUNY-wide Scholar Senate, she discovered the best way to advocate for various scholar our bodies, together with worldwide and undocumented college students. However management additionally got here with private challenges. At one level, Davia felt she was shedding her cultural identification to slot in. Her answer? A Jamaican lapel pin and a renewed give attention to embracing her roots whereas main inclusively.
Key Takeaways from Davia’s Journey
- Be open-minded however keep rooted in your identification
- Use rejection as redirection—there’s all the time one other path
- Your presents will make room for you—Davia’s public talking abilities have opened many doorways
- Search neighborhood however don’t be afraid to construct it from scratch
- Illustration issues—particularly for Jamaicans overseas
Remaining Phrases of Recommendation
To different younger Jamaicans contemplating finding out abroad, Davia says:
“Be open-minded. Don’t simply sit within the nook ready—step up and let folks know what you are able to do. Put your self in the best way of alternative.”
Extra Jamaicans to the World Episodes
Love tales like Davia’s? Watch extra inspiring episodes of Jamaicans to the World, the place we spotlight Jamaicans making their mark throughout the globe. From college students and professionals to entrepreneurs and lovers, their journeys will inspire and uplift you.
Know a Jamaican scholar overseas who ought to be featured? Get in contact with us at [email protected]. Let’s proceed celebrating our folks, wherever on the planet they might be.
