How has attending Mount Alvernia shaped you into the young lady you are now?

I knew from a young age that the high school you choose to attend will heavily influence who you become. I grew up in a rural community in Hanover where resources were limited. So, I knew I wanted to go to a school that will provide me with the opportunities to explore my interests (academic and extra-curricular).  Therefore, after careful evaluation I chose Mount Alvernia as my first choice. This was the best decision I ever made. This school has molded me into the individual of purpose I am today. It has instilled a level of discipline in me that is not only reflected in my academics, but extra-curricular and community involvement.

Mount Alvernia has allowed me to understand the meaning of initiative, perseverance and determination. It is through these qualities that I have been able to achieve great things and continue to strive to foster change in society. The supportive community, caring staff and my motivating peers has given me the drive to continue striving because as our motto says, “To the stars through difficulties”.

How will you give back to Mount Alvernia when you get older?

Mount Alvernia High School has played a very critical role in my life. It has given me the friends I have today, the education that I value and the experiences I will remember for the rest of my life. Giving back to this institution in whichever way I can would be an honour. 

When I am older, I would love to give back by donating school necessities and supplies to students of Mount Alvernia whenever they are in need. I would also love to volunteer at any school event, which would allow me to stay up-to-date with the activities and give the teachers an extra hand. I would love to still be a part of the Mount Alvernia family even when I am older.

What are the facilities like on campus?

Because I am in grade seven, I had to spend my first year of high school online, so I have never been on campus. It is such a pity, for I have heard so many wonderful things about school and I was so eager to experience that in person. However, I am glad I am still able to do my classes and communicate with my new friends and teachers and still have a small part of the full Mount Alvernia High School experience.

Upsell your school using three sentences.

Mount Alvernia High school is an institution that endorses lady-like behaviour and discipline, and prioritises education and rewards academic achievements. There are also several societies and extra-curricular activities that students can participate in, such as the Debate Club, basketball team and Key Club, which teach new skills and build social interaction. Additionally, ladies have access to a library that is fully equipped with computers and resource materials, science laboratories and a cafeteria. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, if God's will, I see myself gaining a scholarship to Florida State University where I will be pursuing a career in business marketing. In doing this, I will have the ability to be educated to the highest level which will help to develop society. I will also have an opportunity to develop my skills, make new goals and life choices. To ultimately grow and take on new challenges and work hard to attain my dream career.

What is your favourite subject and why?

I do not have a favourite subject. Each and every teacher at Mount Alvernia High School comes into the class with a vibe that just grabs your attention and persuades you to learn nonstop in their classes.

What has been your fondest memory at Mount Alvernia High School?

My fondest moment at Mount Alvernia High School in my opinion is one from grade eight, the year I transferred there. I can actually remember quite vividly that on my first day at school, during my  first lunch break I cried my eyes out in front of the lower school bathroom because I was in a new, unfamiliar, seemingly scary environment. Fortunately though, that's not the memory I really want to share. No, I want to share a bit of a unique and beautiful memory.

In grade eight, after moving back to Western Jamaica, finally settling in, making friends and falling into a routine, my house was set ablaze. We lost a lot of clothes, books, food- forget that, I almost lost my life. Yeah I know, this  sounds awful,  but that’s not what the real focus is on. What I have focused on for the past six years is the love, care, compassion, kindness and undiluted familial bond formed with so many of my MAHS sisters. Can you believe that as soon as my classmates heard my story, they put together baskets, cards, bags, books, all that I could need and more, and sent them off to me? They offered their support, their knowledge, their shoulders and requested nothing but a smile in return. Though this could've easily been a terrible memory, it can never be because I cannot overlook, nor can I forget the huge kindness shown to me by my Mount Alvernia family;  students, teachers and admin staff alike. Though 2021 is my final year attending Mount Alvernia High School the love, loyalty and sisterhood built here will never end. From scared to mingle, to feeling right at home, thanks to Mount Alvernia I truly have grown.

What career do you wish to enter and why?

Growing up as a little girl, I have always loved children. The interaction between myself and them is really wonderful. Being able to share with them what I have learnt everyday in school is very inspiring and fun. This is where my passion for teaching comes in. I want to be an early childhood teacher. Being a teacher is a lot of work, but that is what I love about it. It gives me the force to push and challenge myself everyday. Teaching includes: loving your students, helping them and also being very understanding to their needs.

Who is your role model and why?

My mom is my role model. She loves me unconditionally and takes great care of me all the time. My mom is a teacher, mentor and nurturer all in one. My mom is my source of motivation and always supports my goals in life. She inspires me to do better each day. She is very hardworking, determined and achieves anything she puts her mind to. She has such great morals and values and takes very good care of our family. My mother is someone who I look upon, respect and aspire to be like. Having a mom like her is a blessing, and I wish I too could be like her one day and be able to pass it onto my children. She is always organized, and gets everything done on time. I often wonder how she controls all of her duties simultaneously and so amazingly and at the end gets all things prepared at the appropriate time. 

What improvements, if any, would you like to see made to the campus and or curriculum?

A good addition to the school’s curriculum would be to allow the sixth form students to have a day off during the week. This would allow the ladies better management of the workload.

Additionally, there can be more use of practical and engaging learning techniques in the classroom. For example, teaching through the use of catchy acronyms, games and songs.

What is your favourite lunch at Mount Alvernia and why?

My preferred lunch at Mount Alvernia would be the ‘one piece combo meal’. It is comprised of one piece of chicken, fries, a bread-roll and a drink. This meal is preferred because of the amazing taste, as well as the affordable price it is set at. In addition to that, this meal is easily consumed. This means that I have the time to eat, and after I am finished eating, I can do other productive activities in the space of one hour, which is the time we get for lunch.

Would you recommend the school to a parent of a younger girl and why?

Mount Alvernia High School is a school I would strongly recommend to a parent of a younger girl. Mount Alvernia is renowned for its outstanding academic achievements. The school’s faculty encourages students to achieve success and excellence and go above and beyond what they believed they were capable of. Mount Alvernia High School is renowned not only for its academic accomplishments, but also for the discipline shown by its students. The students have retained some order and regulation over their conduct as a result of the various rules put in place. There are also several extracurricular activities to participate in that will undoubtedly enhance one’s high school experience. The chess team, the dance club, key club, track and field, and several other activities are among them. With that said, I believe Mount Alvernia High School is an excellent school to recommend to a parent for their daughter(s) to attend.

How has online learning impacted your life during this pandemic and do you enjoy it?

Learning online is one of the major things that I was forced to adapt to. I adjusted quite quickly to this new learning style, but I do not enjoy it. There are too many unavoidable distractions in the home environment which create some difficulty when trying to focus during classes. 

 I have never appreciated being in a physical school environment until now, and being at school physically was a form of motivation that I have now learned to appreciate. I am a person who thrives off the competition in a physical classroom and learning online has taught me and continues to teach me the life skill of being self-motivated.  

I am learning to appreciate this new style of learning everyday and despite the challenges I face, I am grateful that I am able to attend my classes without difficulty most days. I believe that with God’s help, I will continue to do my very best in school and thrive in spite of the challenges I face.