High Achiever Wants To Fulfill His Dream

Seventeen-year-old, Matthew Harvey, is determined to fulfill his dream of becoming a paediatrician, as he believes wholeheartedly that this profession is his calling and purpose in life.

It is no wonder he passed his favourite subject, Biology, with a Grade One in the May sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC), as this is the main subject area to set him on the road to paediatrics.

“I am going to be a Paediatrician, because I love babies and enjoy their company and love helping people,” the enthusiastic Cornwall College graduate explains.

Highly-motivated and focused, Matthew, who will be starting sixth form this academic year, holds nine CSEC subjects with seven grade ones and two grade twos. In addition to Biology, Matthew has Grade Ones in Information Technology, Mathematics, Geography, Principles of Business, English A and Spanish.  For Chemistry and Physics, he acquired Grade Two passes.

In an interview with JIS News, Matthew says he feels “elated and euphoric” about his success in the regional examination. He credits his ability to stick to a stringent study schedule for his achievements.

“What I did was to create a study timetable with all my subjects and just basically worked it like that and I also used my textbooks a lot. I separated the chapters that were more difficult to me and focused on them more,”  Matthew explains.

Matthew says although he likes to study alone, it helps him retain information when he engages in discussions about the study topics with other persons.

“I definitely had to give up free time with my friends and I spent less time outdoors and did less fun activities like going to the beach,” he adds.

He says his most challenging subjects were Mathematics, Physics and some topics in Chemistry; however he gave those areas particular attention.

“I sought help from my teachers and from students who were better in those subject areas than I am. I was determined that I was going to pass those subjects, and guess what, I did, with the help of some good old confidence and determination, and of course, the assistance of others,” Matthew tells JIS News.

He intends to do Pure Mathematics as one of his subjects at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) level in Sixth Form.

For this young man, his biggest motivation is his family. “My mother  works oh so hard for me and I hope one day I can help her and the rest of my immediate family,” he says.

Matthew plans to study medicine at the university level, with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. He adds that he also loves Information Technology and would like to pursue that as well.

“Also, I have another dream of being an advocate for homeless animals, children and women around the world, so United Nations, here I come,” he adds.

In his spare time, Matthew says he loves to read books and “biology-related information.” He also likes to listen to classical music and enjoys hanging out with friends and family.

At Cornwall College, he is a part of the Tourism Action Club (TAC), through which he entered the Tourism Product Development Company’s (TPDCO) essay competition and  placed first of over 100 applicants. He is also a member of the Science and Spanish Clubs at his school.

Matthew says he was also on the Principal’s Honour Roll for all his five years in high school.

His advice to his juniors is simply to work very hard. “I know school may seem rough but remember the end crowns the work and hard work brings true joy. Study, practice on your weak areas and stay focused for the sky is the limit and every person can be excellent,” he says.