“We all have plans for our lives, and having those plans derailed can be traumatic and devastating , but there is a blessing in being broken, because the process to being mended can be magical, and what you thought was rejection can actually be your redirection.” A quote from Simone Clarke that resonates well with 2024 graduate, Sanjay R.W Grandison, who proudly walked the stage of the University Of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja), and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Midwifery.
This major accomplishment was not without its many challenges and many were unaware of the numerous setbacks Sanjay faced throughout university, each testing his perseverance and resilience. Yet, he consistently remained focused, which eventually led to him successfully graduating.
“It was difficult, both mentally and financially. My mom was a single parent and she was also unemployed, with two children attending high school, struggling to make ends meet. But God is faithful” Grandison recalled the initial struggle years. Despite the challenge, he was determined to acquire a Bachelor’s Degree, as he saw this as the first major step to make a better life for his mother and his younger siblings.
Grandison affirmed that he did not choose this path, it chose him, highlighting that his love for children was the driving force behind this intentionally aligned decision to study midwifery.
“In 2008 when my mom became pregnant with my younger sister, I started to develop a special love for pregnant women.” Sanjay recalled. He further stated, “I went to a church camp in 2012, and heard someone talking about wanting to become a midwife, of course, I asked what they do. I did my research and found out that it was exactly what I see myself doing in the future.”
However, this new love counteracted his childhood dream of becoming a pilot, but with having the life-changing opportunity of being very involved throughout his mother’s pregnancy, he had a change of heart. He described the experience as rewarding, and the main reason behind his passion for the field.
The now midwife recalled the beginning of his university journey during the Covid-19 pandemic. “I was working full-time but had to resign to attend school full-time, which made things even more difficult.” He went on to say, “I had to find a balance between working and going to school, but the demands of school were just as heavy as work.”
As Sanjay progressed through his studies, financial struggles persisted. With his savings depleted, he sought relief by applying for government grants and even taking the risk of joining the J1 Work and Travel Programme to fund his tuition. Though the many hitches left Sanjay in a difficult position and many times he considered giving up; he refused to let it derail his dreams. He admitted that his journey through university was “rough”, but he persevered, knowing that his hard work would pay off.
He offered special thanks to his mother for being his main support through university, sharing that, whenever he needed financial assistance she would do her best to support him from the little she made . Grandison further stated “I also met some wonderful friends who helped to keep me in check.”
Sanjay worked at the Stony Hill Health Centre for a brief moment alongside pregnant women and young mothers in the Maternal Clinic Department. He aspires to serve as a midwife at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. Sanjay also shared that after all he underwent, he is humbled and grateful as he is now living his dream. He further expressed that his message to his younger self would be “Not to worry because, his best days are ahead of him. Just keep soaring and striving for greatness.” His journey reaffirms his belief that one’s beginning does not define their destiny.
Written by Aaron Brown