Mother’s sacrifice inspires UTech’s valedictorian to academic success

Jerome Garwood, First Class Honours graduand of the Faculty of the Built Environment, is one of two valedictorians who will represent the University of Technology, Jamaica’s graduating class of 2024. With a remarkable grade point average (GPA) of 3.79, Garwood who completed a bachelor of science in quantity surveying, was nominated by his faculty as a valedictorian candidate and selected by the panel of judges to represent his cohort of graduates at the graduation ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, November 16.

With a natural comfort for numbers and a fascination with construction, Garwood decided to pursue a major in quantity surveying. Although he excelled academically, he encountered financial struggles, which saw him seeking scholarships to complete his studies. Emotional challenges also affected his studies, especially with the loss of numerous relatives during his tenure at the university. Reflecting on how he was able to overcome these challenges, he shared, “Mental fortitude and a great support system, which comprised leaders of the Faculty of the Built Environment, were instrumental in my refusal to throw in the towel.”

Garwood shared that his academic journey was significantly shaped by the encouragement of his lecturers at UTech, Jamaica. “My lecturers believed in me, even when I did not.” He shared, “I remember my lead lecturer being adamant that I do not drop a module”, but due to the fear of not doing well, he decided not to pursue the module. However, he shared, “the following academic year I got an A for the module. The confidence showed in me was a real turning point and I went from strength to strength thereafter, consistently improving my GPA every semester.”

Garwood says he was motivated by his mother. “I have seen her sacrifice so much in my lifetime, and she does it out of the purest form of love. I strive to be as selfless as her in a very selfish world.”

For Garwood, one of UTech, Jamaica’s defining features is its holistic approach to student’s academic, social and emotional development. “This makes us not only great professionals, but great people. Furthermore, the university produces work-ready leaders who can adapt to any working environment by imparting a great mix of theoretical and practical knowledge and facilitating hands-on experience through internships.”

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He recalls that one of his most memorable experiences was completing his final undergraduate research paper. “My group and I were put to the test when we were tasked with exploring modern technology and assessing how it could be implemented in Jamaica’s construction industry,” he said. Although this was a major academic challenge, he said that the process “enhanced our research, time management, and collaborative problem-solving skills”.

Citing his role as valedictorian as his greatest accomplishment, the high achiever shared, “This is the ultimate reward for any graduate. Being trusted with the prestigious act of representing your peers and institution is no small feat.”

His advice to current UTech students: “The world awaits your impact. You are at an institution that will give you the tools to ensure it is a positive one. Make the most of it. Most importantly, enjoy the journey, make friends, and form meaningful relationships.”

Now employed as a quantity surveyor in the construction industry, Garwood is looking to the future. “I intend to be a trailblazer in the field of construction, locally and internationally, particularly as it relates to efficiency and cost-effectiveness.” He shared that his next step in advancing his expertise in quantity surveying is pursuing a postgraduate degree.

He also remains committed to giving back to his community and serving as a positive influence for young people. “I hope to continue serving my community through various voluntary initiatives and being an exemplary reference for young people.”