THE residents of the small rural community of Hunt’s Town in St Mary had something to celebrate the night when the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) results were disclosed to the public. This was because their very own, Onel Harrison, scored a spectacular eight ones in his CSEC subjects.

“The night on which CSEC results were to be release was one filled with anxiety and expectation,” the Ardennite told TEENage. “I logged into the CXC website with shaking arms (and) could not keep my mouse still. The instant I saw my grades I became speechless. My friends were asking me over Facebook, “How much yuh get?” and most of my replies were, ‘eight once, *onse, *8 !’s! I was so elated that I could hardly focus on what I was typing.”

“After I became calm, my mom stepped into my room, saw my grades and the big smile that came across her face, accompanied with her tears of joy, reassured me that she was really proud of me,” the 16-year-old continued. “I became even happier. The next morning I made sure to revisit the website to ensure that I wasn’t dreaming.”

A fitting reaction it was to gaining the distinctions in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, English language, information technology, social studies, and religious education.

“My inspiration comes from God as well as from my parents and Dr Henley, the late Dr Sandra and Alyssa Morgan,” Harrison commented on what drove him to his accomplishment. “I firmly believed that I could have done what I did. Ever since I chose my subjects at the end of grade nine, I decided within myself that I would work towards getting eight ones. Even when things seemed bleak at times, I constantly remembered my goal. I am thankful for the support I got from those around me and to God.”

The charismatic and confident student of Ardenne High School lives by the belief that we reap what we sow and the good done will always be rewarded. He places God at the centre of his life and his success and so, plans to complete Ardenne High’s sixth form programme and then advance to university to further his education, where he wishes to go directly into the MBBS programme and then attempt media and communications at a later date, as those are both his passions.

“For the students preparing for the upcoming CSEC exams, I would advise (you) to study wisely, manage your time as best as possible, listen to the instructions of your teachers and remember that there is always someone you can talk to when you feel too stressed, whether it be God, family, friends or acquaintances,” the future Ophthalmologist shared.

“Do not simply study (to) pass your subjects, but study because you have chosen a path that requires you to be knowledgeable. Also, don’t forget to pray and play when you start feeling nervous or pressured. No man is an island, there are many persons positioned around you to assist you; you don’t have to struggle alone.”