WHEN going after your goals, encountering stumbling blocks along the way is not unusual. However, fourth-year University of the West Indies (UWI) medical student Alethea Bucknor has utilised these setbacks as fuel in her relentless pursuit towards success.

Experiencing a rare skin condition during high school, the promising Sagicor scholar emphasised that it was this experience that kick-started her drive to become a doctor.

“I remember how low and insecure I felt. I would always wear sweaters during school because I felt as if people were always looking at me even if they weren’t,“ she shared.

“I visited a dermatologist that helped to solve this problem, and this is where it clicked for me that I could always help someone to regain their confidence.”

Growing up, Bucknor’s parents always instilled the value of education and its role in achieving a better life, a philosophy that has been a source of motivation for her during her studies.

“Whenever school gets too hard or I feel like I want to quit, I remember the type of life I want and what it would take to get there. It may not be easy, but I’d rather try and see where it gets me than not have given myself the opportunity at all,“ she said.

After acquiring the scholarship from Sagicor on her second attempt in 2022, the passionate medical student detailed how being a recipient has changed her life.

“I applied for the scholarship in my first year and I remember how devastated I was when I did not get it. After having some financial issues, I had to take a leave of absence for a year and work. I decided that I did not want to delay my studies for another year and even though I did not get the scholarship the first time, I decided to reapply. When I got it, I remembered how overjoyed I felt. Sagicor is a part of the reason why I have been able to continue my studies,” she explained.

Each year, the Sagicor Foundation awards scholarships to new and returning tertiary students, providing up to $300,000 towards tuition fees at institutions such as The University of the West Indies, University of Technology, Jamaica, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Mico University College, Caribbean Maritime University, and Northern Caribbean University. After reviewing hundreds of applications, candidates are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and financial need. The scholarship is available to clients or their children, as well as children of Sagicor team members, and can be renewed annually for up to four years.

Grateful for the experiences that the scholarship has given her thus far, Bucknor hopes that when she becomes a medical doctor, she can have the opportunity to partner with Sagicor.

“After establishing myself as a medical doctor, I hope that in the future I can offer free health fairs in my community, and this is something I would like Sagicor to be a part of. I love what Sagicor stands for especially when it comes to health. I also appreciate getting the opportunity to volunteer through the foundation because it has helped me to value being a more rounded person.”

Bucknor is encouraging others to keep trying, no matter the challenges they might face. “I think it’s important that in times when you feel as if you should give up, you take the time to remind yourself why you started in the first place. Sometimes, you might not get something on the first try but it does not mean all is lost. Once you keep going and aiming high, there is no limit to what you can achieve,“ she said.