AT just 19 years old, Raeanna Mamby is already carrying on a legacy of perseverance, purpose, and possibility. She’s pursuing a degree in radiological sciences at The University of the West Indies ( The UWI) as a proud recipient of the Lois Sherwood Tertiary Scholarship, and like the stalwart for whom the scholarship was named, she’s forging her own path through life’s obstacles.

Mamby discovered her love for the sciences as a student at St Andrew High School for Girls and recalls being enamoured by the intricacies of human anatomy. “I was so fascinated with how everything is so uniquely placed and has a specific position, and if it changes by an inch or two, it can drastically affect the entire functioning of the body. So that piqued my interest to learn more about human anatomy. And of course, the first time I said that to one of my peers, they said, ‘Oh yeah, man, you’re going to be a doctor.’”

From then on, her fascination with biology turned into a dream of a future in the medical sciences but it was not to be.

“I started with bio-chemistry in hopes that I would matriculate into the medical programme at UWI; however, the money was not adding up so I had to go back to the drawing board. It so happens that I found a programme that I now love, which is the radiological sciences programme. With that degree I will be able to join both my love for human anatomy while still improving the lives of my future patients.”

Her college experience so far has also been rough in other ways, with her living on campus and finding it challenging to adjust. But as is her habit of always meeting challenges head-on, she turned to journalling to refocus on the goal at hand.

Mamby was raised in a single-parent household and she says, “That has its fair share of challenges, but instead of seeing it as a setback, I allowed it to push me to overachieve. I wanted to show others that it’s possible to excel — even when things aren’t perfect.”

Despite the various hurdles she faced to get to college, her path was seemingly ordained and the Lois Sherwood Tertiary scholarship seemed to call out to her. First, at a presentation at school by representatives of the scholarship programme. Then, through an ad on social media and finally, when her mother sent her the scholarship flyer again.

“I said, all right, this must be a sign that I need to apply,” she recalls.

Mamby was awarded the Lois Sherwood Tertiary Scholarship valued at $1.5 million over three years. “When I found out I got it…oh my gosh, I was ecstatic. I think I screamed. I read over the e-mail three times just to be sure. I prayed and thanked God right there.”

She shared that the scholarship opened doors not just for tuition but for her personal growth. “The scholarship made it possible for me to live on hall for the first time. That was a transformative experience. I don’t have mommy in the kitchen anymore, so it pushed me to be more independent, to manage my time better, and to grow.”

Mamby’s involvement in school and church in her Almond Hill community shaped her into the outgoing, compassionate, and driven young woman she is today. In high school, she served as senior prefect and house captain, which were roles that taught her leadership, empathy, and service and gave her the foundation she’s standing on today.

Looking ahead, Mamby hopes to honour Lois Sherwood’s name through action.“She invested in so many lives, not just students, but also in the development of the whole of Jamaica. Her legacy is already living on in me, and I know it will continue through others.”

For Mamby who is now a recurring scholar with the programme, she’s encouraging others to apply to the Lois Sherwood Tertiary Scholarship. It is one of 33 scholarships and grants on offer as the Burger King Scholarship Programme celebrates 25 years in 2025.

She also wants others to be uplifted by her own budding story. “I want young girls to know that it is possible to reach for your dreams, even if it takes time to find your path. You can go beyond your comfort zone, make your voice heard, and live your truth.”