Rickardo Anderson’s days of running barefoot along the farming belt in Vernamfield, Clarendon, are a far cry from his outstanding achievements today.

He is now a resident at St Joseph’s Hospital in Kingston where he is completing his studies in clinical medical physics, with a speciality in radiation oncology at the National Cancer Treatment Centre.

He knew, as he trekked the long journey to Racecourse Primary School, that to improve the financial stability of his family he had to apply himself and work hard.

“For the most part, my upbringing was rough. If you were not among the major families that were well-advanced in agriculture, the days were very difficult. Financially, there was always a struggle,” a J Wray & Nephew Foundation (JWNF) article quotes Anderson.

While in primary school he developed an interest in mainly science subjects, especially integrated science and mathematics. He envisioned attending Glenmuir High, considered one of the premier traditional high schools in the parish.

“My parents did not have much, but I was determined to break the tradition. I knew Glenmuir fostered an environment of excellence and further educational advancement. I wasn’t the brightest in the pack but I worked hard, and did my Grade Six Achievement Test, and passed for Glenmuir,” Anderson said.

Interestingly, Anderson recalled that in the days leading up to GSAT exams he fell ill with a high fever and severe, flu-like symptoms.

“I pushed through, and God gave me the strength I needed to get through the exams,” he said.

While at Glenmuir, he was an active student and did well both academically and in extra-curricular activities. He trained with the daCosta Cup football team but did not play, as he was more focused on his academics. However, he did play badminton and was president of the History Club.

“At Glenmuir I wanted to pursue neurosurgery, but because of financial constraints, and my grades were not on par either, I had to choose another area. I loved physics, and one of my CAPE [Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination] teachers did some research, and we found the perfect combination where I could pursue a career as a medical physicist,” Anderson said.

He was accepted to study at The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona, and after three years graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Physics with a Minor in Economics, with first class honours.

While a student at The UWI he applied for a J Wray & Nephew Foundation (JWNF) Scholarship and became the first of two Master Blender Awardees in 2017 as well as the recipient of the Joy Spence Bursary for excellence in STEM in 2019.

This opportunity, he said, was his lifeline as the scholarship covered his tuition for the remaining two years of his study. He also received a bursary towards further studies.

“Coming from an area such as Vernamfield, JWNF was willing to give me the chance to get out of my circumstances. If it wasn’t for them, I would not be where I am today,” Anderson said.

“I was even fortunate enough to get an internship, while doing my undergraduate studies, afterwards. It is a lifelong journey and investment, as even after we have completed our studies they still help to guide us along the way,” Anderson said.

As an intern at J Wray & Nephew Limited he worked with the foundation as a volunteer in the Commercial Department, as well as the Public Affairs and Sustainability Department.

JWNF, he said, was so vested in his overall development that as an organisation it nominated him for the Prime Minister’s Youth Awards. The result was that he received an award for Excellence in Academics in 2019.

After graduating in 2019, Anderson said he tried to get into a university to complete his postgraduate studies, but despite his best efforts he was unsuccessful. However, stemming from the confidence that JWNF had inculcated in him, during that waiting period he started Elite Academic Tutoring Services, through which he coordinated and hosted extra physics lessons for CAPE and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate students.

During that time he also began working as a senior scientific officer with responsibility for all laboratory technical duties in the Department of Physics at The UWI.

“JWNF gives you the drive and the energy to succeed, despite the challenges. I have achieved so much because of their investment in me. I am constantly working to make myself and the organisation proud,” Anderson said.

With his eyes set on completing his studies as a trained medical physicist, Anderson is well on his way now to graduating with a Masters in Clinical Medical Physics, with a specialty in Radiation Oncology.

“There are two sides to the area of study. Initially I started in diagnostics, but after I started studying I realised I was more suited for the cancer treatment side, which is oncology,” Anderson explained.

“I have had a lot of practical experience, and the doctors have been willing to share information, so I am able to learn and also execute what I learned in theory into practice,” he said.