GROWING up, Jamaela Record would sit for hours, her eyes fixed on the television screen as she watched episode after episode of Law & Order and NCIS, captivated by the meticulous work of crime scene investigators.

Fast-forward to last Wednesday, the 22-year-old walked across the stage as the sole graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science at the Caribbean Maritime University — an achievement she credits to unwavering discipline and a deep, personal commitment to justice.

Introduced by the university in 2021 to strengthen Jamaica’s counter-terrorism and investigative capacity, forensic science applies scientific methods such as DNA analysis, toxicology, and digital forensics to criminal investigations and legal proceedings. Record said the programme immediately caught her attention when she saw it online, and without hesitation, she enrolled — determined to transform her childhood fascination into a real-life career.

At the time, she said approximately six students entered the programme, but over the years they transitioned into other fields or other things delayed their completion.

After carefully examining the evidence and putting the programme under her own investigative lens, Record said she decided the case was worth pursuing. Rather than allowing the challenges to deter her, she embraced the journey, choosing resilience over retreat, and treating every obstacle as another clue pushing her closer to successfully declaring her university chapter, “Case closed”.

The Clarendon native said she stands proud in her achievement, which she says represents a pioneering step for Jamaica in advancing forensic science education and strengthening evidence-based law enforcement.

She described her journey as a mixture of pressure, pride, and purpose.

“It wasn’t just about completing a degree. It felt as if I was carrying the responsibility of setting the standard and proving that the path that I had taken was possible. In the moment, I felt overwhelmed because there were no upper-level classmates to help guide me, and there was no one ahead of me to model the journey, but that challenge had pushed me to grow and also to trust my abilities and stay disciplined,” Record told the Jamaica Observer.

She added that the experience also taught her that, “the most powerful version of yourself is on the other side of fear”, and urged upcoming students and graduates to never allow external pressures or self-doubt to get in the way of success.

The 22-year-old said she never imagined that she would ever make history as the first to do something, but it is an honour that she gladly accepts.

When asked why she did not abandon the case or change course like others who began the programme with her, Record admitted she was saddened to see her peers exit the investigation but understood that everyone’s circumstances are different. She said she stayed because she wanted to take on a challenge that would test her limits and sharpen her resolve.

Record also credited her faculty advisers and lecturers whom she described as steadfast allies throughout the four-year journey. She added that without their guidance, the constant encouragement of her family, and the strength she draws from her favourite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” the outcome of her story would have been very different.

The young woman shared that there were many eye-opening experiences, especially during her internship with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) that allowed her to gain hands-on exposure to real investigative procedures and evidence handling.

“It challenged me, but it also helped me to know how critical it is to maintain integrity alongside confidentiality in my work. The experience helped me to grow in my confidence and professionalism and my ability to stay composed, even in difficult situations. The internship experience really moulded me into the woman I am today,” she told the Sunday Observer.

She added that the opportunity further reinforced how important forensic science is in uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice prevails.

“Forensic science is powerful because it sits at the intersection of science, justice, and real-world impact. It allows you to use science to uncover the truth. It’s a very dynamic and constantly evolving field, so as you go along in pursuing forensic science you will know how very important it is to require integrity and professionalism in everything you do,” said Record.

She is eager to pursue further opportunities to advance in the field as her ultimate goal is to build a career rooted in forensic science and cyber forensics, so she can continue to follow the evidence and make a meaningful contribution to public safety, national development, and the work of law enforcement.

She implored youth contemplating the programme to embrace it, never allowing their dream to die.

“Forensic science is more than lab work. It’s a commitment to justice, truth, and accountability, so if you’re really passionate about helping people in today’s society, you can give it a shot. Every piece of evidence tells a story, and my role is to ensure that the story is told clearly, without bias, by providing scientific facts,” said Record.