BALANCING her roles as a full-time high school teacher, part-time HEART/NSTA Trust instructor, and justice of the peace, Charleen Robinson managed to earn first-class honours in a business and computer science double major Bachelor of Education programme, proving that determination can outpace even the busiest of schedules.

A proud native of New Holland in Maggotty, St Elizabeth, Robinson is a business and information technology educator at Maggotty High where she prepares students for the Caribbean Examinations Council’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) external examinations.

Beyond her regular teaching hours, she routinely hosts marathon revision sessions in the months leading up to the external exams — sacrificing weekends and personal time to ensure her students are fully prepared — even while juggling the demands of her own university assessments.

“It was really hard, because sometimes I wished there were enough hours in my day. I was teaching at Maggotty High in the day, then I had to leave and go to my classes in the evening, and then leave those classes and come back to my part-time job in the night. It was really a task for me but, nevertheless, I did it because I knew who I was doing it for,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

That “who” is her 24-year-old son, who was adjusting to life in the United States of America. Robinson said her son was her biggest inspiration for pursuing her degree because she wanted to show him that no matter the circumstances, anything is possible.

“There were times I had to call him to help explain a topic or guide me through an assignment,” she recalled, adding, “He’s been my rock and a reminder that it’s never too late to reach higher.”

Robinson began pursuing her degree in September 2022 as a part-time student at Bethlehem Moravian College. However, she was not starting from scratch. Armed with years of experience in the classroom and a teaching diploma, she could have settled comfortably into her career. Instead, she chose growth.

Through the college’s partnership with The University of the West Indies, Robinson pushed herself to new academic heights to become better for her students. She wanted deeper knowledge, stronger credentials, and sharper skills — not for prestige, but for impact.

Beyond earning first-class honours, Robinson was also presented with the Principal’s Award and a special award in computer science, affirming that her decision to stretch herself had not only elevated her qualifications but also distinguished her among her peers.

“I was elated because I knew I worked hard towards it. I was expecting it because I know I always do my best, especially whenever I have assignments or exams,” she told the Sunday Observer.

But success was not confined to Robinson’s own academic journey; it consistently filtered down to her students. She shared that through her marathon revision sessions for business and information technology CSEC examinations, students produced remarkable results with 100 per cent pass rates, year after year.

“There were nights when I had to choose between completing my coursework and marking school-based assessments (SBA). Both were important, and sometimes it felt like there were just not enough hours in the day,” she recounted.

Still, she said she always found a way, attributing her determination to her love for children.

“I love to mould lives and to see changes in children. I love to be a part of their lives, and I love to see when people are successful. I decided that I would love to go into teaching so that I can mould students into being successful men and women of tomorrow — and that is what I am doing,” said the educator.

Robinson said she is also passionate about extra-curricular activities such as football and track and field, attending matches on weekends, and assisting students with preparations.

As she looks ahead towards her master’s degree she said she hopes her story will inspire other adult learners and working professionals who may be hesitant to return to school.

“Don’t let time, age, or circumstances stop you,” she advised. “Even if it takes longer than you planned, never give up on your goals.”