FOR many young dreamers, the path to a university degree is heavily clouded by stress, doubts, and the overwhelming anxiety of financial constraints. But for Joshua Gazader, a recent graduate of Caribbean Maritime University, the journey became a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and the life-changing impact of the Supreme Ventures Foundation (SVF).

As a recipient of the SVF’s 20th anniversary scholarship in 2021, Gazader stands as a shining success story and a beacon of hope for what is possible when a young person’s potential is nurtured.

After completing his studies at Calabar High School’s sixth form, Gazader knew he wanted to pursue tertiary education, aiming for a degree in either logistics and supply chain or physiotherapy. Like many students, his anticipated path was fraught with financial worry; he expected to rely heavily on a student loan and perhaps participate in work-and-travel programmes to make ends meet. All things considered, he anticipated a “much rougher journey” filled with excessive work and the heavy burden of debt.

However, well-timed encouragement from Jacqueline Anderson-Robinson, transitional living programme project coordinator at the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, pushed Gazader to apply for the Supreme Ventures Foundation scholarship. Against immense odds he was selected as one of only 20 recipients from a pool of thousands of applicants.

“It was my biggest blessing because you know how [taking a] student loan goes, and the school fee was over $2 million over the four years… it shifted the whole narrative of going to school,” Gazader recalled, noting that he immediately shared the joyous news with his father and aunt.

The SVF scholarship proved to be a catalyst that transformed Gazader’s entire university experience. Far beyond alleviating the $2-million financial burden of school fees over four years, the scholarship provided an ecosystem of holistic support for him during his time of study.

Gazader was able to focus entirely on his demanding coursework without the crushing pressures of finding a job to fund his education or contribute to household expenses. The foundation also offered invaluable “pep up sessions” featuring insights from successful Jamaican leaders and business professionals. These sessions included progressive gift cards for necessities like clothes and food, professional portfolio pictures, resume building, and even the gift of a laptop — a tool Gazader still uses today.

Though Gazader describes himself as a self-driven and confident young man, the transition to tertiary education tested his limits. He admits that university was significantly harder than his previous schooling, leaving him feeling overwhelmed to the point of considering giving up during his first year. But in a profound show of belief, the foundation extended grace to Gazader when he fell short of the required GPA in that difficult first year, giving him a vital second chance. Leaning heavily on his deep spiritual faith and endless nights of hard work with his schoolmates, Gazader found his true potential and bounced back stronger.

“University really showed me that once you have strength and resilience, and know what you want, you’ll just have to stay focused… and believe in your own potential,” Gazader shared.

His perseverance paid off when he proudly crossed the graduation stage in January — a ceremony joyfully anticipated after a hurricane delay the previous November. Gazader basked in the joy he felt by having representatives of the foundation present at said ceremony.

Today, Gazader is actively building his career in the inventory space, soaking up knowledge and working diligently toward establishing stability by buying his first car and eventually owning a home over the next five years. He aspires to become a leader in his field and a role model who proves that one’s background does not define their success.

For other young people hesitant to chase their dreams or apply for opportunities, Gazader offers this profound advice: “Define your purpose. You have to know what you want first… know your purpose. The first person you go to is to God… pray, think about it. Persevere through the potholes [as] there are going to be hurdles… my motto is you must always remember where you start.”

For Gazader, the Supreme Ventures Foundation didn’t just finance a degree, they invested in a resilient young leader who will always remember where he started as he boldly steps into his bright, immeasurable future.