FOR 19-year-old Abbigaye Cole, success has never been defined by circumstances. Instead, it has been shaped by determination, faith, community support, and an unwavering belief that education can change lives.

The first-year nursing student at Northern Caribbean University is already building an impressive record of academic excellence, community service, and sports journalism. As one of the latest recipients of the JWN Foundation scholarship, she is now one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a healthcare professional while continuing to make her mark in sports media.

Growing up in the fishing community of Portland Cottage, Clarendon, Cole experienced first-hand the power of a supportive village.

“My upbringing in Portland Cottage perfectly illustrates the proverb that it takes a village to raise a child. I was nurtured by people who were not biologically related to me, but who loved and supported me as family,” she said.

Despite modest financial circumstances, she recalls a childhood rich in love, faith, and meaningful experiences. Raised alongside two younger cousins whom she describes as her best friends, much of her early life revolved around family, church and school.

“Looking back, my upbringing was not perfect, but I always knew I was loved, and that foundation makes my academic journey today feel completely worthwhile,” she said.

Portland Cottage’s close-knit atmosphere played an important role in shaping her outlook on life. While she treasures memories of growing up in a safe community where neighbours cared for one another, she also became aware of the limitations many young people face due to a lack of resources and opportunities.

“There was no community centre and no library. If you wanted to advance your education or career, you often had to leave the community,” she said.

Rather than becoming discouraged, Cole used those realities as motivation. Her long-term vision includes returning to serve her community as a healthcare professional while helping to create opportunities for future generations.

“I want to establish a community centre where young people can participate in sports and a library where they can access educational resources. I want to be part of the change,” she said.

That same drive has fuelled her academic success throughout the years.

A graduate of Glenmuir High School, Cole earned seven grade ones and two grade twos in her Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. She ranked among the top 20 students nationally and was recognised as her school’s top Principles of Business student.

She continued her academic journey at Glenmuir’s sixth form programme, where she completed four Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) unit one subjects and three CAPE unit two subjects. Along the way, she earned recognition as the school’s top Caribbean Studies student and graduated with academic honours.

“I have always pushed myself to achieve. Even when I wasn’t sure exactly what career path I wanted, I knew I wanted to make my mother proud and create a better future for my family,” she said.

That determination sometimes came with challenges. Cole describes herself as an overachiever, a trait that often caused her to focus on imperfections rather than accomplishments.

Abbigaye Cole is a first-year nursing student at Northern Caribbean University.

After receiving her CSEC results, she vividly remembers being disappointed by two grade twos despite achieving seven grade ones and ranking among the country’s top students. “My mother was celebrating, but I was crying. I was so focused on what wasn’t perfect that I couldn’t appreciate what I had accomplished,” she said.

Her mother’s wisdom helped shift her perspective. “She taught me that if I constantly focused on what-ifs and compared myself to others, I would never truly appreciate my own growth,” she said.

Today, that lesson remains one of the most valuable she has learned. Cole’s educational journey has also been closely connected to the JWN Foundation. After graduating from primary school, she was introduced to the foundation’s scholarship programme and received support throughout her secondary education.

“The foundation covered my school fees during high school and played a major role in helping me succeed,” she said. When it came time to pursue tertiary studies, applying for the scholarship again felt like a natural step.

Receiving the news that she had been selected brought overwhelming relief and joy. “Before receiving the email, I was beginning to lose hope. I had received rejections from other financial aid applications and was considering putting my degree on hold,” she admitted.

The scholarship changed everything. For her family, the scholarship represents much more than financial assistance. As a single parent, her mother has carried the responsibility of funding her education largely on her own.

Whether assisting with schoolwork, creating practice tests, providing emotional encouragement, or making countless sacrifices to support her education, her mother, Petergaye Carridice has been a constant presence.

“Abbigaye has always been disciplined, hardworking, and committed to excellence. Receiving this scholarship is a blessing for our family, and I am beyond proud of all she has achieved,” Carridice said.

Now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Northern Caribbean University, Cole is preparing for a career rooted in service and advocacy. She believes nurses play a vital role in ensuring patients feel heard, respected, and supported during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

“Nurses are advocates. I want to stand up for those who cannot always speak for themselves,” she said. Her fascination with the human body, diseases, and treatments further strengthened her decision to enter the profession.

Among the aspects of nursing she finds most rewarding are patient advocacy, patient education, and understanding the behavioural and emotional needs of those in her care. At the same time, she continues to pursue another passion, sports journalism.

During high school, Cole became actively involved in sports media through the ISSA Goalside Reporters Programme, where she was named Top Reporter in 2024. That opportunity led to coverage of the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships in 2025 and later selection as an ambassador for the ‘Sports Girlie’ brand.

Through sports journalism, she has developed communication skills, confidence, and valuable professional networks that complement her healthcare ambitions.

Looking ahead, Cole hopes to provide exceptional patient-centred care while pursuing advanced studies in nursing. Her long-term goal is to earn a master’s degree and specialise in sports medicine, psychiatric nursing, or both.