Sheena Taylor: God’s perfect timing

IN a world where examples of unconventional routes to success are prevalent, it may strike many as not just cliché, but passé, when education is affirmed as the most reliable and sustainable route to success and upward social mobility. Whilst it is true that we are just one viral video away from instant fame, and perhaps an accompanying financial windfall, Sheena Taylor says she feels compelled, at the onset of a new chapter in her life, to share her story from “good riddance” to principalship.

“I deem it timely and relevant to affirm the virtues of education and good, old-fashioned discipline, perseverance, diligence, and waiting on God’s perfect timing,” Taylor told All Woman.

Her story began in rural Jamaica — Grange Hill, Westmoreland, to be exact — where certain amenities were few, resources weren’t plenty, and opportunities had to be grasped with both hands. The eldest of four children, Taylor hailed from a household where her father, the primary breadwinner, operated a taxi, while her mother, a housewife, chipped in here and there in helping to make ends meet.

“My formative years were riddled with socio-economic struggles that fostered meekness and a keen appreciation for hard work, forbearance, creativity, and God’s grace,” she said.

Grange Hill Primary and Manning’s School are credited for shaping her character and making her resilient, but while schooling was indispensable in her personal development Taylor says it was God’s presence, grace, and favour that underpinned her steely resolve.

“I am unequivocal in representing God in all aspects of my life, and committed to auctioning my purpose as I serve others and positively impact lives,” she shared.

Teaching is universally acclaimed as a noble and selfless profession, and providence led Taylor to choose a career in education — educational leadership in particular — as it is the quintessential vehicle for moulding students and placing them on a path for lifelong success.

Attaining a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Technology, Jamaica in 2010, and a master’s degree in educational administration from The University of the West Indies, Mona, in 2019 were watershed periods in her professional development.

“The knowledge garnered from those programmes are enduring and are being applied consistently in my service to the education system. I am among those who concur with William Arthur Ward who posited, ‘The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires’. Indeed, I live to inspire and let it be known that in my story it is God who is to be praised and glorified, and not me.”

We all go through seasons or have encounters in our lives that test our mettle, question our resolve, or challenge us in ways we had never been challenged before. Those experiences require us to dip into our reserve of faith and summon unprecedented courage in overcoming the adversity. For Taylor, such a season came on landing a teaching job at a high school in 2015, after a stint in different jobs in the private sector.

“I quickly came to recognise that in an environment where mediocrity and substandard performance are prevalent and tacitly reinforced, persons who exhibit professionalism, strive to achieve excellence, and exemplify the virtues of a Christ-centred existence, stick out like a sore thumb, amassing considerably more enemies and detractors than friends and well-wishers,” she explained.

“Owing to the undermining and maltreatment to which I was subjected, frustration and resentment fermented. On my return from vacation leave at one point I found that I had been displaced in the staffroom as my desk and chair were being utilised by another teacher. Notwithstanding my efforts at having the matter resolved I was left with no option but to begin operating from my vehicle as opposed to the staffroom. At different points over the years I felt impelled to resign my position at the institution. I perhaps would have, were it not for the distinct assurance I received from God in 2019 that it was from that very school that He would be elevating me. On proceeding to my vehicle on my last day at the institution I had served for approximately seven years, a note reading ‘Good riddance’ was taped to my windshield,” she said.

God’s promotion materialised in 2022 as she was appointed vice-principal at a primary school. Though the stint as vice principal was brief, the tenure served reinforced to Taylor that professionalism, respect, teamwork, and inclusive leadership are paramount for the success of any institution.

“Those of us who are headstrong in our faith and unequivocally committed to representing God at all times, even to the chagrin of our peers or superiors, must remain intentional, unshaken, resilient and dignified; be it at the workplace or elsewhere. Since we are not perfect, whenever we err we must humble ourselves and be steadfast in prayer and supplication in making amends and reconciling with God,” she said.

As she now assumes duties as principal of Louise Bennett-Coverley Primary, amid what she says is a further elevation by God, Taylor reflects with humility and conviction on her journey, and encourages educators and other persons to pray, be patient, professional, and wait on God’s timing.

And it’s God’s purpose in her life that has also led her philanthropic efforts and dedication to serve as she is involved in such community service projects as Christmas treats at Denham Town Golden Age Home, planned and executed by the Rotary Club of Downtown Kingston. She currently serves on the Evangelism team at Pure in Heart Ministries International, and assists with the planning and execution of outreach projects done by the ministry. Taylor is also a mentor in the Division of Student Services and Registry Mentorship Programme, and serve sas mentor for many of her past students and young entrepreneurs. She also serves as vice-president for membership on the Manning’s School Past Students’ Association – Kingston Chapter.

She says her motivation comes from the students she works with, by helping them to excel in all areas of their lives. She believes that through positively impacting others the society will emerge as a place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.