ASPIRING risk surveyor Jodi-Ann Treleven is excited about her future. The 19-year-old is the recent recipient of the Errol Ziadie Memorial Scholarship, which was established in honour of the late insurance industry stalwart and BCMG Chairman Errol Ziadie. BCMG Insurance Brokers officially launched the scholarship in June, and Treleven was among many who applied as soon as they heard the announcement. She is now looking forward to starting her two-year course at the College of Insurance & Professional Studies, where she will be studying to become a certified insurance technician.

She said receiving the scholarship has motivated her to work towards a better future for her family.

“I grew up in an inner-city community called Bayshore Park in Harbour View. It’s sad to say that at 19 I have seen things that I wish others my age didn’t have to experience. This scholarship serves as my motivation and a reminder that I am more than my circumstances. I want to make it out. If not for me, for my younger brother. He is my world and I will work as hard as I can to be successful enough to give him the life he deserves,” she expressed.

Her fight to achieve this goal has been challenging, so she is grateful for the opportunity to pursue a tertiary education as she was unable to attend university due to her mother falling ill during high school. Treleven describes her time at her alma mater, Campion College, as difficult, but touts the support of Mrs Lee, her guidance counsellor at the time.

“Simply put, I am grateful. I am grateful because I can see Mrs Lee’s words manifesting. When I realised that I would not be able to attend college with my peers I was heartbroken, and she looked at me and said, ‘Not now, doesn’t mean never’. She played a vital role in my survival at Campion. I use the word survival because with the many trials that came, it felt like a constant battle.”

She said she remains hopeful despite her anxiousness about her future.

”I think the only negative of going back to school is the insecurities that follow. ‘What if I fail? What if I let everyone down? What if they made a mistake in choosing me?’ These questions constantly float around in my mind. In times like this, I am grateful to my mom, because she reminds me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. “

Treleven also credits her family, colleagues at Guardian General and former co-workers at another local broker for their support during her scholarship application. Initially she was excited but got nervous as the application process got deeper. However, she was encouraged by supervisor Mrs Smickle and her former HR manager, Mrs Battick, who both wrote glowing letters of recommendation. Outside of work, she had the full support of her family.

“My family and friends have been very supportive throughout my lifetime. Everytime I say I can’t do something, they are willing to encourage me and support me in whatever way possible. As it relates to my career, they are proud that I have held my head up and accepted this new chapter with open arms. My stepdad never fails to remind me of how proud he is of me. My uncle, who is also in the industry, is probably the most excited that I work in insurance and that I am trying to further qualify myself,” she shared.

Industry player Dwight Cumming was also among those who inspired her to further pursue her career in insurance. She admits that although insurance was not her first passion, her time working with him ignited her interest in the industry.

“The enthusiasm and zeal he had for what he was teaching was contagious. That, coupled with the hands-on training that I received, sparked my desire to further my career in this field. I fell in love with the fact that you are always learning. Even those that have been in this industry for as long as I have been alive, are still learning new things. I love how invested companies are in the upskilling of their employees and, by extension, upcoming youth in the industry,” she explained.

While reflecting on her journey, Treleven acknowledged her tremendous growth. She hopes to continue her personal development as she makes the best of this opportunity.

“This scholarship forced me to do some self-reflection. For the essay portion, I had to think back to a time where I was hopeless. I had no job prospect in sight and no hope of pursuing higher education. What this did, though, was allow me to appreciate my growth in my career thus far, the knowledge I have gained and the helping hands that have assisted along the way,” she said.

She thanks BCMG for selecting her and giving her the boost she needs to take her career to the next level.

“To the BCMG family, thank you. You could have chosen any other applicant, but I am incredibly grateful. I appreciate your trust and confidence in me. I will work hard in order to make everyone proud,” she stated.

BCMG CEO Thomas Smith said he is pleased that the company has been able to positively impact the life of a young person.

“It is always a pleasure for us at BCMG to uplift our youth and provide them with new opportunities. Miss Treleven is among those we are happy to invest in and give the support needed to excel. I wish her nothing but the best as she honours the memory of my friend, Errol, through her success,” he said.

After obtaining her diploma, Treleven aims to later pursue an advanced diploma at the Chartered Insurance Institute.