BCC rewards grit over grades

In a twist that challenges conventional academic recognition, a Barbados Community College (BCC student who fell short of top marks has been recognised, opening the door for debate about the true measure of educational success.

Roger Haynes, tutor in economics at the BCC, argues that sometimes the journey matters more than the destination.

This philosophy has led to an unexpected award for Khalil Kellman, whose dedication to his studies, rather than his final grade point average, earned him the inaugural economics department scholarship—a partnership between the BCC and the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

Haynes told an audience, which included Kellman’s mother, Quinell Kellman, head of the economics department at the UWI, Dr Mahalia Jackman, and other members of staff of the BCC, that the 19-year-old showed deep commitment to his studies and recognising him was the department’s way of acknowledging his hard work.

The economics tutor added these types of gestures were important in the overall scheme of teaching and learning. “When we award students we tell them they are doing a good job, they become motivated and far better students. In doing that you will find that we improve both sides … the learning side first of all, the student is more committed, more motivated, works harder and the other side … the teaching side also benefits too because we have a motivated student to teach and that makes our job easier”, Haynes told the group, gathered in the BCC’s boardroom to witness the presentation of a laptop that is expected to help Kellman along his academic journey.

Dr Mahalia Jackman, head of economics at the UWI, lauded the young man for his choice of study, noting that economics, although not among the more popular subjects, pairs well with many other existing subjects and is also now part of many emerging fields.

“You have set yourself in an area that is very [flexible]. You can go into anywhere … most people tend to go into finance and business, I find, but you can go anywhere. It is a good foundation for critical thinking,” she said.

In congratulating Kellman for his hard work, Samuel Bowen, BCC’s deputy principal, also praised the UWI for its part in the gesture.

“Our partnership with the University of the West Indies is the foundation upon which this scholarship is built. By this action, we have created a powerful alliance that is not just about providing critical support, but about investing in the future of our economy. By empowering this young man we’re laying the groundwork for a stronger and more resilient economic landscape, one that will thrive under the leadership of our future innovators and decision makers,” Bowen stated.

The soft-spoken Kellman is headed to the UWI to pursue a degree in accounts and finance.

(PR)