Ardenne High School Alumnus and Federal Reserve Bank of New York auditor recently gave a pep talk lecture to sixth-formers at the Ardenne High School. And he urged the students to strive to make the most of any opportunities they have here in Jamaica. He told them that as they grow into adulthood, they should look to contribute to the country’s development rather than set their sights on going overseas.
“Do your best while you’re here (in Jamaica) because not everybody will be able to leave; not everybody has to leave. So I’m not encouraging people to stay if you don’t want to. I’m encouraging you to do your best wherever you are … because it determines how you will be if you leave,” he said.
The ninth annual lecture was held in conjunction with the school’s 95th-anniversary celebrations geared at preparing students for the working world and exposing them to global issues.
Several Ardenne High alumni, who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, were also guests at the event.
Blackwood reiterates that much of his success is based on who he is on the inside. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and integrity.
“Who you are will play a big part in who you are in the future. So you wanna make sure that you set up who you are now to contribute to wherever you go. It’s important for your own development; it’s important for your family and your country,” he said.
Education Minister Fayval Williams, who was in attendance, said events like the lecture are essential in students’ development.
“I wish that all schools across Jamaica would have an event like this,” she said.
Principal Nadine Molloy declared the function successful and expected Blackwood’s words to inspire students.
“It will be impactful in how they choose their careers and what they choose to do at the tertiary [level] and how they choose to engage with school in terms of the remaining months that they have left,” she said of the event.
Sixth-former Shakeira Anderson declared the event meaningful.