Paul H. Williams, Gleaner Writer

Edwards

The biographies of historical figures tell of their rise from humble beginnings to political power, fame and fortune, and sometimes notoriety.

And, it seems that Orain Edwards, a sixth-former at the Glenmuir High School in Clarendon, is destined to follow a similar path.

He has risen to the pinnacle of youth leadership, and has his eyes set on the highest position in the land.

"Starting high school at Glenmuir, I realised that good grades alone would not get me far. I needed to have something else that would make me stand out from the field," he said. "Therefore, I decided to partake in various activities that I liked such as cadet. I wanted to learn how to be a better leader. I thought to myself 'in order to be a good leader I must first learn how to follow', and cadet was the perfect avenue for that."

Orain's propensity to defend his convictions makes him a natural leader. Thus, he has become the poster boy for students' rights.

"I was willing to take the lead, I was the one who was always talking on behalf of the class or the entire stream, and so my peers saw how fearless I was when it came to protecting students' rights and voicing my opinions," he explained. "Most important was the harsh treatment I saw my peers being subjected to, and as students, we did not have a voice, and I thought if this is happening at Glenmuir, imagine other schools, hence my motivation. I wanted to empower my peers the same way I was motivated by my mentor."

National crisis

Orain also pays keen attention to 'politics'.

"My involvement in the Youth Parliament has opened my eyes to a national crisis, which I can help to alleviate. Being a member of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation ( UNESCO) advisory board, and the JA-STYLE advisory board has helped me in making my contribution to society, as I believe an early start will make my transition a smooth one," he said. Leadership is often a very ungrateful and unrewarding pre-occupation, which forces many aspirants to quit because of frustration and disillusionment.

But not so for Orain who finds comfort in what he is doing.

"The joy I receive knowing that I have touched someone's life, or I have made a contribution to the development of our youths is to me very fulfilling, as I believe our youths play a vital role in our country's development," he said. "Being able to make life easier for them and allowing them to understand their role as students, and their rights, and knowing that I am playing a crucial role in ensuring that these rights are not infringed upon makes me feel complete."

However, Orain is not totally satisfied; there is always going to be something that takes from the afterglow.

"I have realised that I can only do so much, so I haven't done it all. I guess it's because of my location in Clarendon, but even then I still could have done something in Clarendon. So in terms of disappointments, I'm just sorry that I haven't done enough," he said.

Aiming for the top

Orain has a long way to go but has enough time to undertake his endeavours. He intends to join the Jamaica Youth Advocate Network, run for a position in this year's National Youth Council's election, and will apply for the Jamaica Youth Ambassador Programme. The world is Orain Edwards's to conquer. Like the young Alexander The Great, he's aiming for the top.

"I wish to become the governor general of Jamaica, a hard position to achieve, but I believe with Christ, anything is possible," he said.

"I will be studying international relations at the University of the West Indies, and hopefully become a diplomat."

NEXT WEEK: Read more about Orain's leadership involvement, and his struggles to make ends meet.

paul.williams@gleanerjm.com