Paul H. Williams, Gleaner Writer

Oraine Edwards

Last week, we published the story of Orain Edwards and his determination to protect the rights of students. The 18-year-old Glenmuir High School student is from a humble background but aspires to become a lawyer and, ultimately, governor general of Jamaica.

Orain has 10 subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate level, including four distinctions, and four subjects at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Level 1. He is currently sitting exams at CAPE Level 2.

He said, "I was told I could do only seven subjects instead of nine, so I decided to go outside school and pursue three more subjects to prove that I was capable."

Degree in int'l relations

He has been accepted by the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, to read for a degree in international relations.

Orain has held several high-level positions in the following groups/clubs at Glenmuir: student council; prefect council; choir; debate society; UNESCO; Peer Counselling Association; dance; cadets. He was also a member of the school's track and field team, class monitor and house captain.

He has also left his mark as youth parliamentarian; bronze and silver medallist, Duke of Edinburgh Programme; assistant vice-president, National Secondary Student Council (NSSC); adviser to president, NSSC; member of the National Junior Leaders' League; member of Clarendon Junior Leaders' League; national representative on UNESCO's education advisory board; national representative on JA-Style youth advisory board; member of Clarendon Youth Advocacy Network; participant, Research Apprenticeship Programme (at NCU) 2007; participant, Shrewbury International Music Festival (England) 2001.

Below is the story of his life, in his own words.

"I was born the last of three children, one girl and two boys. My mom was a domestic helper, who worked from Monday to Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. My older siblings did not excel in school; well, my sister couldn't as she had to help my mom out. She never stopped from school though, but had to play the role of mother when mom was away.

Living conditions

"We lived at 12 Sharp Avenue in a tenement yard with another family; we occupied two bedrooms, had a zinc kitchen and shared an outside bathroom as well as a toilet. Being a single mother, my mom had it hard providing for us. We never went to bed hungry, but she did, in order to feed us. So, from an early age, I decided that I was going to get a good education, go to Glenmuir, then to the University of the West Indies, then become a lawyer. In my community, I was teased because I preferred to stay in and study rather than go out and play.

"I remember when I was younger, I had to buy most of what I wanted as my mom taught us the art of saving and being independent. So, I remember my first sign of independence when I was in grade two and I had to pay for my class trip by myself with the money I saved, while buying a piece of chicken from Sister Fan's shop to carry with me. It made me proud.

"Back then, we faced a lot, as many times I had to lie to her (mother) and tell her that I had money for school in order for her to save her money. Sometimes, I would save a month's lunch money and go pay the bills for her and surprise her.

"Also, due to my involvement in so many activities, my mom found it hard to support me. However, I was the friend who was always giving moral and emotional support, so in turn, my friends would help me out financially. I never met my father until I was about 14, when I went to St Martin to visit him. There, I was greeted with open arms and tears. It felt really good. I felt loved, and was reassured that I wasn't abandoned and left to be cared for by my mother.

"Passing for Glenmuir was a big step for me, as it marked the beginning of my life. However, adapting to a new environment was not going to be easy. I had to struggle with trying to stay on par with other students who came from the prep schools as well as the other primary schools.

Big jump

"In second form, I moved from Sharpe Avenue to Bushy Park Housing Scheme. This was a big jump for me because all my life (prior to that) was spent at Sharpe Avenue. I remember being told to get up and go to church every Sunday, but this was after washing my clothes and cleaning the verandah. Living in Bushy Park was not a bed of roses as we were not familiar with most of the people, and still, we had hard times finding the rent or money for school, but we never gave up. We prayed and would have family meetings and discuss the way forward.

"In 2005, my mother was told she had fibroids, which later developed into cancer, and she died in April last year, the 20th to be exact. Her death was a blow for the family because my brother had just been enrolled in a college in the (United) States, and my sister was just starting to get things off the ground for us.

Mother's illness

"During my mother's illness, I remember I had to come home and help take care of her along with my aunt, until it reached a point where the treatment necessary was supposed to be done by a female. My mom died during the exam period. However, I never let it affect me as I knew she would have wanted me to do well.

"Her death left us in a state of chaos and dependence. However, we are now working to support each other. I wouldn't have been where I am if it were not for friends (Lisa, Tiffany, Sara, Ron-Kenile, Rayon, Jomain), teachers (Mrs Williams, Ms Thomas, Sydney Bartley), my aunt, godparents and the McKenzie family."

paul.williams@gleanerjm.com