Gibson

WESTERN BUREAU:

The level of crime and violence in Jamaica has fuelled Montego Bay High School graduate Shaneeli Gibson to pursue a career as a forensic scientist - a dream that she is well on her way to achieving.

"Jamaica needs more trained forensic investigators especially with the crime and violence that is currently plaguing the society," said the 17-year-old, who attained all ten of her 2009 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects.

Nine distinctions

She earned nine distinctions - mathematics, English Language, English literature, chemistry, physics, information technology, food and nutrition, Spanish and principles of accounts and a credit in biology.

Shaneeli explained that while several students opted to do some of their subjects a year earlier, she chose to do all 10 in one go.

"I have applied to pre-university science at the Montego Bay Community College. After that I hope to move on and continue my studies either abroad or at the University of the West Indies because this (forensic science) is something I am really passionate about doing," said Shaneeli

Recipe for success

Shaneeli explained that her recipe for exam success included proper use of the study breaks given by the school, participating in study groups leading up to CSEC and some 'alone time reading'.

The youngster also credits the support from her family.

"My family, especially my mother, Veronica Cookhorn, has been very supportive so for that I am thankful," the ambitious teen said.