5 Questions with Shauna Lee Swaby

One of the best representations of ‘defying the odds’ is the story of 28-year-old Shauna Lee Swaby. She was born to teenage parents, who at the time were neither emotionally nor financially mature to care for her adequately. In her early years, she grappled with poverty and was bullied because of her appearance and living conditions, which was unfortunate because Shauna was full of potential, discipline, and determination. Regardless of Shauna’s mishaps, which caused her depression and the repercussion, failing all but two of her CSEC examinations, she never failed to pick herself up, brush the dust off, and retreaded the road to success. Shauna now holds both a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Education and three certificates of competence. Also, she is on her way to pursuing her doctoral degree in

Education. Being at a place of humbleness and contentment, coupled with her love for education, Shauna has an eagerness to share and inspire; her main goal is to continue positively impacting people’s lives and empowering females. Shauna shared with us answers to five questions that will revivify many, especially those who have had or are having a series of misfortunes and failures. Be inspired!

1. Tell us a little about your educational journey.

I entered St. Mary’s Early Childhood in 1995, burstingwith high energy and an enquiring mind. My teachers quickly noticed my aptitude for reading and nurtured it throughout my time in both the infant and primary departments. I earned a place at the B.B. Coke High School through the primary exit examination, GSAT (Grade Six Achievement Test). I quickly acclimatized to the rigors of high school culture and made it to the Honor Roll throughout my junior years. I had a natural interest and liking for the sciences, so I opted to pursue Science at the CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Examination Council) level. Bestowed with the responsibility of being a prefect, I was driven to match this with high academic results. Therefore, while infourth form, I successfully sat two CSEC subjects. At the end of the fifth form examination cycle, I wasn’t the sunbeam envisaged as I was only successful in two out of five subjects.

Not daunted by this setback, I enrolled in an evening institution and obtained additional subjects, which allowed me to matriculate to tertiary level studies. I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Education at the Catholic College of Mandeville in 2015 and graduated with a Master’s in Education from the St. Mary’s University in Minnesota, USA, in 2020 with high commendations. Still looking for opportunities for professional growth and development, I completed certificate courses in Supervisory Management and Andragogical Innovations at the Vocational Training Development Institute (VTDI). To top it all off, I have satisfied all the requirements to enroll as a PhD Candidate at the Atlantic International University.

2. Why did you decide to become an educator?

The path to becoming an educator was inspired by one of my teacher’s in primary school. As I matured into adulthood, a desire grew within me to mentor and guide a cadre of students to contribute to the growth and development of Jamaica. Though my childhood dream was to pursue medicine, I trusted the Lord to lead me where He pleased. To this day, I am humbled by every opportunity to share my knowledge with my students, knowing that I am contributing to the envisioned Jamaica, which is transformed through an effective education system. Teaching is mutually rewarding - Joseph Joubert aptly puts it, “to teach is to learn twice over.”

3. What is your major source of inspiration?

Cultivating a positive mindset is fundamental tofortifying your spirit for the days that present you with great challenges. The Bible is the ultimate source of inspiration for me. In Isaiah 41:10, Jesus reminds us to “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” What blessed assurance! What more could we ask for than to take Him at His word?

4. What are your thoughts regarding the impact theCOVID-19 pandemic has had on the Jamaicaneducation system?

The introduction of virtual classes has demanded a concerted effort from all stakeholders involved in education. The pandemic has allowed for the adaptation of interactive digital resources to support learning, and this has greatly enhanced students’ familiarity and mastery of using technology. Also, parents are now directly sharing in the classroom experience; they can equally watch and observe their children’s progress.

Too, the dent in socioeconomic life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be overlooked, and even prior to COVID-19, many persons struggled to simplyget by each day. The loss of jobs and family members,compounded by psychological and emotional stress from the ongoing COVID-19 containment measures, have not made it any easier for struggling parents. As such, many students have been unable to continue their studiesthrough the virtual space; many are without a device and/or internet access. There are those who could access, but not consistently because of the high cost to purchase data plans.

Undoubtedly, the students who do not have any access to the Ministry’s official Learning Management System, printed resources, or any other form of structured learning alternatives will be adversely impacted.

Additionally, COVID-19 has catapulted the Jamaican Education System into a total digital reform. With the opportunities to hone and develop technical skills incorporated in digital learning afforded by the Jamaica Teaching Council, many teachers will gain confidence and the necessary expertise to guide their students appropriately.

5. What advice would you give to educators for the upcoming school year?

Michael Morpurg posited that “it’s the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom.” My colleagues, we all are on this journey together. Though our immediate challenges do vary, keep the faith and remain hopeful for the days of post-COVID-19. As we embrace the possibility of continuing in the virtual classroom, let’s continue to deliver exciting and engaging lessons and use this platform to utilize all digital resources available to improve learning and exact pedagogical change.

We facilitate learning, we embrace change, and we triumph over all odds. Please remain safe with your families, and I wish for you continued success in the new academic year.

Connect with Shauna Lee Swaby on IG: @Shauna L. Swaby