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Teenage
A beacon of male success
BY ALDRIA GRANT Observer TEENage writer UWI
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Many a books and scholarly writings have been done on the marginality of males in the school system; similarly their performance in school and the male-to-female ratio in schools.
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| Craig Clarke is Master's student and tutor at the UWI, Mona. |
The declining number of men compared to women being enrolled in tertiary schools is a phenomenon that carries profound social and economic implications as more female graduates enter the workplace.
College enrolment of both males and females has increased in the past decade. "It's just that it's rising faster for women than for men," said Jacqueline King, an American Council on Education policy analyst.
With that in mind, there can be no qualms from gender groups when the few males that do well are highlighted. One young man who goes against the stereotype that people have of males is 22-year-old Craig N Clarke, a second-year Master's student and tutor at the University of the West Indies Mona, campus. Meet one beacon of hope for young men today.
TEENage: What are you doing at the University of the West Indies now?
Craig Clarke (CC): Well, right now I'm completing my Master's in Comparative Politics and Political Theories. I currently hold a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a minor in Criminology.
TEENage: What motivates you to do well?
CC: I am self-motivated, but in all honesty my family especially my mother, siblings and my father are the real pushing agent for my success.
TEENage: What is it that you do for fun or are you bookworm?
CC: No! I love to play football, for fun I watch football, I like to socialise with my friends. But basically I like to do anything that's fun. Did I mention listening to music and dancing as a few of my favourite pastimes.
TEENage: Outside of being a student, what else do you do?
CC: Outside of being a student and tutor in the department of Government for Introduction to Political Philosophy and Institutions, I have been a part of the winning Taylor Hall football team. I am currently the Block Representative for Taylor Hall's Block B, Butchers (this is one accolade that I hold extremely dear to my heart). I was the External Affairs Chairperson for the academic year 2007-2008, that is the person in charge of outreach. This outreach programme touched a wide range of children, approximately 250 children were taught in this continuous programme. The programme amassed numerous awards from the University and the Guild of Students.
TEENage: What are some of your accomplishments to date?
CC: Definitely being Graduate of the Cornwall College, I received the Dr Mathew Harvey award for leadership. As mentioned before in my tenure as External Affairs Chairperson Taylor Hall, I received an award from the Guild of Students for best mentorship programme. To date, I have received a scholarship from the University for academia.
TEENage: What do you want to pursue career in?
CC: Well, I would like to be a practising lawyer, but now I have contemplated being a professor. Lecturing is definitely somewhere in the mix, but right now I'm making myself more marketable before I apply for law school again.
TEENage: What words of encouragement do you have for students, especially the males?
CC: Time management is key! Don't lose yourself, and don't get lost in the hype, especially in the university experience.
TEENage: What are your studying habits like?
CC: Exercise is an important aspect of my study routine. But something that helps my studying, and we often times forget, is having someone around to help remind you and encourage you. Management of self and eating properly are a few of my study patterns.
TEENage: What makes you different from the average student?
CC: I think I'm an average student, if there is any separation it would be the level of participation and dedication. I finish what I start and I do it to the best of my ability.
TEENage: Why didn't you just stop at a first degree?
CC: I was told on my arrival at the university, during the orientation programme that "a Bachelor's in the education system is like minimum wage" according to Dr Knife, he has made significant impact on my life.
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