Hard work reaps dividends for Keenan Falconer
THE 10 distinctions he earned in the recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations have come as no surprise to overachiever Keenan Falconer — not after all the studying he did to make it happen.
“Each day I studied in three different intervals. I read all my notes and all my textbooks… and I revised questions from past papers,” the elated 17-year-old told Career & Education.
The Ardenne High School student holds the 10 distinctions in mathematics, English language, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, information technology, principles of business, French and Spanish.
But while the road to his most recent achievement has not been easy, Keenan is no stranger to academic excellence. He has certainly made a habit of it over the years.
He was the top performer in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) at Ardenne Prep in 2006. His performance won him a Government scholarship. Later that year, while at Ardenne High, he entered the Spelling Bee Competition and became Champion Boy. He entered again in 2007 and won for the second time.
He has also been on the institution’s honour roll for the past five years and was earlier this year awarded the United States Ambassador’s Achievement Award by that country’s current ambassador to Jamaica Pamela Bridgewater.
“I am really proud of my achievements… Being awarded by the US Ambassador, (for example), was quite an honour,” said a smiling Keenan, who is contemplating a career as a pilot, scientist or media practitioner.
He credits his parents Debbie and Mervyn Falconer for his successes to date. It is they, Keenan said, who have been behind him, providing him with both the inspiration and the tools to do well.
“I am really humbled (by his performance) and I know it is God’s work,” his mother told Career & Education.
“Many parents depend (solely) on the education system and do not get (involved) in the academic life of their children. I always, (for example), encourage him to listen to the news and read the newspapers every day (in order to help build his awareness of current affairs to enhance his academic performance),” she added.
Keenan will join Ardenne’s sixth form next month at which time he also hopes to become a member of the institution’s Schools’ Challenge Quiz team. And in true Keenan form, he has begun to prepare himself for that next step through training this summer.
Keenan’s study tips
* Don’t procrastinate.
* When you’re studying, don’t watch TV or listen to music; don’t do anything that will distract you.
* Never be afraid to ask for help; you will not be able to figure it all out on your own.
* Ensure that you read over your notes or whatever you have learnt within 36 hours after being exposed to the information.
* Before studying, always talk to God. Pray. God is the one who gives us our health and strength to study.