If I believed this kind of sentiment and not what my mother told me to go to Nassau to get an education, I would be like those who resort to crime and violence to solve their problems. I was fortunate enough to pass the Common Entrance Exam but less fortunate in that I lived with my grandmother Elyn I lived in Nassau 1973 in some of the most pitiable places. We were not faced with such menacing monsters as maniacal materialism but we were challenged. Elyn lived first next to Deaveaux’s Club on East Street next to Blood Alley. The name was no misnomer as almost every weekend someone suffer the loss of blood. While guns were not a form of weapon and death was not the intention of some, persons suffered because of the environment.The other house we lived in was a bit better. A few small problems: a two foot diameter hole in the front room (covered it with a rug my cousin Lillian gave), backdoor fell off a few times, Elyn was also not evicted. Homework may not have directly paid the bills because I did my homework we managed. We never received full pay for the strawwork we did for Ms. Thurston. Subsistence allowance was $100. My mother sent mail by the Noel Roberts. Sometimes there was nothing. We relied on God’s grace. Elyn would sit and wait…on God who would always provide. I went to St. John’s College many days with tea and bread as breakfast and 25 cents for lunch. 25 cents would give you 10 mints. When I was fortunate I would have jam and bread and buy a soda. Sundays, herring in the can would be dinner. We accepted handouts and charity. The Salvation Army supported us during the Christmas with the Old Age Pension. I wore shirts for one day and pants at least two. Shirts would be hand washed after every use since we never had electricity. I was always fortunate to have at least two shirts and two pants.
I did my homework by the kerosene oil lamp or before sun down as well to take advantage of the natural light.
I must say that the lack of so many things made me more resilient and resourceful. It also made me aware of my situation and determine to change it. So when the opportunity came to take the test for BORCO, I passed and was accepted. That was not luck! It was by God’s grace but I had to put in the effort in five years at St. John’s College studying and making sure I did my homework. Elyn could read and write but I was basically on my own with school and my education. She took for granted that I was doing what I was supposed to do. I did for the most part. I did my homework. I still have my report cards from my years at St. John’s College and some of the comments are interesting. I know I have a purpose. We all do. Part of the purpose is despite your circumstance doing your homework helps and is an integral part of the end result of where you can be or hope to be. You environment does affect you but it does not make you who you are that was done before you were born. You just have to live it!