Technical College valedictorian says associate degree in I.T was a good choice

By Rawdica Stephen. Updated 5:55 a.m., Thursday, June 27, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Online research, persistence, and stress tolerance are some of the skills Denari James said one needs to have to study Information Technology, yet the 2024 valedictorian said the programme was a good choice.

Mr. James registered the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) at the Division of Technical and Vocational Education (DTVE) of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) and was awarded the title of 2024 Class Valedictorian for the Division.

In an interview with One News SVG, the 18-year-old who now holds an Associate Degree in Information Technology (IT) attributed his success to his love for the field from childhood. He said he used to always be around devices from a tender age. He said this fueled his love for computers and technology. He added that with the world’s rapid technological advancement, pursuing a career in the field of IT field was a nice choice.

Mr. James who said he was shocked to be named the valedictorian of the Division of Technical and Vocational Education’s Class of 2024, said, “It’s a feeling of accomplishment, and I was surprised when I found out that I’m the valedictorian because DTVE has some intelligent minds and to know that I’m the most outstanding in the school was a surprise”.

A total of 691 students graduated from the four divisions of the SVGCC on June 25, in an amalgamated graduation ceremony at Victoria Park, Kingstown. 

The other divisions include the Division of Teacher Education (DTE), the Division of Nursing Education (DNE), and the Division of Arts, Sciences, and General Studies (DASG).

During the interview with One News SVG, Mr. James described himself as an individual who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

Although there were minor challenges during his studies, James said he was able to overcome them with research and assistance from online sources. He says the college has taught him how to tackle problems with practical solutions.

The DTVE Valedictorian said his journey through the SVGCC “was a new and interesting experience” which taught him to take more responsibility to achieve success” noting that he was able to navigate this journey by not taking on stress as “Bags under my eyes are not a good look”.

As an IT graduate, he aspires to create meaningful projects and build a successful career that is financially stable. He is encouraging young individuals with a passion for IT to engage in research, learn new things on their own, and not to be afraid of seeking assistance online.

Mr. James expressed gratitude to his family, classmates, lecturers, and other well-wishers for their support during his two-year academic stint at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, Division of Technical and Vocational Education.