By Admin. Updated 9:53 a.m., Thursday, June 26, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Ms Ciah Latham, valedictorian of the Class of 2025 at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College’s Division of Technical and Vocational Education (DTVE), has expressed satisfaction with the programme she pursued.
The 18-year-old resident of Fairbaine Pasture completed an Associate Degree in Business Studies: Sales and Marketing and was named valedictorian of the DTVE at the SVGCC’s graduation ceremony on 24 June at Victoria Park.
Ms Latham told One News SVG: “I’ve always had a passion for business, and Sales and Marketing felt like the perfect fit to develop my creativity and communication skills. Attending DTVE provided a practical and hands-on approach to learning that kept me engaged and taught me how to apply theories to real-world business situations.”
When asked whether the expectations she had at the beginning of her DTVE journey were met by the end of her programme, she replied:
“Honestly, they were exceeded. I expected to learn the basics of business, but I left the programme with a deep understanding of market strategies, consumer behaviour, and branding. I also grew tremendously in confidence and professionalism.”
Regarding her preparedness for the world of work, the former student of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School said: “I feel very prepared. The programme was not just academic; it was practical. Therefore, I believe the experience I gained, especially through hands-on projects and group work, has given me the confidence to take on the next chapter.”
She identified some of the most notable courses she studied as Sales Promotion, Customer Service and Merchandising, and Multimedia and Hypermedia Design and Development.
“They challenged me to think critically and creatively while pushing me outside my comfort zone, which also helped improve my communication skills,” she added.
On the specific skills gained from the courses and how she envisages these contributing to the sales and marketing industry, she said:
“From Sales Promotion, I developed my creativity and communication skills, especially in designing promotional strategies and dealing with real customers during events. Customer Service and Merchandising taught me the importance of understanding customer needs and how to communicate effectively with different types of customers. Finally, Multimedia and Hypermedia Design and Development introduced me to the digital side of marketing, where I learned how to use creative tools to design content, record and edit advertisements, and produce engaging videos for online promotion. These skills have shaped how I plan to contribute to a more engaging, customer-centred sales and marketing industry.”
The former DTVE Student Council President also offered suggestions for enhancing the student experience within the programme.
“I think the programme could benefit from more collaboration between departments to give students a better sense of what it is like to work with professionals from other fields. For example, Sales and Marketing students could partner with the Culinary Department to plan an event, where Sales and Marketing would handle promotion and advertising, while the Culinary students focus on menu creation and food preparation. Accounting students could also be involved to manage budgeting and provide financial insights. Collaborations like this would give all students practical, team-based experience that mirrors real workplace settings,” Ms Latham said.
Ms Latham, who also dances in her church group, cites Philippians 4:13 as her favourite scripture: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Her favourite quote is from Peter Drucker: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
These words of motivation helped her face challenges during the programme.
“Balancing school with personal responsibilities was definitely a challenge, especially during group projects and final exams. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, but I relied on prayer, time management, and constantly reminding myself of what I wanted to accomplish.”
She shared that she also dealt with personal issues that “tested my resilience. However, I coped by keeping my faith strong and making sure I got enough rest and time to recharge when needed.”
When asked about particular projects or internships that significantly impacted her professional development, she said:
“Yes, my internship at Jax during my first year of college gave me real-world experience in customer service and a better understanding of workplace expectations. I also worked on two events for Sales Promotion with my group, which taught me how to manage a brand, market products, and ensure campaign success.”
Reflecting on her valedictorian award, Ms Latham said:
“Becoming valedictorian is an incredibly exciting and fulfilling achievement. It is the reward of consistency, discipline and faith. My key strategies included staying organised and managing my time wisely. One way I did this was by giving myself deadlines before the actual ones. This gave me time to review my work or get feedback from lecturers or classmates.”
She also offered advice to prospective students considering Sales and Marketing:
“Go for it! Sales and Marketing is exciting, creative and full of opportunities. Be ready to learn, stay open to feedback and always aim to give your best.”
For current students at the DTVE, she said: “Stay focused and consistent. Ask questions, build relationships with your lecturers and take every project seriously because it all adds up in the end. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your abilities.”
Regarding her future, she stated:
“Although I am still figuring out my exact path, I am definitely interested in continuing my studies and working towards a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. I want to keep learning, gaining experience and exploring different areas within sales and marketing to see where I fit best. Whether it is growing my own business or joining a team where I can apply what I have learned, I am excited to see where this next chapter leads.”
She thanked God, her family, lecturers, classmates, other students, and well-wishers for their support.
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) has four Divisions, namely, the Division of Teacher Education (DTE), the Division of Technical and Vocational Education (DTVE), the Division of Nursing Education (DNE), and the Division of Arts, Sciences, and General Studies (DASGS).
In January 2024, the SVGCC commenced The Centre for General and Continuing Education (CGCE). The department is responsible for four main areas, namely Community Outreach; Short Courses; the College Access Programme: Pathways to Success (CAPPS); and the Maritime Training Programme.
END
One News SVG 