GUEST COMMENTARY: BY MITCHELL KELLY ANTHONY THURSTON
(EDITOR’S NOTE: I had to share this excellent post by Mitchell Kelly Anthony Thurston on his Facebook page as a “Guest Commentary.” Although he received the foundation for his higher-education achievements from a “boarding school in the United States,” the powerful message contained in his comments is that he has caring and devoted parents who sacrificed to ensure that he received a good education and he did not squander the opportunities provided by their sacrifices.)
NASSAU, Bahamas — Seven years ago, in January 2012, after several years of persuading and nagging, my parents finally agreed to allow me to go to boarding school in the United States.
Over those 7 years, I’ve watched my parents sacrifice so that I could have gotten a leg up — foregoing vacations, cars, and many other things which they thought would have taken away a dollar that they could have sent me to pay my rent, purchase school books, or simply buy a meal. I honestly cannot express how much their parenting, love, and commitment to my success means to me, and I know that no matter how much I try I will never be able to repay them for all that they’ve given to and done for me.
Since moving to the US in 2012, I’ve obtained a high school diploma from Darlington School, earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Economics in 2017 from The University of Tampa, and now receiving a Master’s of Professional Studies in Applied Economics from the University of Maryland — College Park. During these years I’ve had the honor and privilege of meeting some of the most amazing people. Whether they were my academic colleagues and friends, professors, cafeteria and dining staff, campus maintenance staff, soccer coaches, or even my residents, they’ve all made major contributions to my life and I won’t ever take the many lessons that I’ve learned for granted.
To the many students that are pushing through degrees and contemplate giving up, and for those of you who have the opportunity to further your education and obtain a graduate degree I strongly encourage you to keep the fight, continuing pushing, and DO NOT STOP. The time will fly by sooner than you think
To those who may not have the opportunity to study and/or are pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities, DO NOT STOP. You will hit roadblocks, and you will get frustrated, but it only takes ONE SPARK to get a fire going. Continue to be innovative, collaborative, and keep your head up despite what may seem like hard times. I hope that someday I have the opportunity to invest in your businesses!!
Again, to my parents, but also to God, my friends, family, loved ones, and the many supporters and people who encourage me on a daily basis, I dedicate this degree to you! Without your encouragement, love, and continuous support my studies would have been far more difficult. I appreciate you, I thank you, and I LOVE YOU!!
As one journey ends another begins and with the help of the Most High God, I pray that I will continue to make ALL OF YOU proud!! ❤️
