Tanesha Samuels, Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS)/Mona School of Business (MSB) 2009 scholarship recipient, accepts a Hewlett Packard netbook and a cheque valued at $1.2 million from Llewelyn Bailey (left), assistant general manager of JNBS, during a reception held recently at the Mona School of Business on the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies. Sharing in the occasion is Professor Evan Duggan, executive director of MSB.
Shernette Gillispie, Gleaner Writer
THE FIRST female to have copped the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) tertiary level scholarship was awarded J$1.2 million and a netbook last week in pursuit of a master's degree in business administration at the Mona School of Business.
Tanesha Samuels, the third individual to receive such an award, (Ryan Williams and Twayson Laird, the forerunners), is majoring in general management.
She said, "Before this silver lining, my sky was filled with grey clouds having me hoping and wishing for another cash plus or that it could have stayed afloat for a few more months."
The former Wolmerian and one of 36 persons awarded by JNBS this year, said in her thank-you speech to the 135-year old society: "It is a wonderful gift, one of the best I have ever received, one that will not be soon forgotten."
Aspiring entrepreneur
The aspiring entrepreneur in renewable alternative energy sources who sees failure as an opportunity to do things better noted that JNBS has helped her to "find a way to secure a bright future filled with endless possibilities."
Llewelyn Bailey, assistant general manager of JNBS, noted in his award speech that "an investment in education is an investment in our people, and by extension, our country."
He noted that JNBS not only provide scholarships for tertiary level students but also Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) students and formerly Common Entrance Examination candidates.
Bailey said that, as part of the programme, recipients are invited to work during the summer months at one of the society's branches.
The scholars will also commit approximately 30 hours of voluntary service at The Source - one of the community resource centres operated by JNBS.