THE WEEKLY GLEANER | JUNE 12 - JULY 12, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT 11 MEET BRIT-TIANA FRANCIS. A MASTER OF SCIENCE FROM WALTHAM PARK By Aubrey Campbell MASTER CLASS. Graduate Brit-Tiana Francis looks ahead with optimism. MERCY AND A MASTERS. Brit-Tiana Francis shows off her outstanding graduate student award from the Mercy University School of Business. UP TOP. The Big Board inside the Mercy University Auditorium says it all. NEW YORK, NY. Friday, June 6, 2025 – The months of May and June are very special for parents and students across these United States. Mothers get the ‘red carpet’ treatment for the year-round love and care, demonstrated to their children and weeks later, are beside themselves as they watch with uncontrolled pride and joy, the end of one part and the commencement of another phase of the journey through education and personal development of their children. Then, there are those who, due to circumstances and situations beyond their control, must go it alone, determined to make the family proud and be an inspiration for others. Meet Brit-Tiana Francis, born and raised in Waltham Park Road, Kingston, Jamaica, a place that continues to occupy pride of place in all she has achieved, thus far. Recalling where it all began at the basic level at 65 Waltham Park Road, Brit-Tiana would move on to Roussou Primary and later Bamboo Primary in St, Ann. “Both schools taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and community, giving me a solid educational foundation and deep pride in my Jamaican roots,” she gushed in an exclusive interview with the RJRGleaner/USA. After migrating to the United States, she continued her education at MS 331, a Bronx, New York middle school that helped her transition while learning the importance of perseverance. A major turning point she said came when she was accepted into Marble Hill High School for International Studies, one of the best high schools in the Bronx. “There, my love for learning truly blossomed, thanks to the school’s global focus and the support from the teachers, mentors, and advisors who helped shape me into a focused and determined student. I was frequently nominated for scholarships because of my academic performance and dedication. It is fair to say that my teachers’ belief in me fueled my drive to succeed.” That support mechanism would carry her to Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, New York, where she spent seven years earning both an undergraduate and graduate degrees. First, a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management with distinction, all while working full-time at the Englewood Hospital & Medical Center - Department of Radiology – NJ. “Throughout my journey, I’ve never walked alone. My parents and family have been my greatest supporters, always reminding me of my strengths and purpose. From Jamaica to New York, teachers have poured into my development, and I am forever grateful. Every challenge became a steppingstone, and every helping hand became part of my story. From Waltham Park Road to Mercy University, my educational path has been one of resilience, community, and triumph.” Walking across that stage at Mercy, Ms. Francis knows all too well what that moment in time means for herself, a caring family, a supportive faculty and a community undergoing change. “Being a first-generation University Graduate is not just a personal achievement; it’s a powerful symbol of breaking generational barriers. I was fortunate to receive ongoing encouragement and guidance from mentor coordinators, advisors, and professors who played a vital role in my academic success.” As the great Desmond Dekker once said, “Labour for learning before you grow old, for learning is better than silver and gold. Silver and gold will vanish away, but a good education will never decay.” Advt.
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