I was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, a twin-island nation located at the most southern point of the Caribbean and just off the coast of Venezuela. During my last year of high school, I decided I wanted to attend university in the States. I had numerous offers, but Stetson stood out because of the small-school environment and a great scholarship.

During my first year, the experience was everything I could have dreamt of and more. I had wonderful grades, a booming social life and even joined the rowing team. Everything was perfect!

A year later, I was faced with a major financial obstacle. I had to make the tough decision to either stay at school or return to Trinidad and work. This was an extremely trying time for me, because I genuinely did not know what to do. I know my family didn’t want me to stop going to school, but the reality was, at that point, we simply could not afford it.

I was determined to overcome this financial burden with perseverance, persistence and hard work. By the grace of God and positive energy,
I decided to become financially independent by taking the national scholarship awarded to me by the government of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as finding an on-campus job with the Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee. I spent more than 10 hours a week in the SAFAC office learning the ropes and showing my worth, and balanced work with 40 credit hours.

As troubles started to arise, better days and miracles were all that I could have asked for. I made a commitment to myself that I would try as hard as I possibly could to put myself through university. I met with Rosalie Carpenter, the dean of students at the time; when I found out I would get an additional scholarship as a result of two families’ donations, I was thrilled. What a big weight off my shoulder it was!

With that, I knew I had to give my all in everything I planned to do moving forward. The opportunities did not stop there, as I was chosen to be the new accounting tutor for 2015-16. I wondered how in heaven’s name I would be able to manage finishing up a double major [Accounting and Finance], working 20 hours a week, and being the chair of SAFAC and the secretary of finance for the Student Government Association.

I am so lucky and blessed to have such a strong and wonderful support system to strengthen and guide me along this journey. My professors and the staff at Stetson have helped me, guided me and supported me through it all. I have one less worry, thanks to my donors. I could not have reached this far without you. I have put in the work, but without your help, this would not have been possible.

By Savanna Wharton-Lake ’16

Note: Following graduation in May, Savanna returned home, where she began working for Ernst & Young, one of the Big Four accounting firms.