Brown
Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner WriterPORT ANTONIO, Portland:
KARLENE ANTOINETTE Brown is a single parent who provides for her three sons single-handedly, while working as office manager at a cable television company, where she is responsible for supervising the day-to-day operations at that entity.
The 37-year-old mother of three boys, one of whom is attending a prominent high school in the parish, is on a quest to become a certified accountant - a profession she believes will allow her to earn a better salary and fringe benefits, so as to better care for her family.
"I am currently pursuing an associate degree in [color:2602=blue !important][color:2602=blue !important]business management with the University of Technology /Jamaica Institute of Management in business management," Brown said. "And along with that, I am doing an online associate degree majoring in accounting with Penn Foster College in the United States. I am already working in the accounting field, but with certification, I could earn an improved salary and could possibly move on to other pastures."
Dual role
Brown, who resides in Breastworks, one of the many depressed communities in Portland, plays the role as mother and father for her sons amid her hectic work schedule, which requires her turning up for work at 8:30 a.m. Monday to Friday.
She, however, explained that her situation is made easier by an understanding boss, who allows her to attend to the needs of her children, especially during an emergency; and her caring parents, who supervise the youngsters during her absence.
Brown is urging other mothers, who are in similair situations, not to lose hope as there is no shame and disgrace in bringing up their child/children on their own. She admits that having a father figure around is always important in the upbringing of children.
Brown added: "I am caught up between work and school, which does not give me any time for play. My children are my pride and joy, and I aim to provide for them a better life. I am well aware of the task ahead, as in the twinkling of an eye they will be attending college and university and the buck stops with me. With God's help and my determination, I will get there."