Twenty-one-year-old Rajeve Johnson, who volunteers his services at the Bonnett Primary School near Guy's Hill in St Catherine.- PHOTO BY KAREN SUDU
Karen Sudu, Gleaner Writer
BONNETT, St Catherine:WHEN HE was a student, Rajeve Johnson would look forward to going to the river with his friends and family during the summer holidays to swim and catch 'tiki-tiki' and crayfish.
He was no less excited about playing marbles and going to the bush to pick, eat, and take home mangoes.
No longer a student, at least not at present, Johnson looks forward to going to Bonnett Primary School in his hometown near Guy's Hill, St Catherine, on weekdays to assist the staff, a task he undertook almost two years.
"After leaving school, I was unemployed and unable to further my education due to financial constraints. I saw the need at the Bonnett Primary School, so instead of sitting home, I made myself available to become a volunteer, thus giving back to my community in a significant way," the 21-year-old shared with The Gleaner.
An only child for his parents Nathalee Wilson and Wilbert Johnson, the Guy's Hill High School alumnus obtained seven Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate subjects.
He said his mother has been the driving force behind his achievements.
"My mom has always had a positive influence on my life. She always instilled in me that only the best is good enough. She always says I should never settle for less than I can do," he said.
Wilson ensured that he attended Sunday school and church regularly until he became a Christian.
"Rajeve is very obedient, and has manners. Anything he's asked to do, he just does it without murmuring, and he is very honest. I always put out the effort to make him have anything that he needs," his proud mom shared with The Gleaner.
admiration
The humble young man said over the last few years, the staff at Bonnett Primary School had also influenced his life significantly.
He is an active member of the Top Bonnett City Mission Church, where he serves as director of the youth choir and secretary of the youth department.
He has won the admiration of many in the community, as well as the staff at Bonnett Primary School.
"We (the staff) are trying to source funds to help him to go to college," Doreen Gordon, principal, told The Gleaner.
Enrolling at Moneague Teachers' College, Linstead campus, would be a dream come true for Johnson. In fact, his desire is to start in September.
"I'm feeling very elated to know that the staff seeks to assist with my studies financially. They are, however, unable to fund my tuition for the two years, and I am not in a position to do so either," he said.
Though he loves teaching, his career goal is to become an entrepreneur and to work in sales and marketing.
"Owning my own business is something that I've always wanted to do. Even though I'll go to college to pursue my career path, I want to become a successful businessman."
"The Moneague College offers business courses, so going there will help to guide me to know and understand more about the business world and how certain businesses are operated," he said confidently.
rural@gleanerjm.com