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| Volume No. 1 Issue No. 35 - Wednesday, January 15, 2002 |
The Long Journey
 by Laurelle JnoBaptiste
Some time ago, I sat in the front row of The Ford Center for the Performing Arts in Toronto beaming with excitement; I was attending the Spring 2002 Convocation of DeVry Institute of Technology.
When Clement McIntyre descended on the stage to receive his degree, my excitement reached fever pitch. I saw the pride in Clement�s face and I knew that he had just realized a life-long dream.
The long journey for Clement began four years ago. As a new immigrant from Roseau, Dominica, Clement realized that he was faced with the decision of returning to school.
He was well aware that for a new immigrant with no formal North American education, the pickings in the job market were very slim.
He also had a family, and returning to school at the age of 38 after 18 years in the workforce seemed like a mountain too high to climb.
With encouragement from his wife Indira McIntyre and his older brother Earl Estrado, Clement began his pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems.
Needless to say, getting into a study routine was difficult, and the Math courses were special challenges. Along the way there were individuals who encouraged Clement to quit.
The lure of the working world was ever present, and at times, Clement contemplated leaving school.
However, in the long run, his determination and hard work paid off and Clement realized a dream that would not have been possible without his persistence and many sacrifices made by his wife.
Clement serves as an example for all immigrants. There is absolutely no age limit for returning to school. There is a world of opportunity waiting to be embraced. Luck is where opportunity meets preparation, and Clement is now definitely prepared.
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