Philippa Henry never giving up - Distinction College valedictorian fights through adversity in quest for stability

When Philippa Henry got a call that she was selected as Valedictorian for Distinction College's graduating class of 2025, she beamed with pride and excitement. Grabbing her phone, she searched her contacts to share the good news. But there was no feeling of joy to impart.

At that moment, the 27-year-old said she felt deep disappointment and sadness because of the journey her life had taken - from the early years when a lack of parental care and influence brought about hardship and instability, as she searched to find her way.

Yesterday, when she walked to the podium inside the Jamaica Conference Centre to deliver her speech, Henry had the entire venue cheering. The young woman, now certified as a practical nurse, was about to share a message deserving of every applaud from students and teachers who, in a relatively short period, helped to shape her on a path that is taking greater definition.

TEAR-JERKING JOURNEY

Her speech never contained revelations of the tear-jerking journey she shared with THE STAR prior to delivery. But it contained very important elements of shared expeiences and life lessons received at Distinction College, including inspirational early morning bible verses that kept her strong and focused on her purpose,

"I didn't grow up with any parental love. My life was always terrible as I didn't grow with my parents, but my brother," she shared.

As a way of showing the little impact between herself and her father, she said, "It's just about my father's name because he is Phillip Henry and I am Phillippa.

"My brother was the one who use to comb my hair. At Christmas I wanted to open gifts with family, but I didn't have that as my dad was incarcerated overseas. I just used to buy little gift cards and send to my dad in prison," she said.

Fast forward to her teenage years, when Henry attended Greater Portmore High School. By this time, her father returned to Jamaica and she went to live with him and her stepmother. That reunion though never met expectations.

"I went to live with him but I ran away because I was being ill-treated. I asked my friend to ask her mom if I could come and stay with them for a week, but it turned into a year and six months," she admitted.

Hardshipsmounted as having overstayed her welcome, she was later told via text message the family was no longer able to provide for her.

Henry says she understood.

She also expressed gratitude for the kindness extended.

"I asked a family member for shelter but they didn't have the space and I remember just going back to Spanish Town bus park and I sat. My body felt numb!

"I reached out to my big sister but she was staying with someone as well. She tried to help me and I was able to stay with them for a while. After a while we were asked to leave and we went to stay with another friend," she said.

Then.

"I signed up for a maid work not knowing that was what I signed up for because I had to do all the chores in that house. It wasn't a bother to me at the time, as I wanted to go to school.

PARTY PROMOTIONS

Broken and frustrated, Henry said she began relying on her Christian faith and sought divine intervention. As she tried to make ends meet, a then desperate Henry said she was introduced to party promotions by a friend.

That, however, did not last long as she would often fall asleep on the job.

"By it touch 9 p.m. mi start drop asleep beside the sound box so I knew that work was just not for me. After that I went to a Chinese-owned store and beg the Chiney man for a job and tell him I was willing to work free for him a week, but he told me didn't need any worker. I begged and pleaded until I got through," she said.

Henry said although her salary in 2021 was just above the $7,000 minimum wage, she managed to save enough to start a small business.

"I buy a freezer and I started selling ice cream and that business blew up. The lady that I was staying with told me that business nuh run a yard because it was attracting a lot of people to the yard," she explained.

BEARER BUSINESS

"I was throwing a little partner and I got the draw in time for my birthday and I started a little bearer business with one bike and I used it to purchase two more bikes and that's how I got to send myself to Distinction College."

Administrative Director at Distinction College, Karen Blair, said the institution continues to churn out thousands of certification and stories of hope.

"No subjects are required for practical nursing courses; we tell them to come in with no subjects and we give them three CXC's free. We start at age 17 and we don't have an upper limit as learning never stops," she said.

For Henry, upgrading her education was not easy at first, as she failed her first exam.

Determined as ever though, she buckled down, convinced this opportunity would not pass her by.

"I re-sit and I never got another 60 per cent, it was always above. I chose this field as I didn't get a lot of love growing up but I know I have a lot of love to give, so pursuing my nursing career is the perfect opportunity to give my love," she said.

"I never regret going to Distinction because when I cry others cry and I have the support of not only the staff, but the students as well," Henry noted.

Blair said that's the nature of the institution's relationship.

"Our mantra is that we provide opportunities for all and want to ensure that no one is left out, so we have a lot of health care and skills-based courses," Blair revealed.

Students like Henry validates that position. And the future looks bright.

"Things can only get better for me now," she said.

And who could disagree.