‘It’s a beautiful moment’
2023 Festival Queen Aundrene Cameron is the 2025 Rhodes Scholar
Published:Friday | November 15, 2024 | 12:11 AMRollesha Laing/Assistant Lifestyle and Entertainment Editor
What began as a glimmer of aspiration to become a Rhodes Scholar for Aundrene Cameron turned into a reality on Thursday afternoon when she was announced as the 2025 Jamaica Rhodes Scholar.
The second-year student at the Norman Manley Law School was chosen from 10 outstanding candidates across diverse fields such as the arts, humanities, sciences, and engineering, all vying for the prestigious award.
Deputising for the governor general, Professor Gordon Shirley, CEO of the Port Authority of Jamaica and chairman of the Police Service Commission, made the official announcement at King’s House.
“Is this real?” Cameron asked as the news sank in.
“It’s such a beautiful moment, It’s a feeling where everything you’ve worked on for such a long time, you’ve been awarded. And the opportunity is so amazing, and I am just ready to bring my contribution to Jamaica and to happily represent my country,” she said following the announcement.
A recipient of this year’s Governor General’s Achievement Award and a former Miss Jamaica Festival Queen, Cameron dedicates herself to service, crediting the influence of her parents.
“My parents have really instilled the idea of public service in me. It’s something that I grew up seeing – a level of care and commitment to country and to others. I think that is the biggest and most valuable trait that a person can have, so I give all credit to my parents for the amazing role models that they have been for me,” she said.
While families and loved ones weren’t present for the announcement, Cameron knew her mother would be overjoyed at the news. As if predicting her mother’s reaction, she hurried to call her.
“Oh my goodness! I can’t believe it!” her mother, Claudina, squealed on the other end of the line, calling for Cameron’s brother to share the news.
Heading to the University of Oxford in 2025, Cameron, who hails from Spanish Town, St Catherine, plans to pursue a Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Master of Philosophy in Law with a specific focus on human trafficking.
When asked if she saw herself being a Rhodes Scholar following her Miss Jamaica Festival Queen reign in 2023, she told The Gleaner: “No, I didn’t. Festival Queen for me was an opportunity to serve as a cultural ambassador for my country, which, again, is an opportunity for service. So this is a beautiful transition for I’m serving my country in another way, and I am very happy because it gives young girls the understanding that you can do so much. So to have a festival queen being a Rhodes Scholar I think sends a beautiful message, and I am really hoping that it will encourage other young girls as well.”
As for those who may be thinking of applying for the next Rhodes Scholarship, Cameron says: “If you believe you have it in you to be a trailblazer and you have a love for country and service, go for it. That passion is what will bring you through.”