The spirit of determination
COMPETITIVE SWIMMING demands a unique combination of power and grace, the ability to streamline one’s form to maintain speed and composure, even as one is powering through to the wall.
For Kevaughn Campbell, it’s a combination that he’s had to call upon in a separate pursuit - the study of medicine.
To keep his dream of being a surgeon alive, the Wolmerian, who entered The University of the West Indies (UWI) on a swimming scholarship, has had to call upon that mix to “power through” 18- and even 20-hour days.
Beginning at 5 a.m., Kevaughn has had to put in the hours in the pool, then at school, before returning to training and then getting home to tend to his studies and to interact with family and peers.
He sufficiently mastered that routine to complete his first degree in anatomy, and was further fortunate to count on a previous lifeline from the CB-UWI [CB Chicken and University of the West Indies] Scholarship Fundraising Run to help with tuition and other expenses.
‘Perception battle’
But completing medical school brought a new set of obligations and new tests of his professed faith. He also faced a “perception battle” in that folks may look from the outside and believe that he “has it easy” having been a previous scholarship awardee, as well as a national swimmer.
But accolades and medals do not provide much in the way of tangible benefits.
Still, Campbell persisted and his faith has again been rewarded by the CB-UWI Scholarship Committee, thus enabling him to navigate what is now his final year of medical school.
He credits the scholarship programme with providing him with an opportunity for growth.
“Having faced serious challenges in my personal journey, I’m very grateful to be here and to have this support,” he said.
“I don’t, for one minute, take it for granted.”
Kevaughn values the assistance so much that he is now gearing up to “evangelise” about the Scholarship and Fundraising Run. He wants to be able to help other young men, in particular, who now face challenges similar to those he faced, to stay focused and to put the work in so as to position themselves for similar opportunities.
In this way, he is not merely helping individuals keep their form and power through life, he is making an important contribution to his country, impacting development and quality of life for generations to come.
Now, that’s an accolade worth striving for.
The CB Group UWI 5K is the major fundraising effort of The University of the West Indies to assist academically outstanding students and sports students who lack the financial resources to pursue tertiary education. Since its inception in 2012, more than 300 students have received scholarships to pursue their dreams of a tertiary education.
This year’s event takes place on Sunday, November 19, starting at 6:30 a.m. on the UWI Mona Campus. Participation in the event costs $1,500 per adult and $700 per student or child. A group rate of $1,200 per person is also available for groups of 25 and more.