Grieving son beating the odds

When Antonio Spence's mother died of brain cancer in 2022, his heart was shattered. At 19, he lost his greatest supporter, leaving him grappling with an overwhelming grief, while navigating his first year at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE).

"My mother was very important to me; she understood me and I understood her. We were very similar in a lot of ways, we were friends more than anything else...and she was my backbone," said Spence.

Now 21, Spence told THE WEEKEND STAR that despite the many challenges that came with his loss, he remained undeterred. His mother's dream was to see him succeed, and he pressed on with unwavering determination to honour her memory and make her proud.

"Even though losing her wasn't easy, returning to school and focusing on my education was the easiest part. There were no doubts about whether I wanted to continue my studies, because I know it's what she would have wanted me to do," Spence said.

He completed his associate degree at CASE and then applied to The University of the West Indies, Mona, to pursue a Bachelor of Science in microbiology. However, Spence, who dreams of becoming a veterinarian, found himself in a difficult position. His mother, who had been his main source of financial support, was no longer there, and his elderly father, troubled by ill health, could not work.

"I have a younger sister, so when my mom passed, I understood in that moment that I would be in charge of her, and that she was looking up to me. I had to make sure that I set myself up and held myself accountable. It's not a question of if I will succeed, but a statement that I will succeed," Spence declared.

In search of financial assistance, Spence applied to the Jamaica Public Service Foundation Power Up Scholarship Programme. Out of more than 1,500 applicants, he was one of 10 first-year university students awarded a $500,000 scholarship. The scholarship, aimed at supporting students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, was a lifeline for Spence, who had no other means of funding his education.

On Wednesday, Spence was among 28 recipients who were awarded during a ceremony held at Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St Andrew. Supporting Spence were his two sisters, Alaianna Jackson and Dena Spence.

"There are no words to truly express how grateful I am for the scholarship. When I got the letter, it felt like a burden was lifted off my shoulders, and I was finally able to breathe," Spence said.

His sister, Dena, was equally excited.

"Right now, there is this level of joy, even though it's a bittersweet moment because of the grief we've dealt with. But to see him constantly thriving through everything our family has been through makes me very proud," Dena said, adding that even while navigating his grief, Spence consistently placed the needs of others above his own.

"He doesn't wear his problems on his shoulders. No matter what he's going through, he finds a way to be there for everyone else, even when he's hurting," Dena said.