Aspiring lawyer seeks help to achieve her dream job

For Renae Sommerville, a sixth-grade debate about gender roles lit a fire that ignited an unsuspecting passion to one day become a lawyer.

The 20-year-old St Jago High School student is known as a sharp, passionate speaker, and told THE STAR that she has a calling to defend the voiceless. That drive, which was first noticed when she was named best speaker in a primary school debate competition, has only grown stronger over the years. Now, Sommerville is fighting for her biggest cause yet: securing the funds to study law at The University of the West Indies (UWI) this September.

"From I was small, I always wanted to defend people," she said. "In primary school, even when I was told I speak too fast or that I stutter, I still managed to win best speaker. That's when I knew -- this is my path."

Her passion, however, is running head-first into a harsh financial reality. Raised in the small Westmoreland district of Broughton, Sommerville the sixth of seven children born to a shopkeeper mother and a father who does freelance labour to support the family. Despite the odds, education has always been a priority in the Sommerville household.

"My parents are very invested in our education," she said. "It's tough for them, but they try their best to make sure we go to school and do well." Three of her siblings are currently attending the University of Technology, one recently graduated, and another is headed to the Management Institute for National Development. With a provisional acceptance from The UWI's Faculty of Law in hand, and her final Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations under way, Sommerville is determined to add 'attorney-at-law' to the family's growing list of achievements.

But the cost is steep. Tuition alone is US$10,000 (approximately J$1.58 million) per year--far beyond what her family can afford. When she realised that a student loan wouldn't stretch far enough, Sommerville took a leap of faith and turned to the public for help. So far, her GoFundMe with a goal of US$20,000 (approximately J$3.16 million) has raised US$7,525. Media personality Miss Kitty has also pledged support.

"I need help not just with tuition, but also boarding and meals," Sommerville explained. "My mother can't afford to send money every month for food or personal expenses, so I still need extra assistance."

Before transferring to St Jago, Sommerville attended Manning's School in Westmoreland, where she was deeply involved in the performing arts and debating. It was during those years that she realised she was not only capable of excelling, but also willing to push through every obstacle--stuttering, financial stress, or doubt--to chase her dream.

Sommerville aspires to become a criminal defence attorney. She's not sure when the dream began, only that it never left her.

"People always say I'm the one who jumps in to defend others. That's just my personality," she said. "It makes sense for me to do criminal law." She expressed hope that Jamaicans will rally around her dream, not just because she's ambitious, but because she's already shown that she's committed, consistent, and ready.

"My parents have done everything they can. Now I just need a chance."

Persons wishing to assist Renae Sommerville pursue her academic dreams, may donate to her GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/929f783e.