Features

Ruby McKenzie has no regrets

By RODNEY MILLER, Freelance Writer

NURSING WAS AT the forefront of Ruby McKenzie's career plans but when things did not turn out as expected, she ended up a teacher. These days, having being in the profession for more than 35 years, the committed educator views teaching as a rewarding career.

"My greatest reward is to see the students I have taught move forward in life," she said. "Some I have met at different places such as banks and hospitals. Even the remarks of those who haven't been successful are quite heartwarming."

McKenzie, who is the principal of St. Cyprian's Preparatory School in Highgate, St. Mary, was born in St. James in a district called Somerton. She grew up in the quiet town of Granville in Trelawny where she attended the Granville All-Age School.

First choice

Having completed all-age school and with nursing as her career choice, McKenzie attended an interview for placement at nursing school but was unsuccessful. This, however, failed to dampen her desire to succeed in life and she soon resorted to her second option; that of becoming a teacher.

After being employed as a pre-trained teacher at various schools in and around Trelawny's capital, Falmouth, McKenzie moved on to Moneague Teachers' College in St. Ann where she enrolled as a student.

After graduating she took a position at Highgate All-Age School (now Primary and Junior High)in Highgate St. Mary where she has worked relentlessly for 30 years as a teacher of grades four and five specializing in the visual arts. She also taught common entrance examination classes which proved to be quite rewarding as a significant number of her students moved on to prestigious high schools in and around the parish.

McKenzie still possesses the vitality she has had during the early years in this noble profession. As principal of St. Cyprian's Preparatory School, she makes it a point of duty to see that the institution moves forward.

"The G-SAT students of the school are performing above the national average and in the year 2000, one student placed first in the parish with a total subject average of 97," she said proudly.

The students have also engaged in a range of activities and competitions and have attained awards in speech and music including silver and bronze medals at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Festival of Arts at the National Finals.

Her special talent in art and craft, along with her innate leadership abilities have also contributed to the school's acquisition of the Wilson James Award for independent schools at the annual St. Mary Agri Expo.

McKenzie is woman committed to whatever she is involved with. This is probably why she was made secretary to the St. Mary Scouts Association, a

member of the Highgate Branch Library Committee, a Sunday School teacher and presently a member of the Bethel United Church Finance Committee in Highgate. She was also a JAMAL teacher for over 10 years.

Creating challenges

McKenzie believes that teaching not only reaps rewards but also creates challenges; indiscipline being a major one. "Children have become disrespectful and many parents are not doing their duty as guardians," she said. She also added that at times, parents have threatened to (and some have) physically and verbally abused teachers because they have undertaken certain measures to ensure that discipline is maintained within the school system."In spite of that, I still love the profession," says McKenzie. "I love having children around me."

McKenzie has no regrets entering the teaching profession. She merits her achievements to goal setting, which she has done during the early years of her chosen career. "Always set your goals and try to achieve them," she said. "But first start with the philosophy: Life Is What You Make It."