Barbados to Washington to Britain
Leaving Barbados after completing my CSEC examinations marked the beginning of a transformative educational journey that has brought me closer to realising my aspirations. My early academic path, rooted in science-focused subjects at Harrison College, did not yield the results I had hoped for, but it offered clarity about my true passions and interests. When my family relocated to Washington, D.C., I embraced a new beginning, pursuing an Associate’s Degree in International Relations at 16 years old. This field resonated with me, and I excelled, making the Dean’s List every semester and graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Encouraged by this success, I moved to London to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary University. However, this chapter of my journey was fraught with challenges. My first year coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing all classes online amid a strict London lockdown. Despite the challenges of virtual learning and isolation, I was excited to begin my degree, confident in the path I wanted to pursue and fueled by a passion for this area of study. Towards the end of my first year, my grandfather, with whom I was living, experienced a sudden decline in health and passed away shortly after. Facing my first university exams while in isolation and coping with this immense grief alone was incredibly hard. Unfortunately, many of my results reflected the difficulties I faced then.
In my second year, I delved into modules on Colonialism and Capitalism, International Relations, and Introductory International Law, which deepened my curiosity and solidified my commitment to a career in this area. However, this year brought additional challenges as my father’s health deteriorated due to a battle with brain cancer. By the end of the academic year, he had passed away, leaving me grappling with profound grief. Balancing this personal tragedy with my academic responsibilities was incredibly difficult, and completing my assignments often felt insurmountable. My eagerness to learn and my commitment to my studies kept me going, and I again decided to do what I could to the best of my ability.
Recognising the toll these experiences had taken, I made the difficult decision to take a year out. Watching my friends continue their studies and graduate without me was deeply challenging, but stepping back was necessary for my well-being. This decision allowed me to return to my studies with renewed determination. When I resumed my final year, I was excited to re-engage with subjects I was passionate about, even as grief frequently threatened my drive. Through persistence and support, I powered through, completed my dissertation and graduated with First-Class Honours. Balancing these challenges during such a demanding and emotional time has given me the ability to draw confidence from knowing that I’ve risen above adversity before and can do so again.
Currently, I’m enrolled in a law conversion course, which is the next step in my journey to address global injustices. I aim to use my legal knowledge and skills to create meaningful change, focusing on systemic inequities affecting marginalised communities.
One day, I hope to return to Barbados to give back to the nation that shaped my earliest years. My academic background in IR and law will help me address challenges that resonate deeply with Barbados—whether advocating for climate justice for SIDS or engaging in meaningful dialogue around reparations for colonialism. I am eager to someday contribute to Barbados’ evolving story on the world stage.
Jaden Hinkson
