It’s no surprise that Shaquana R.’s mother, Aericka Whyte, was our Top Parent Volunteer in the 2023/24 school year. Despite her physical disability, Aericka set a goal to earn maximum points, and she was not going to give up, earning 900 points! This same determination has her up until 3:00 am preparing extra work for Shaquana to do after school. And Shaquana is pushing too – she was one of our top students in her first year at Christel House.
“My goal for Shaquana is to become a better version of herself,” Aericka says. She wants to be a lawyer and a businesswoman. “I want her to set a goal for herself and to achieve it. I am trying to provide for her so that she can do everything possible.”
When she comes home from school, Aericka finishes her chores first, then sets work for Shaquana based on the topics at school. “From she was born until now, she read a book, I give her words, spelling and maths. She doesn’t give up also, so I’m not going to give up on her.”
Aericka is working hard to become a better version of herself too. She was born with a physical disability that affects her legs, and one of her hands, but “other than the walking fast and getting different different jobs, that’s the only problem with me.”
Employers don’t always see it that way. Aericka finished evening classes at Bridgeport, passing with flying colours. Her teacher signed her up for work, and she completed the interviews for an office filing job, “but when he saw me face to face, he turned me down.” She says it has happened more than once.
Her job coach, Dwayne Isaacs at HEART Trust/NSTA is always looking out for opportunities for her, and Aericka is very active and very capable. “I don’t see myself as different from anyone else. Once I put my mind to something, I can accomplish it,” she says.
Last year, Aericka was working as an assistant teacher at Gregory Park Primary School, while also looking after a little boy. She is now working as an assistant teacher with 3-year-olds at Cumberland Truth Tabernacle, since September. “In the classroom, I try to move extra fast. I try not to sit down. I like to do it myself.”
So how did she earn 900 volunteer points? During a gap in jobs, Aericka woke up early to get Shaquana ready, supervised students on the bus, and volunteered on the compound every day. “I just tried to push myself and push Shaquana.”
And now, even while working at Cumberland, she leaves early on Fridays to volunteer at Christel House Jamaica. She doesn’t know how she would manage without Christel House, “because the money is not 100 percent. I am really appreciative. I am really grateful for everything.”