From High School to UWI Mona: The Sabrina Barnes Guide

Can you imagine being thrown into an entirely new world, new rules, new responsibilities and new freedom? Well, that sums up what the transition from high school to university feels like. In a matter of weeks, you are operating in a new space and you wonder, how do I make my mark? How do I establish my brand? How can I balance school with all this freedom? How do I not lose myself in all the buzz?

Well, meet Sabrina Barnes, a first-year law student at the UWI Mona, who is navigating the same space. Meet someone who knows that transitioning from high school to university can feel overwhelming, but that it is also an exciting opportunity for growth and self-discovery. That someone is here to give some insights, advice and examples from her life to help you navigate this new chapter.

Article Number 1. Embrace the Change: Understand that entering university means adapting to new rules and responsibilities. It can be daunting, but it’s also a chance to explore who you are and what you want to achieve.

Article Number 2. Establish Your Brand: Think about how you want to present yourself in this new environment. Your brand is not just about academics; it’s about your values, interests, and the impact you want to make. Take Sabrina for example. Sabrina is a passionate advocate as well as a public speaker, which resonates with her passion for becoming an exceptional attorney. She is interested in areas such as social justice, human rights and constitutional law which influences her desire to combat social issues within the communities she serves. To fulfil this desire, she carried out back-to-school drives back home in Manchester. For her to continue this path on the UWI Mona Campus, Sabrina identified the necessity of remaining committed to her brand and ensuring that her passion preceded her. Therefore, since her matriculation, she has been executing her period poverty passion project and creating access to menstrual products for ladies within the university space.

Article Number 3. Balance Freedom and Responsibilities: With newfound freedom comes the challenge of managing your time effectively. Prioritize your studies while still allowing space for personal interests and social activities.

Article Number 4. Get Involved: Engage in campus life through clubs, organizations, or community service. Sabrina emphasizes the importance of being active in initiatives that resonate with your passions, such as her work on period poverty and mental health forums.

Article Number 5. Face Challenges Head-On and Prioritize the Right Thing: Leadership roles can be demanding. Sabrina advises that while it may feel selfish at times to prioritize your academic and personal commitments, taking pride in your work is essential. Remember that challenges are part of the journey.

Article Number 6. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who inspire you: Building a supportive network can provide motivation and encouragement during tough times.

Article Number 7. Practice Self-Care: Sabrina believes in the concept of counterbalancing rather than striving for perfect balance. Allocate your time wisely—50% for studies, 30% for passions, and 20% for relaxation and socializing.

Article Number 8. Learn from Criticism: As a first-year student making strides in her field, Sabrina has faced criticism but uses it as fuel for growth. Use feedback as a way to improve rather than a deterrent.

Article Number 9. Stay Inspired: Remember that your journey is unique. If Sabrina can navigate her path successfully, so can you. One conversation or connection can lead to incredible opportunities.

As you embark on this new adventure at UWI Mona, keep these tips in mind to help you thrive both academically and personally. Embrace the journey ahead!

Meet Tonishae Smith

I am a passionate youth advocate and student at UWI Mona. As the 2023-2024 Youth Mayor for the parish of Clarendon and Creative Director of Sharkwave News, I am committed to empowering young people and driving positive change within my community. With a strong background on leadership and social initiatives, I bring valuable insights on advocacy, personal growth and community development to my skills as a creative writer.