Become a Global Citizen, Impact the World

USC Alumna Johnisa Wilson assists Open Day attendees

"USC President encourages prospects to begin journey of transformation at USC Open Day

The message was simple, yet impacting. Applying to pursue tertiary education with the University of the Southern Caribbean is the beginning of a transformative journey for every potential student. This was the thrust of the address by the president of the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) Dr Clinton A. Valley. The journey starts with the simple decision to study at USC where one’s horizons will be opened to endless possibilities. From there, each person has the opportunity to be catapulted towards having a significant impact on the world.

Addressing an audience of close to 100 prospective students and their families, Dr Valley explained the four pillars of the institution in a practical way. The University’s leading man illustrated how the intellectual curiosity, cultural diversity, moral integrity and spiritual maturity garnered at USC can transform the life of an ordinary individual.

Dr Valley gave the example of a young boy who grew up in very humble beginnings in the south of Trinidad and was transformed into a successful administrator who now impacts the life of many at USC. Dr Valley could not have created a clearer picture of the transformation of that impoverished young boy to his audience. He was the living testimony; those were his own experiences.

“My mother had a vision beyond the one room hut in Couva… I thank god for my experience at USC because it has transformed me, giving me intellectual curiosity, cultural diversity, spiritual maturity and moral integrity,” Dr Valley said.

More than 40 years later, having travelled to more than 40 countries around the world and now being able to serve at USC to help continue the cycle, Dr Valley said that it is the uniqueness of USC that enabled this transformation.

“You understand different cultures, you become a global citizen, you look at life in a global perspective,” Dr Valley said.

He assured parents that placing a student into the care of the institution is regarded as a sacred trust. While some youth in Trinidad and Tobago are venturing down the wrong paths and losing or ruining their lives in the process, others are choosing to link up with USC for a positive and values-based education. He described the institution as not only the most viable alternative to having a quality holistic educational experience, but a launching pad towards impacting the world.

Ordinary students can significantly impact the world just as stones affect mighty rivers through a ripple effect. A few borrowed lines from the James Foley poem, Drop a Pebble in the Water, helped Dr Valley complete that vivid analogy.

“We know how to provide an education that not only informs the head but transforms the heart…We want to welcome you into that,” Dr Valley said.

The proceedings also included testimonials from past students including Dr Kadeenia Gaie as well as activities from the Sports and Physical Education Department (SPED) and an engaging musical rendition from USC singer/songwriter Quinn Nelson.

The window for new students to apply to USC is still open. Interested persons are encouraged to apply so as soon as possible. Student orientation will be held on August 29, and the first semester for the 2013/2014 academic year commences Wednesday, September 4."

Source: http://www.usc.edu.tt/news/197/113/USC-Open-Day-Become-a-Global-Citizen-Impact-the-World/d,usc_news_detail.html