The Remarkable Journey of a School Dropout and Former Taxi Driver Who Now Owns a College
From high school dropout to CEO of a College
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Kerine Davis, a former high school dropout, has embarked on an incredible journey from driving a taxi to becoming a prominent figure in both business and education. She currently heads Ocho Rios College, an institution that has earned a strong reputation for academic excellence and is renowned for awarding scholarships worth millions of dollars to deserving young individuals.
Notably, many of the scholarship recipients hail from the challenging Faulkland neighborhood, also known as Mansfield Heights, located in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
Davis proudly acknowledges her humble beginnings, stating, "I'm from the ghetto." She emphasizes the importance of rising above one's circumstances, especially in an environment like Mansfield Heights, where distractions and challenges can easily deter one from their path.
Despite her early setbacks, Davis credits her strong disciplinarian father for ensuring that she and her three siblings remained focused. She initially attended Brown's Town High School, Exchange Primary School, and Oracabessa High School but faced an unexpected turn of events when she became pregnant during Grade 10. Reflecting on that period, Davis admitted, "My thinking wasn't in the right place at that time. Naturally, my parents were very disappointed, but I had to accept the situation as it was."
Following the birth of her child, Davis did not resume her secondary school education. She recognized the need to take control of her life and began to navigate her path independently, leveraging the support of her parents, who provided her with a house lot in Mansfield Heights. Remarkably, as a teenager, she managed to construct a small house there.
Facing financial challenges, Davis embarked on a job hunt in Ocho Rios, with a particular focus on securing employment at reputable fast-food establishments. She vividly recalls her early days on the job, especially an assignment that involved cleaning and marinating 900 Best Dressed birds. Her dedication and attention to detail on the task caught the attention of her superiors. Eventually, she was entrusted with additional responsibilities when a cashier failed to show up for work.
One significant turning point in Davis's journey occurred when she discovered a letter of praise from an anonymous client in a major publication. She tore out the letter and used it as part of her job application, leading to her employment at Sandcastles Resort in Ocho Rios.
Davis's journey continued as she entered the taxi industry, working for six years, and even operated a bus on the Ocho Rios to Brown's Town route. Despite facing challenges such as expulsion from Barbados for overstaying her visa, Davis demonstrated resilience and determination. She returned to Jamaica, pursued further education, and obtained credentials in nursing and business administration.
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During her tenure running T&G Job Agency and Document Centre, Davis recognized the need for additional support for her clients, leading her to provide assistance in various capacities. On October 9, 2012, she officially established Ocho Rios College with an initial enrollment of 40 students within the Falcon Crest building in Ocho Rios. Over time, the college moved to different locations within Ocho Rios, offering programs in hospitality, business, and medicine.
Davis acknowledges that maintaining the institution's finances was a significant challenge, but her unwavering commitment to her students and the community drove her forward. She went on to earn a degree in Educational Leadership and Management at the University of the West Indies, emphasizing her dedication to educational excellence.
Kerine Davis's dedication to her students is evident, as she states, "I offer myself to my kids." She takes immense pride in her graduates' achievements, fostering a sense of fulfillment when they succeed. She is not only committed to their academic growth but also to their moral and professional development.
Furthermore, Davis's generosity knows no bounds. She consistently awards at least five scholarships to community members each year. In her words, "That was my way of returning the favor and helping someone in need."
When asked about her legacy and how she hopes to be remembered, Davis aspires to leave a lasting impact on her community. She wishes to be remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for others and established Ocho Rios College as an enduring legacy in Mansfield Heights and St. Ann.
