Grand Bay student graduates with PhD in Psychology

Tavernier credits hard work for her success
Tavernier credits hard work for her success

On October 18, 2014, Royette Tavernier, from Grand Bay, graduated with a PhD in Psychology (Life Span Development) from Brock University in Canada.

Her journey from the Grand Bay Primary school to Vanier Scholar exemplifies “success through determination and hard work”.

Despite growing up on the edge of poverty, Tavernier was always described as an intelligent young lady. At the Grand Bay Primary School and the Pierre Charles Secondary School it was clear that her focus on academics never deterred her participation in extracurricular activities. She was a member of the school’s Drama Club, represented the school in Miss Jupe competition, took part in Dominica Carnival Princess Show, danced Bèlè, did creative dancing among others things. Royette was always a leader.

However, it was when she started debating at the Pierre Charles Secondary School that her journey towards scholarship in tertiary education truly took off. With the support of her High School Teacher and mentor, Jo-Anne Xavier-Cuffy, she was encouraged to lead the Grand Bay Secondary School Debating team at the Kiwanis National Debating competition. Her team emerged victorious and she moved on to the Caribbean Public Speaking Competition.

Tavernier won that competition held in Antigua earning a scholarship to pursue an Associate Degree at the University of St. Martin (USM). It was at that competition that she met Charles and Susanne Armitage (at that time Dr. Armitage was the Dean at USM).

The Armitages’ later became her adopted parents and encouraged her to strive for her dreams of having a career in academia. She graduated as Student of the Year at USM and moved on to Trent University in Canada on a full tuition scholarship, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

From Trent University Royette earned yet another scholarship to pursue her Masters Degree in Child and Youth Studies at Brock University in Canada. She was then encouraged by her faculty mentor, Dr. Teena Willoughby to apply for the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (which was designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students). No one was surprised when Tavernier was awarded this very prestigious scholarship, which would fund her PhD studies at Brock.

During her PhD studies under the supervision of Dr. Willoughby, Tavernnier’s research has been published in reputable academic journals, including Developmental Psychology and Chronobiology International. Her research focuses on sleep and psychosocial adjustment among university students.

In October 2013, she had the opportunity to meet one of her academic role models – a professor at Northwestern University, whose research also examines sleep and adjustment. At that meeting, Tavernier knew that one day she would like to work closely with that professor. A few months later she saw the advertisement for a research position to work with that very same professor. The only way to get that position was for Tavernier to fast-track her PhD degree. Through sheer determination and the desire to succeed she worked tirelessly and did just that. A Phd, months before her scheduled completion date!

In August 2014 Tavernier successfully defended her PhD thesis and was awarded the Post-Doctoral Fellowship position at the luminous Northwestern University. As a post-doctoral fellow, Royette will have the opportunity to work closely with a well-respected faculty member as she continues to publish research before applying for university faculty positions. This is an amazing accomplishment for a young lady from Grand Bay who along the way had to deal with poverty, the death of her mom among other things.

When asked what does her PhD graduation mean to her, Tavernier replied “It means so much to have been able to achieve this goal that I had set for myself as a little girl – even when I had no idea how it could be done. But having graduated made me realize that this was not just a personal accomplishment. I have been so blessed with the love, support, and encouragement of so many people along the way. Ever since my sister, Karllen Lawrence, told me about Psychology when I was in high school, I have had this burning passion to pursue higher education but I was never alone on this quest.”

She said she has received lots of support from family and friends. “My adopted parents, my advisor and close friends, as well as my family in Dominica, have all been so supportive,” she stated. “This accomplishment represents a celebration of the spirit of the people of Grand Bay, my home village, in which we persevere despite adversity – and we do so with a good spirit. It also represents proof that any little boy or girl can dream big, despite their current situation. Hard work and a humble, fighting spirit definitely go a long way!”

Tavernier with well wishers
Tavernier with well wishers

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62 Comments

  1. DD
    June 26, 2017

    Dear Dr. Tavernier,

    I just finished listening to you on Q95 FM and I was moved to tears. Congratulations on your achievements. Your story is truly inspiring! It is good to see that you have remained humble, and you have chosen to give back to Grandbay. Well done girl!

    Best of luck for the future.

  2. eileen helen
    November 5, 2014

    best news for a long time i am so proud of you and the sky is the limit. dont let anyone stand in your way. press on.and put the almighty first. congratsssssssss.your bon jean.

  3. eileen helen
    November 5, 2014

    :- my bon jean my bon jean i am overjoyed and so proud of you cannot imagine how proud i am of you. keep reaching for the stars. much love.

  4. Ben Haynes PsyD
    October 31, 2014

    Congratulation Royette. Welcome to the club, and l hope l will get the opportunity to meet you one day. So much to gain from this exciting field, and so much to give. You will see that our field is one of the best for these trying times. Again, congratulations, and if need be, l am at [email protected].

  5. The Calabash
    October 30, 2014

    Love it! Keep reaching for the stars!

  6. out of south city
    October 29, 2014

    Congratulations to you, my sister. You have made us in Grand Bay proud. In spite of humble beginnings that did not deter you from your goal. That also shows us that in spite of socio-economic backgrounds we can achieve whatever we set our minds to do in life. You are an inspiration to us and especially to the youth in Grand Bay and Dominica on a whole.
    Continue to stay humble on your journey in life and never forget where you’ve come from.
    ONE LOVE.

  7. October 29, 2014

    congrats girl your family is proud of you way to go hip hip whoray

  8. October 29, 2014

    Congratulations Dr. Tavernier!

    I stand in wonder at the more than significant number of young people – both men and women – in Dominica who have met the challenges and overcome the hurtles to graduate into the professions. You are doing your nation proud! Wherever you choose to serve you will be meeting the needs of a society that will be richer for your presence among them.

    As a Canadian I am always proud to read your stories and know that some of you chose to receive your education in my country. The universities. or colleges are known to me and I say “Wise choice!”

    Please accept the following promise from the lips of the Savior and let it guide your life.

    “…seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33. New American Standard Bible)

    This means by receiving Christ and giving Him first place in our lives by obeying Him and living by His values all the worthwhile temporal things of this life will be added to us.

    Reach for the stars Royette!

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill, D.D., International Evangelist.

  9. Carole
    October 29, 2014

    Congratulations Royette, excellent work. Continue reaching for the stars. Wonderful to see Charles and Susanne Armitage after so many years. They are wonderful people. Blessings.

  10. Youth
    October 29, 2014

    Congrats young lady, donot know you but very proud of you as an accomplished D/can. Hope some of our young people can see you as a role model. Poverty has nothing to do with it, we can all make it if we try hard enough and education has risen her very high up from the gutter of poverty, thanks God for her.

  11. Anonymous
    October 29, 2014

    Congratulations Royette! Hard work and perseverance does pay off. Thought you could have given credit to the Almighty God for blessing you with the ability to accomplish and for putting the right people in your life who provided and help make this goal possible. I trust your success will serve as an inspiration to our students.

    • Royette T
      October 29, 2014

      Thank you! My blessings are definitely from above and I never lose sight of that :)

  12. Affa
    October 29, 2014

    WoW…Great accomplishment, congrats Royette.
    Is she the late Earnest for Miss Fee’s daughter? Or Royette from Highland?

    • Royette T
      October 29, 2014

      Thank you! Daughter of Joycelyn Jno Rose. Tavernier on my father’s side

      • The Facts
        October 29, 2014

        I know some Taverniers who resided in Roseau/Goodwill. The elderly ones have passed away or most of them. If I am not mistaken these are originally from Soufriere or some of them. I expect all Taverniers in Dominica are related.
        There is one who is a good friend of mine who resides in Ontario. I must also inform her about you. She will be happy to read your success story.
        Stories as yours which touch our hearts are to be shared. We never know who will be affected and encouraged by them. Yours is one to definitely share.
        Of course, we thank you for sharing your excellent story with us and thank DNO for posting it and informing us about it. We probably would not have known otherwise.
        God bless!

  13. En Ba La
    October 29, 2014

    Way to go Royette. That’s what I am talking about.

  14. Moi
    October 28, 2014

    Congratulations. Please come back to Dominica. We need you.

    • Royette T
      October 29, 2014

      Dominica will always be my home and I have plans to use my training in different ways, particularly to benefit the youth. let’s hope that home welcomes me :)

      • independent
        October 29, 2014

        in large numbers.. we are always prond of our own.

  15. The Facts
    October 28, 2014

    Congratulations Royette. You are an intelligent young lady. You have done well educationally. Yours is an excellent educational success story which especially the youths should emulate.
    Congratulations and gratitude should also be given to her adopted parents and others she was fortunate to meet along the way, her mentors and those who encouraged her, offered her advice and supported her. She was indeed in the right place, at the right time.
    Having lost her mother she must have been sorrowful. You can say God shone his light on her by opening up many avenues whereby she was able to strive higher and graduate with a PhD.
    God bless you in all your future endeavors.

    • Royette T
      October 29, 2014

      Thank you so much! My mum’s spirit continues to see me through. God has definitely shone a light on me and I intend to use those blessings to the benefit of others.

      • The Facts
        October 29, 2014

        God bless you Royette. I was elated to read your success story. There is no doubt that your mum’s spirit is with her dear daughter and always by your side.
        I copied your story which I will be forwarding to some people of Grand Bay whom I know who reside in Toronto. There is no doubt they will forward it to others.
        I reside in Toronto. When I migrated to Canada, I first resided in Montreal and later moved to Toronto. My love for Montreal, Quebec in general has never waned. I still have relatives and some very good friends from different West Indian countries in Montreal.
        Once again, my very best wishes to you. You are a gifted person and a visibly pleasant one. I know you will embrace every good and available opportunity to enhance your education and later career. We are all looking forward to hearing from you about your future achievements in time.
        May God surround you and his holy angels to guide you all the way.
        Love and peace!

  16. Dr. Bertrand
    October 28, 2014

    “Hard work and a humble, fighting spirit definitely go a long way”, very true. keep it up. Congrats. We know that is no easy road. Hard work pays off!!

  17. out of south city
    October 28, 2014

    Congratulations to you my dear sister. You have proven to us all that regardless of socio-economic situations the sky’s the limit. You are an example to us all in Grand Bay and especially to the youth. Your determination and perseverance have paid off. You never lost track of what you wanted to accomplish and your sister also played a great part. I am quite sure that you have made her proud. Continue to exercise humility in your path of life and never forget who you are and where you came from. Stay strong and continue to be positive.
    ONE LOVE.

  18. Helas!!!
    October 28, 2014

    Congrats young lady,

  19. winston warrington
    October 28, 2014

    Grandbay is unstoppable.

  20. christian
    October 28, 2014

    And she will take her grand experience to another country because Dominica has nothing to offer her!
    Unless she was Chinese and we would just give it to her.
    Seriously congrats. It does send a message to all the lazy people of Dominica that it can be done.

    • Royette T
      October 29, 2014

      Thanks for the congratulations. But I believe that Dominica has much to offer anyone who has the passion and willingness to make a contribution – even thought they may not be physically back home. And it is not all about being lazy. There are many hard-working young people out there who, unfortunately, do not have the opportunities they need to push further. I was just fortunate that I had much support along the way :)

  21. Persh
    October 28, 2014

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! ROYETTE!! You did it….. :lol: :-D

  22. A.m
    October 28, 2014

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    WELL DONE ROYETTE!! :-D :-D :-D

  23. Just Observing
    October 28, 2014

    Girl, go for the stars. Congratulations al the way.

  24. gbay
    October 28, 2014

    Royette was my class prefect when I was at gbss. Congratulations Royette. This is a big accomplishment. You have made your people proud. What’s so touching is that you knew what you wanted but didn’t know how it would happen. God is awesome! You have been blessed. Don’t stop reaching for higher heights

    • Royette T
      October 29, 2014

      Aw Thank you! Being a prefect was one of the most fond memories of my high school days! :) Praises to God indeed :)

  25. Looker
    October 28, 2014

    Congratulations to you Royette you are and have always been a remarkable young Lady. This is a clear example that your economic situation should not let go go downwards but strive to be higher.
    Also cngratulations to Karleen for being a support. This should encourage people in our communities to be a mentor to the younger ones in a more positive manner.

    Parents take note as well.. Help your kids too so you will be proud when they make it to that level.

    Grand Bay and Dominica youth………….take note. The path to success is not on facebook , in discos, in carnival. one is allowed to have fun but that is not all life is about.

    Congratulations Royette!!!

    • Royette T
      October 29, 2014

      Thank you! I so agree that mentoring is a big part of my success and can be used to encourage others. :)

  26. I am Dominica
    October 28, 2014

    Grand Bay again

  27. Lovleigh
    October 28, 2014

    Congratulations Dr. Royette Tavernier. So proud of you! The great man above isn’t done with you, so keep on smiling and keep on shining. Much love to you!

  28. van
    October 28, 2014

    A lovely story on how to ‘achieve’. Proud for Grand Bay community and Dominica.

  29. Oh Yes
    October 28, 2014

    Positive story.

  30. October 28, 2014

    This is what I’m talking about. We all can do it if we try, try try, try. Congratulations Royette. Now don’t you ever forget Grandbay. Our airport is getting better and better. Return and share the blessings off and on.

    • Royette T
      October 29, 2014

      How can I forget Grand Bay nuh? haha You can take the girl out of Grand Bay but you can never take Grand Bay out of the girl :) Will always return! Home is home, no matter where in the world I am!

  31. October 28, 2014

    Royette Tavernier, from Grand Bay, graduated with a PhD in Psychology (Life Span Development) from Brock University in Canada. Skerrit ask her to run in G/bay already. They need more Doctors on the team to balance Eddie & LL dem. lol

    • October 28, 2014

      Remember Medard said he wanted a university grad in every home now it will be a doctor medical or otherwise meaning a Phd in every home lol!
      Go Skerro! it’s ur birthday!
      Skrit! according to Groovy-Bat This could be ur theme this election

      • October 28, 2014

        ” I say to you bros & Sisters A grad university grad and one with a doctorate in every home in DA. One NEP job per household and one toilet per home.”
        RMS 2014

  32. famalay
    October 28, 2014

    stay in Canada dominica doh have work for u de onley workit have in dominica is on de port and it full up

    • Royette T
      October 29, 2014

      Pa di sa man lol. Even though I may not be able to pursue an academic career back home there are lots of ways that I can make a difference and I remain steadfast on that quest!

  33. ATF
    October 28, 2014

    Congratulations!!!

  34. Anonymous
    October 28, 2014

    Tthe epitome of focus, perseverance and their benefits! Congratulations Ms. Tavernier!

  35. PRUDENCE
    October 28, 2014

    ….Yet another reason to celebrate-Congrats Woh-Woh! You’ve made all extremely proud.

  36. Jbfox
    October 28, 2014

    congrats young lady ur country is proud of u.

  37. indeed
    October 28, 2014

    Way to go Royette…Congratulations :-D :-D :-D :-D

  38. rosa parks
    October 28, 2014

    Congratulations Royette!!!! You’re a role model to the youth of Grand bay and Dominica on a whole. from humble beginnings you came and you achieved a lot.

  39. Mariogt In New York
    October 28, 2014

    Congratulations. I am smiling, so proud to see one of us succeed. This will show our young kids that the sky is the limit. I am showing this to all my co-workers. Yes I am showing off.

  40. KLaw
    October 28, 2014

    Aaaaaah!!! So proud, sis. You are truly an inspiration to me and to everyone out there to never stop working towards your dream, despite the obstacles!
    Have a great experience doing your Post-Doc and then snag that tenure track Professorship. :wink: Congrats!

    • Royette T
      October 29, 2014

      Sis!! Thank you for TELLING me that Psychology is where I need to be haha! So glad that you were able to celebrate with me in person. Gosh we have both come such a long way…Looking forward to sharing many more wonderful memories with you :)

  41. be wiser
    October 28, 2014

    Well done lady. All the best in the future, even if Idont know you

  42. HAPPY
    October 28, 2014

    YOU GO GIRL…CONGRATULATIONS ROYETTE! SO PROUD OF YOU

  43. gwanbe
    October 28, 2014

    Congrats royette.. #irepsoutcity

  44. In The Kitchen
    October 28, 2014

    Congrats Royette!

  45. Malgraysa
    October 28, 2014

    What an inspiring story. Let Royette’s achievement be an example and an incentive for our young people not to give up their hopes and aspirations. Just imagine if we could instill this attitude and these ethics into our little country as a whole! Many things are possible if we believe fearlessly.

    • Royette T
      October 29, 2014

      We definitely need to keep encouraging the youth and nurturing those goals! Thank you!

  46. sas
    October 28, 2014

    This is a remarkable young lady! WELL DONE Royette!! Love this – “… Hard work and a humble, fighting spirit definitely go a long way!”

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