Donelle E. Roberts, a first generation graduate was named the 2021 fall semester valedictorian of the Grambling State University (GSU).
Donelle says her pride in her accomplishment stems not from knowing she outranked her peers but owing to the fact that she had made her family and herself proud.
The Marigot native who majored in mathematics with a concentration in actuarial science and physics made history at the university as she was the first graduate to earn a degree with a concentration in actuarial science from GSU and did so with a 3.98 Grade Point Average (GPA).
In an interview with Dominica News online (DNO), Roberts credited much of her success to her many sacrifices as well as the support of her parents Ruth and Jeffers Roberts, and her siblings.
Though she admitted her educational journey was not without its fair share of challenges, Roberts insisted that her quick journey to a bachelor’s degree was due to an unlikely combination of purpose and then unexpected circumstances.
“During the height of the Covid period, I had to spend more time in my room for my own safety, this was a frustrating period. It was also tough financially. While I did have a scholarship that paid tuition and boarding, I had to buy my books and basic necessities, as well, money to travel back home during the summer and Christmas breaks. I relied on my family a lot and also worked two jobs.”
While she professed her love for mathematics, Roberts however admitted she had never considered actuarial science before attending GSU which is the study of the financial implications of uncertain future events. Actuaries study how to quantify and manage risk, primarily in the fields of life and health insurance, pensions, employee benefits, and investments.
Now armed with her degree, Robert says upon her return to Dominica in the future, she intends on making great strides in the financial sector.
“That was one of the reasons I chose to focus my area of study in actuarial science. Dominica needs more actuaries and can benefit from having people with these skillset in the banks and other financial institutions.”
Though the GSU valedictorian says she will not pursue a master degree immediately, she is however continuing studies to undergo actuary certification classes and later sit the exams.
“There are quite a few of them and it is my goal to pass them all,” Roberts confidently stated.
To Dominican students studying abroad, she advised, “going to study is an exciting journey, but ensure that while studying you make the sacrifices necessary to keep your grades up. Simple things like spending less time hanging out with friends or going to parties will all be worth it in the end.”
At GSU, Roberts was a member of GSU’s Office of Retention, International Association of Black Actuaries, International Student Organization, STEM NOLA, National Science Foundation undergraduate research, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and National Society of Black Engineers.
She was also honored as a Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholar (2020-2021), Goldman Sachs HBCU Leadership Scholar (2020) and has been on the President’s List every semester since her commencement at the university.
Looks like this was something un-achievable or a miracle. When will Dominican get used to success and being successful? For every degree achieve there has to be some media publication. No wonder we black peoples see success as ascribed to all other races but ours. Let’s stop this nonsense. It’s enough that the family and friends are proud and happy….. But taking it to news media is too much and petty. I do hope she gets a job. As one person stated; if she’s Laborite she may get a job. But my guess is she is a Laborite. My survey concludes that most women in Dominica are Laborites. Especially those with children, the unemployed, the uneducated and the lazy ones. Any PM in the Caribbean could be rich if they act dishonest. Because the Caribbean islands are overwhelmed with majority being poor and uneducated. Thus, it’s a very fertile political soil to grow wealth and wickedness. And CARICOM makes it 100% worse.
I could have sided with you earlier in your opinion piece but, you lost your way. You make yourself sound like you are suffer from something and you needed to share that pain with others. Your arguments are baseless as you have no support for them. To say the least this are all ridiculous assertions.
I do hope that the requisite help is received. Congratulations young lady. I do agree though no need to publish these things in the media. Look around it is done nowhere else in the region. We need to get away from this small mindedness. I guess it’s all part of the boastful culture the social media created.
@garcon.. You agreed with my opinion but then you are in disagreement with the FACTS. The truth always hurt. Here you just made known your true colors. I’ve done quite a number of surveys on the supporters of both political parties in Dominica, and in each of these surveys I found out that the people who are most likely to disrespect you, curse at you and insult you are those supporting Skerrit and the labor party. Coincidentally, he Skerrit has no respect or regards for our constitution and our laws. So here you have. If the “leader” (Skerrit) was a respectable human being, one with dignity and pride of Dominica; I doubt that his followers would carry on the way they do. He Skerrit is ok with a police officer kicking a man on the ground like he was playing soccer ⚽️. So yes Garson, you need to scrub yourself out of that nasty attitude which you willingly inherited from the dictator Skerrit. You are better than that. Happy new year 🎊🎈
This has to be the most ignorant comment ever written in the history of DNO. I congratulate Ms.Roberts for her very special achievement.
Just know in Dominica u can have the highest degree but u have to be a labourite to get a job that will pay you for your degree.. be advised ..
I suggest that you consider graduate school early. You cannot be that good and even think of procrastinating the Higher degree. Beat the iron while it is hot.
not many people get that far.
Good morning. Cuz
Well done Donelle. 👏 👏 👏 The world needs Actuaries. Your qualification in actuarial science will be welcomed in the region. All the very best as your purse your certification.
Congratulations! Awesome!
You are ahead, keep going. God will make a way. You can!!! Doors will open for you.
Congratulations young lady. God Bless your future endeavors.
Yes, pretty girl. Congratulations are on order. Great job!!!
Well done Donelle!!! Your challenging course load suggests that you did the required heavy lifting and made the necessary sacrifices to achieve high marks and well deserved accolades. Kudos also to your family members and other benefactors who encouraged and helped you on your journey.