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“A man without an education is a dead man.” This is what Jarlarnie Seales was taught when he was growing up. It is for this reason that he tried his best to balance his love and passion for cricket with his desire to get a formal education. This is this national cricketer’s journey as he dealt with the separation of his parents, dual living arrangements, balancing cricket and schoolwork and not being bogged down by “the system”.

Moving from one parent’s house to the other as a child was never the ideal situation. Many times I felt like a yo yo. Hearing them quarrel over me, being in court for parental custody and having to comply with a list of parental “do’s” was quite an emotional and psychological hurdle.

When not at my parents’ homes, I spent time with my grandparents who took great care of me. Discipline was instilled in us through every activity and having good manners underpinned so many aspects of my grandparents’ teaching. My upbringing had a lot to do with the person I am today and I certainly believe that the teaching of my grandparents helped to shape my work ethic toward school and cricket. Good manners also took me a long way because when you think about it, no one really wants an unmannerly person on their team or around their circle.

“I don’t want to use the ‘system’ as an excuse”

My familial experiences and domestic situation also helped to shape my train of thought. I wanted my life to be different. I don’t want my children (which I don’t have yet) to grow up in a separate household. I want a secure future. I don’t want to be one of those people who use the “system” as an excuse.

Education has been a great focus of mine. I attended Exchange RC Primary School in Couva and then Preysal Secondary for two years. While at Preysal, I was determined to have more for myself academically and sporting wise so I made the bold move and posted in Vishnu Boys Hindu College’s cricket group “I want to come to Vishnu Boys.” I graduated from Vishnu Boys with 6 O’ level (CSEC) and 8 units at  A Level (CAPE).

“I was inspired”

When I was a child, my entire yard in Basta Hall would gather to play cricket every weekend. It used to be heated. I saw sixes being hit. My father and uncles bowled so fast. I was inspired. What inspired me even more was seeing my father play in a competitive game, running and bowling with speed and instilling fear in the batsmen. My first uncle, on my mother’s side, Daniel Baptiste saw my passion for cricket and gave me my start. He bought me my first set of cricket equipment and enrolled me in my first club.

My mother and father both instilled in me from a young man that I should try my best to get the most out of school because a man without an education is a dead man. This is what really pushed me to do my best in school so that I will have a cushion while pursuing my passion. This is why, after secondary school, I enrolled at The UWI, St Augustine to read for a Bachelor of Science degree in Leadership and Management and graduated in October 2021. I am not 100% sure what career I will pursue with this degree but I am happy that I chose this programme  because it provides me with some options.

Balancing cricket and school was not easy but it became easier with each passing year. I spent many late nights studying while using the morning time to play cricket. With all the matches during the week and club cricket on a weekend, I still managed to find a way. For me, doing the balance game was like my tattoo. Wherever I moved, both were there with me.

“Cheer yourself on”

While I was studying and on the educational path, I was my biggest cheerleader, motivator and mentor. I knew what I wanted for myself so I pushed myself to remain focused and continue pressing on. In terms of cricket, Kelvin Williams has been my mentor since I started as a national cricketer. He is the one who has always believed in my ability and has always pushed to become better.

While image is important for most, that was never a focus of mine. I never wanted to look rich, look better than anyone or be someone that I am not. I simply want to be remembered as the person who did his best and got it done. For those young people, either currently on the educational path or deciding on a career, don’t give up, follow your dreams and never be afraid to take calculated risks.