Rondelle Keller
Rondelle Keller completed an undergraduate degree in International Relations at UWI but realised after graduation that International Relations didn’t ignite the flame within him. So, he went back to school to do what he felt like he should have always done: a degree in Law. For some, starting over is not easy. It requires mental, psychological and emotional fortitude. But George Eliot told us that “it’s never too late to be what you might have been.” Rondelle understood this well and he wasted no time changing course. The former El Dorado Secondary student told MENtions how he kept his head up and pressed on :
–
“Education was truly the key that allowed me to open many doors that are usually shut to people like me, that come from where I came, and that attended the school that I did. We always have to work harder than others.”
I was born to two very young adults. My mother was nineteen years old and my father was twenty-two years old. They both came from humble backgrounds and used their limited means to raise my younger brother and me.
We lived in Maloney Gardens until I was sixteen years old. Contrary to what one may think, growing up in Maloney was not the stereotypical, hard knock, depressed existence. For every bad element, there were at least 1,000 positive ones. My community I grew up in was very close-knit and gave me great friends and neighbours who became my extended family. Leaving the community was hard.
“I was unshaken about what I wanted to be”
When I was seven years old, becoming an airline pilot was the “be-all and end-all”. I was obsessed with aviation. I felt that it was not just a dream but it was my destiny. At least, that’s what I had convinced myself. For a very long time, no one could have changed my mind. I did all that I thought was right. For CSEC, I did all Science subjects and for CAPE, I did Chemistry, Physics and Pure Math. Then when the time came for me to execute the plan, the harsh reality sank in. Becoming an airline pilot was a very costly endeavour, one which my family could not afford.
“Someone like me with a Science background, was doomed to fail in law”
After my rude awakening, I had to focus and recalibrate. In so doing, I took advice (both good and bad). I knew that I no longer had the desire to do anything science-related. So, I narrowed my choice between law and international relations. I chose the latter. I did so because I was convinced by my “advisors” that someone like me, with a science background, was doomed to fail and won’t be able to complete a Law degree.
While doing international relations was not a terrible decision, I felt unfulfilled. Law was where I wanted to be. That experience taught me to be more careful who I listen to, since those “advisors” could have a big impact on how things unfold for me in the future.
“Aim for the moon and if you miss, you’d land among the stars”
Thankfully, I have very ambitious parents and they have inspired me to be the same. My mother would always say “aim for the moon and if you miss, you’d land among the stars. As small as the job may seem, you can still dream big. Don’t just aim to be the barber, aim to own the barbershop. Don’t just aim to be the policeman but aim to become the Commissioner.” My parents are my biggest motivators and supporters.
“There is a time and place for everything”
In 2015, I returned to school to start the degree I should have done in the first place. The UWI accepted my very late application to the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree programme and I was accepted as a “direct entrant” in the Faculty of Law. This reduced my time in school by one year since I had to complete the degree in two years as opposed to three years. However, the journey to be admitted to the Bar and be able to practise as an attorney, meant four more years of school for me.
“Studying Law renewed my sense of purpose”
Oftentimes, I felt like I had set myself back a few years by taking this path. Along the way, I constantly battled feelings of self-doubt while doing what was one of the most stressful things I have ever done. Yet still, returning to study Law was by far the most rewarding and fulfilling thing I have done in my life. It renewed my sense of purpose and today, I am genuinely satisfied and fulfilled. I am happy with the way things turned out at the end: even happy for all the anxious moments which ultimately increased my drive and determination to succeed.
To that young man who is confused or wondering what to do with his life after secondary school, I would say that it is important to have honest conversations with yourself. Research and speak to as many people as possible and when you get their views and opinions, weigh them against your own beliefs and your dreams. When you’ve finally decided on a path, stay focused, keep your head up and press on.
—
Since graduating in 2017 as the Valedictorian in the Faculty of Law and then at the top of his law school class in 2019, Rondelle was called to the Bar. He is currently attached to a firm that practises in the area of criminal and civil litigation.
(Originally published in August 2020)
