AFRICA | Brilliant Lady breaks record at US university, emerges first-black valedictorian.
A brilliant Jamaican lady named Ramona Lyttle has made history by becoming the first-ever black valedictorian at Concordia College in Minnesota, United States. Ramona graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
In an interview with Jamaica Observer, Ramona reflected on her remarkable journey, from being in foster care at the SOS Children’s Village at the age of two to delivering the valedictory address as the first Jamaican and black student at Concordia College.
”It was an incredibly humbling and blessed experience. It was not an easy journey, mainly because I found myself alone in the United States, navigating life independently,” she shared.
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”I had always dreamt of delivering a graduation speech, so when I was selected as valedictorian, I was shocked but delighted. This achievement is a testament to my hard work, determination, and the support of those who believed in me,” she added.
Ramona credited much of her foundation to the nurturing environment of the SOS Children’s Village in Jamaica.
At just two years old, she became a resident of the village, which consisted of 11 houses, each home to nine children and overseen by housemothers and house aunts who provided care and guidance.
“I was fortunate to be part of House 9, where I received nurturing guidance and a sense of belonging,” she recounted.
“Living in the SOS Children’s Villages was a unique experience. We had our own beds, closets, and clothes, which gave us a sense of individuality and ownership. Small gestures, like choosing my own school bag and shoes, gave me a sense of autonomy and excitement for the academic year,” she said.
Ramona highlighted the vital role of private sponsorship in her upbringing, which provided resources like laptops for college-bound children and sponsored extracurricular activities.
She attended the SOS Hermann Gmeiner Preparatory School and later Mona High School, where her teachers supported her aspirations. Despite the challenges of her circumstances, she excelled academically and refused to let her background define her.
“None of the students or teachers knew about my background because I chose not to act or dress according to my circumstances. One should not be judged based on their circumstances but on their character and achievements,” she said.
Her academic excellence eventually took her to Norway for two years of study, which prepared her for the transition to life in the United States.
Moving to the U.S. was a major transition for Ramona, but her previous international experience helped ease the adjustment. However, she faced challenges finding genuine friendships and relied heavily on her faith to guide her through tough times.
Ramona’s love for numbers inspired her to pursue a degree in Accounting, focusing on general accounting. She emphasized her passion for finance and analytical subjects, which align with her long-term goals.
She plans to pursue advanced certifications, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation and aims to graduate with a PhD by the age of 28. She hopes to work in reputable accounting firms and lead financial initiatives that drive growth and innovation.
Ramona concluded with a powerful message for children with similar beginnings. “To all children in state care and young people striving towards their dreams, I urge you to keep pushing forward. Remember that every obstacle is an opportunity to grow and learn,” she said.
”Surround yourself with positive influences and seek out support when necessary. With hard work, perseverance, and self-belief, you can overcome any challenge and achieve your goals,” Ramona added.
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