AMERICA | A young lady named Donelle E. Roberts has emerged as the best graduating student of Gambling State University in the United States.
Donelle bagged her bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in actuarial science and physics at Gambling State University, United States, setting a record as the first-ever university graduate in her family.
She not only graduated at the top of her class with an impressive 3.98 GPA but also became the first in her family to earn a university degree.
In an interview with Dominica News Online, she shared that her greatest pride did not come from outperforming others, but from knowing that she had fulfilled a dream—one that honored her family’s sacrifices and represented the realization of her potential.
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However her educational journey was not without challenges. She credited much of her success to her sacrifices as well as the support of her parents and siblings.“During the height of the COVID period, I had to spend more time in my room for my safety, this was a frustrating period. It was also tough financially,” she said.
”While I did have a scholarship that paid tuition and boarding, I had to buy my books and necessities, as well as money to travel back home during the summer and Christmas breaks. I relied on my family a lot and also worked two jobs,” she added.
Though she loved mathematics, she never considered actuarial science before enrolling at the university. While at the university, Donelle was a member of the school’s Office of Retention, and the International Association of Black Actuaries.
Donelle was also a member of the International Student Organization, STEM NOLA, National Science Foundation undergraduate research, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and the National Society of Black Engineers.
She was also honored as a Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholar (2020-2021), and Goldman Sachs HBCU Leadership Scholar (2020) and has been on the President’s List every semester since she resumed the university.
Donelle mentioned that she will not pursue a master’s degree immediately, but plans to undergo actuary certification classes and later sit the exams. She intends to make great strides in the financial sector.
“That was one of the reasons I chose to focus my area of study on actuarial science. Dominica needs more actuaries and can benefit from having people with this skillset in the banks and other financial institutions,” she said.
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