Janice Gordon working to become family’s first lawyer

On January 15, 2019, YouthLink featured an article with the headline 'Janice Gordon: Triumphing from rebel to leader'.

The story highlighted Gordon's remarkable journey, particularly her ability to overcome challenges, including a rebellious phase she experienced during her early high-school days. At that time, Gordon was then a lower-sixth-form student at Kellits High School in Clarendon, and she had her sights set on pursuing a career as either a journalist or a lawyer. Since then, she has chosen to pursue law and is making significant progress towards achieving her goal.

Gordon recently completed undergraduate studies at The University of the West Indies, Mona, where she earned a Bachelor's of Law degree. She now has two years of studies at the Norman Manley Law School, where she will read for a legal education certificate, which will allow her to practise as a lawyer. When she achieves that milestone, Gordon will become the first lawyer in her family.

"I feel beyond excited and relieved, considering all that I have been through. I worked really hard, and I am happy that I have earned the highest honours as a result," said Gordon, who ended with first-class honours.

She noted that she is from a relatively poor family, headed by her mother Vinnette Thomas, who worked little jobs to make ends meet for the household of four children. She depended on the social safety net initiative, Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education for lunch money.

"I always tell people I used to get $30 in primary school, and I would still save from that. At one point, my house was damaged in a fire and things changed for the worst, but my mother was adamant to make things work out for us. I used to walk to and from school, most of, if not all, the time. ... I did not have a luxurious life growing up," Gordon said.

The former head girl of Kellits High School possesses an unwavering dedication to her studies. She spent countless hours immersed in reading at the library, as she was determined to get good grades. This commitment paid off, as she consistently earned a spot on the honour roll and the dean's list.

"I am from a family with little to no means, so to change that situation I had to remain committed. I want life to be better than that [which] I had growing up, and I want to help my mother and siblings," Gordon shared.

Even as she anticipates walking across the stage to collect her degree in November, Gordon is diligently preparing to take another step on her academic journey.

"I am excited to further my studies at the law school in September. I want to complete law school in two years, and further along the journey I want to do a master's in American or Canadian law," Gordon said.