IF Kingston College (KC) graduate Davian Baker does not receive help by the end of November, he may not get the chance to reap the benefits of his track and field scholarship to Essex County College in New Jersey.
Baker, 19, who competed in the 400m hurdles event for KC at the Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championship for the past two years, is in a tight spot as the lack of funds has prevented him from obtaining a student visa and taking up the scholarship offer, which would enable him to also pursue studies in Hotel Management.
When the Jamaica Observer spoke to Zenna Whylie, Baker’s mother, she said that because of the situation he was unable to begin school in September. However, he was given until the end of November to get things in order and start school in January, but, financially, nothing has changed.
“I’m unable to help him because I don’t have the money and because of that he could not start school in September. But they say if he’s able to hand in the form by the end of November, he can begin school in January,” said Whylie, an early childhood educator.
The form that Whylie speaks about is a financial verification form and bank statement required by the college to prove that Baker has a sponsor in the event something goes wrong and he’s in need of money, before he is sent the Form I-20 — a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status.
After clearing that obstacle, Baker would need to find US$200 to pay his I-901 SEVIS Fee — a fee that all students and exchange visitors must pay after receiving their Form I- 20 before the Department of State can issue a United States visa. He would also need funds to get his student visa and plane ticket to leave, but his mother’s hands are tied.
“I really don’t have it, but I want him to go. I don’t want him to miss the opportunity,” she said.
Whylie, who has a younger son age 11, explained that she does not receive assistance from either of her sons fathers, which has made things a bit difficult.
Moreover, Baker said all he wants to do is make her proud as he knows how hard she struggled to get him this far in life.
“I applied and worked for the scholarship because she couldn’t afford to send me to college. This is my reward to her. She’s been through a lot for me to get my education and I really appreciate it. We really can’t afford the other expenses and I just want the opportunity to make life easier for my mother,” an emotional Baker said.
He added that because of her sacrifices he has learnt over the years to understand and “tough out” certain situations.
“I hold my own and try to understand and sometimes I sacrifice many social things. Sometimes my little brother doesn’t understand but he’s just 11. But I know how hard she tries and she really doesn’t have it,” he said.
When his coach Raymond ‘KC’ Graham was contacted he said the situation is “very true” while adding that Baker should have been in New Jersey already, but because of financial constraints he has been unable to go.
Moreover Dr Patrick Dallas, president of the KC Old Boys Association said he would want to make himself more familar with Baker’s case before commenting on it.
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:cd, dem no business bout education, scamming to dem thing