BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ANOTHER young man with Kittitian roots made the nation proud when he graduated summa cum laude from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI).
Daryl Rawlins, 24, of Conaree Village, was conferred a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from UVI St. Thomas on Sunday, May 15.
According to the school’s website, summa cum laude are the highest honours awarded at the UVI and are reserved for students who graduate with a grade point average between 3.75 to 4.0
In addition to his scholastic achievements, Rawlins distinguished himself as a campus activist and leader. He was President of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Senior Senator for the UVI Student Government Association and Vice President of his graduating class.
He also served as a member of the Accounting Association, St. Thomas Chapter and the St. Kitts-Nevis Students Association.
Rawlins told SKNVibes that his humble beginnings were a constant source of inspiration for him to strive for his best.
“My main motivation was how I was raised. My family was poor and my mother was always there for me…but I never used that as an excuse to be lazy. I was devoted to doing my best.”
Aiming to make a career of his life-long passion of accounting, Rawlins matriculated to UVI in 2006 with the motto “failure was not an option”.
During his time as FBLA President, he represented the school in many acclaimed business competitions and leadership conferences in the continental US.
He got the opportunity of a lifetime in 2008-09 when he interned for a Fortune 500 company in New York City, which he said gave him “insight” into the career path he had chosen.
Rawlins’ outstanding achievements earned him an award from the UVI administration for his leadership, hard work, dedication to his education and involvement in extracurricular activities.
The new graduate is currently based in New York and is employed as a financial analyst at a finance company. He is planning to pursue a Masters degree in finance, but still intends to become a certified public accountant.
“I’m excited to have completed the first chapter of my education. I’m looking forward to making a name for myself in the financial industry.
“I’d like to thank my parents, William Rawlins and Lynette Foster, for all their support, as well as other family and community members who encouraged me to excel,” Rawlins stated.
