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Melissa Baird stands as a living testament to the idea that one’s past does not dictate their future. In a world that often measures success by conventional standards, Melissa defied expectations and embarked on a remarkable journey from a high school dropout to a passionate and dedicated teacher. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, resilience, and an unyielding belief in the pursuit of one’s dreams.
Melissa’s path to becoming an educator was anything but conventional. Born into challenging circumstances, she faced numerous obstacles that could have easily deterred her from reaching her full potential. Despite these challenges, she possessed an indomitable spirit that refused to be stifled by the circumstances surrounding her. The decision to leave high school was not an easy one for her but it marked the beginning of a unique and inspiring journey.
Instead of succumbing to societal expectations or viewing her choice as a dead end, she saw it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Melissa embraced the idea that education is not confined to the walls of a classroom; rather, it is a lifelong journey that takes various forms.
Trinidadian rapper and songwriter Nicki Minaj once said, “Stay in school. Don’t ever be lazy; don’t ever complain about hard work. Work hard; it pays off.”
28-year-old Melissa Baird, a mother of two, recently graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) with an associate degree in education.
Melissa completed her nursery education at No. 5 and Hopetown Nursery, then attended Hopetown Primary School, where she completed her primary education. When she wrote the NGSA, she attained 489, was placed at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School (NAMS), and attended that school for one year. She was later transferred to Mahaicony Secondary School. Baird had a promising future academically, but there are some things that occurred during her childhood that affected her and caused her grades to get lower as time went by.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, she became a high school dropout a few months before she was to sit the CSEC in 2012. As it relates to her career, she always wanted to be a lawyer.
“I relocated to Georgetown, where I did a cake and pastry course at the YWCA. Afterwards, I became a clerk at a phone lab located at Stabroek Market. I worked there until I met my boyfriend, who later became the father of my two children,” Baird said.
When she got pregnant, she then realised how tough it is when you’re dependent on others as an adult and faced numerous challenges, which made her reflect and begin to make things better for herself. In 2017, via YouthBiz 592, Baird pursued a business course where she acquired a certification and was also given a grant to start a small business. Utilizing the grant, Baird ventured out into rearing chickens for eggs (layers); however, over time, the business failed because the majority of the chickens died and she had no source of finance to invest in upkeeping the business.
In August of 2018, Baird recalled having a conversation with one of her cousins about not being able to provide for herself comfortably, and she advised her to go back to school. Further, she discussed this with her parents, and they supported her decision to better herself. Her father enrolled her at the Fraser’s Educational Institute (FEI), where she took CSEC and came out successful. In 2019, she got pregnant with her second child. Despite the unplanned pregnancy, she saw the child as a blessing.
“I told myself that after I give birth and my baby is old enough, I will get registered in the nursing program. However, in 2020, we were faced with the pandemic, which kind of slowed up my plans; nevertheless, I remained resilient throughout it all,” Baird added.
In 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Education initiated a change in the mode of learning in the classroom at the Cyril Potter College of Education, where it was fully online. With advice from her cousin, she applied, and her application was deemed successful. She pursued the Associates Degree in Education and specialised in primary education. She believes that teaching chose her.
Melissa described her CPCE journey as great since she was exposed to new concepts, especially as it relates to technology. She also made some new friends from different regions countrywide.
Melissa faced challenges whilst attending CPCE. In 2020, she moved to her new home and hadn’t had any electricity. Many days she would visit her in-laws or her cousins to join classes since it would require her to use her devices and an internet connection to do so.
Whenever she had assignments to complete many nights she would send her kids with their dad, while she would work up to the wee hours and then head home. In 2022, as a result of not being able to balance the activities of her life well, her stress level rose. As such she experienced a hormonal imbalance where she bled every day for 6 months.
“I wanted to take a break from college because many times I was feeling weak and tired because of the constant bleeding. But all thanks to relatives and friends that encouraged me to bear up a little more since I was approaching the finishing point. In January of 2023 I was appointed at the Cotton Tree Primary School where I met some colleagues who guided me along the way and made my studies a little easier for me,” she added.
During her first pregnancy, she started attending Family Tabernacle of Worship where she got a better understanding of Christianity and strengthened her faith. She was also diagnosed with kidney stones after giving birth.
On November 29th 2023, Melissa proudly walked across the stage as she graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education. Her journey reminds her of two scriptures in the Bible, which says “I can do ALL things through CHRIST which strengtheneth me ” Philippians 4:13 and When The Time is RIGHT, I, THE LORD, WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN. Isaiah 60:22.
“Surround yourself with like-minded people…Work on your time management skills. Adopt a life-long learning mentality and accept your mistakes and failures,” is Melissa advice to the youths.
Today, Melissa stands as a living testament to the idea that one’s past does not dictate their future. As an inspirational teacher, she brings a wealth of real-world knowledge, empathy, and a unique perspective to her students. Her unconventional path serves as a powerful reminder that education is not confined to a rigid set of rules but is, instead, a dynamic and personal journey that can lead to incredible places.
In her classroom, students are not just learners; they are individuals with unique stories, dreams, and potential waiting to be unlocked. By sharing her own journey, Melissa instills in her students the belief that no dream is too big and no obstacle is insurmountable.
Her story challenges us to redefine our notions of success and education. She teaches us that sometimes the most extraordinary educators emerge from the most unconventional paths. Melissa is proof that the transformative power of education is not limited to traditional classrooms; it extends far beyond, touching the lives of those who dare to dream and persevere against all odds.
