At just 25 years old, Trishona Ainsworth has already achieved what many aspiring legal minds across the Caribbean dream of: becoming a graduate of the prestigious Hugh Wooding Law School. Born and raised in Antigua, Trishona is the second of four siblings, and the only girl, a role she proudly embraces. After earning her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Guyana in 2023, she set her sights on Trinidad, where she recently completed her Legal Education Certificate (LEC) at Hugh Wooding.
Outside the world of case briefs and legal precedents, Trishona describes herself as someone who enjoys reading, exploring new places, and cooking, small joys that helped her stay grounded throughout an intense academic journey.
Reflecting on the moment she crossed the stage at graduation, Trishona said “It feels absolutely surreal,” she admits. “It’s a mixture of joy, relief, and pride. The journey was intense, but crossing that stage symbolized more than an academic achievement, it was a personal triumph of faith, resilience, and perseverance.”
Interestingly, law wasn’t always Trishona’s first choice. She once considered a career in medicine before realising that every path she explored led back to one thing advocacy.
“I’ve always had a strong sense of empathy for people who may not have the power or knowledge to defend themselves,” she explains. “That passion for advocacy naturally drew me to law. In a way, the law chose me, and once I embraced it, there was no turning back.”
Her journey to Hugh Wooding Law School was equally intentional. Drawn by the institution’s regional reputation for excellence, discipline, and ethical grounding, Trishona was thrilled to be selected among the top 25 students admitted in September 2023. “I simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be part of such an esteemed institution,” she says with pride.
Days at law school were structured yet intense. “A typical day started early, with lectures, tutorials, and practical exercises,” she recalls. “Afternoons were for research and group work, and evenings were my time to catch up on readings, and sometimes just to breathe before doing it all again.”
She laughs softly as she quotes an age-old saying:
“They say ‘the law is a jealous mistress,’ and during my time at Hugh Wooding, I truly understood how demanding — and how jealous — she can be.”
Despite the pressure, Trishona found motivation in her faith, family, and friends. “Whenever the pressure felt overwhelming, I reminded myself why I started, to make a meaningful difference. My peers and I enjoyed moments of fun and camaraderie, but we also valued balance. That helped us stay focused on our ultimate goal.”
Trishona fondly recalls several lecturers who shaped her both academically and personally. “Mr. Chaitoo, who taught The Law of Remedies, always greeted students personally and asked how we were coping. His kindness meant a lot,” she says. “And then there was Mr. Rudranauth, who taught Probate Practice and Procedure, he never frowned when we asked him to explain a concept again. His patience and passion for teaching left a lasting impression.”
Beyond academics, the friendships and cultural experiences at Hugh Wooding remain among her most cherished memories. “The cultural nights were unforgettable,” she recalls. “We celebrated traditions from Guyana, Trinidad, Barbados, and the OECS. It reminded me how beautifully diverse the Caribbean is, even though we share so much in common.”
Like most law students, Trishona faced her fair share of hurdles. Her biggest challenge was managing the overwhelming workload while maintaining peace of mind. “At first, I felt like I was just trying to stay afloat,” she admits. “But I learned to prioritize, set boundaries, and create a structure that supported both my academic goals and well-being.”
Those lessons, she says, built her resilience. “I learned to adapt, to stay grounded under pressure, and to stay committed without burning out. Those lessons will stay with me long after law school — they apply to every high-pressure situation.”
Now, as a proud Hugh Wooding graduate, Trishona is filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. She hopes to use her legal education to make a tangible difference — advocating for fairness, access to justice, and the empowerment of others.
For those who dream of following in her footsteps, she offers heartfelt advice:
“Go for it, but go prepared. The journey will test you, but it will also transform you. Stay disciplined, stay humble, and never lose sight of your ‘why.’ Believe in yourself even on the hardest days, because every late night and sacrifice will be worth it.”
From Antigua to Trinidad and back again, Trishona Ainsworth’s story is one of faith, focus, and fulfilment, a reminder that the pursuit of justice begins not in the courtroom, but in the heart of those
