Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Rolando Caballero
The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation
Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Rolando Caballero
- Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m 20 years old, the eldest of two siblings currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations with a minor in Spanish at the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica.
I was born in the most northern settlement of our jewel, Corozal Town; however, I was raised and schooled in Belize City. I am a proud alumnus of St. John’s College-High School and St. John’s College-Junior College.
I am deeply passionate about history, music, the arts, literature, culture, travelling, food, advocacy and youth development. My passions have given me the opportunity to explore, network and create long lasting experiences that have moulded me into the person I am becoming every day.
2. You are currently enrolled at the University of the West Indies pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. What do you believe is important in this your role?
International Relations as an interdisciplinary field is very interesting and plays a major role in addressing, analyzing and comprehending contemporary international concerns. As such, international relations is very much important both locally and abroad as it shapes our policies, development strategies, promotion of world peace, diplomacy, etc. Through my learning experiences and exposure, I believe that it is important to continue to encourage and share with Belizeans the importance of international relations, its necessity and how beneficial it is in order for us to fully establish our self as a young, exemplary nation on the international stage.
My role as a Belizean is to ensure that I contribute in some form to the national and sustainable development of our jewel, using my degree in order for us to continue achieving our main national objectives, especially in foreign relations.
3. Tell us more about your academic life at this University? Why did you choose this particular University? When did you commence studies? What subject areas are you focused on? What’s your relationship like with fellow students?
I commenced my studies in September of 2018. Whenever people ask ‘Why UWI?’, I could never fully answer. I just knew that after completing my Associate’s Degree in History and Sociology, I wanted to attend the UWI. I was very anxious to be in a shared space with other young people who has similar experiences, mentalities and realities. The UWI is that space. It has been one of the best decisions I have made to date.
My academic life at the University of the West Indies, Mona has been amazing. Studying in the Caribbean has been an indescribable feeling and indeed, a blessing. The UWI, Mona in my opinion is a well-rounded, equipped university that is paving the way for regional leadership to operate on the international stage. The UWI has afforded me many opportunities which has made my academic journey a smooth and enjoyable one this far.
In my program of study, our course is very complex and wide-ranging. We focus on international political economy, diplomacy, international law, regional and international development, to name a few.
My relationship with my fellow peers at the UWI has been one that I would not trade for the world. At UWI, I have managed to create long lasting friendships and unbreakable bonds. It is something special about being in a space with other Caribbean students which allows you to create a sense of pride and joy in being yourself and being proud of your roots. Perhaps, it is finding happiness in our shared history of both struggle and victory.
4. Describe your transformation process from little Belize to the Caribbean?
When referring to Belize, we like to say “little” and indeed, we are, but in this context, we are not so little in comparison to our Caribbean siblings.
Where do I start? Although we have great similarities with our Caribbean siblings, we are unique. Belize is a country full of culture and diversity. I had to adapt to not having much diversity living in Jamaica, the difference in food, certain cultural practices and a host of other innuendos that makes Jamaica the place it is.
Many Belizeans like to think that Jamaica and Belize are very similar and whilst I agree, I must admit that it is very different. One simple difference is population size. I had to ‘transform’ my way of thinking whilst living in Kingston and adapting to the long lines of traffic and the stoplights, the everyday hustle and bustle in the City of Kingston; something that we are not used to seeing in Belize every day.
However, I must say that living in Jamaica has broadened my view of not only our region, but the world at large. It has opened my eyes to the reality of the world, how much room for growth we have in Belize and has even allowed me to make constructive comparisons between both countries and the region at large.
On a personal level, I have been able to achieve a greater sense of maturing, personal growth and broadening my horizons whilst living and studying in the Caribbean.
5. What are the challenges you face as a student at university? Opportunities?
I believe one of the challenges is allocating and sourcing the necessary funding that come with studying abroad. I believe that this is a challenge that most students have.
The opportunities at university are endless. One major opportunity afforded at the ‘UWIverse’ space is networking. Networking with fellow students, professors and professionals can be very useful and can be one of your greatest resources. The strength of networking is infinite and invaluable. ‘You can’t put a price on it!’
6. Why is your major important to Belize’s National Progressive and Sustainable Development?
I believe it is important because it enables us to strengthen our foreign policy and maintain our national integrity.
International Relations also allows us to make just and beneficial decisions for our country and its people in areas such as: international cooperation, trade, regional and international sustainable development, climate change, human rights and strategic policy revamping, which our country is in great need for.
7. You are currently in Europe, enrolled in a Semester Abroad program under an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Tell us more about your experience (academics, struggles, cuisine, touring, et al)?
I am currently in Spain on a semester abroad afforded to me through my university. The Erasmus+ scholarship is fully funded by the European Union to promote training and professional development to students across the world.
Unfortunately, amidst the pandemic that we are currently enduring, my experience in Europe has come to an abrupt halt, especially being at the epicentre of the pandemic. However, I can say that my time here has been one of new experiences and immense joy. I have been fortunate in meeting students from numerous countries and exchanging culture and cuisine. Academics in Spain is very much different than the Caribbean.
I would encourage students to take opportunities such as the Erasmus+ program, not only to explore Europe but also for your personal development and growth as it ultimately makes you more appreciative of your experiences, your roots and your country.
8. In one of my recent articles, I stated: ‘It is important to realize that the majority of Belize’s younger populations continue to be very mediocre as it relates to becoming holistically educated and cultured, personally and professionally.’ What’s your perspective on this?
I would like to agree with such a statement; however, as Belizeans we must accept that our younger population is not entirely to blame for our collective mediocrity. Our people lack so much, especially our young people. They lack access to proper education, access to opportunities, access to avenues to holistically develop themselves. WE HAVE NORMALIZED BEING MEDIOCRE.
I would like to encourage all young people in Belize to continue pressing on, continue aspiring and dreaming and continue creating avenues for yourself instead of waiting for some “generous” agency or government to pave the way for you.
One of my favourite novelists, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, in one of her TED Talks highlighted, “…people who could read would read if you made literature affordable and available to them.” That is the same principle that is applicable to our situation with our younger generation. If there were opportunities and avenues for our young Belizeans to develop, to fully advance and expose themselves, they would take them.
9. Tell us more about the Erasmus Scholarship Program? Why should Belizeans apply? In your perspective, what made you stand out to win this award? What can Belize expect from Rolando Caballero in let’s say, the next 5 years?
As mentioned before, the Erasmus+ scholarship program is funded by the EU to promote education, training and professional development for young people across the world. Belizeans should apply as it will expand their horizons and expose them to the grandeur of the world, but most importantly, it will be beneficial to their professional and academic development which in the longer run, can be beneficial to the development of our country. If the opportunity knocks on your door, take it.
I believe my academic performance, my perseverance and the knowledge of a second language (In my case, Spanish) made me win this opportunity. I decided to pursue a minor in Spanish as a foreign language because it is always a good combination in international relations. Whilst studying a foreign language is not easy, I am determined to make the best of my opportunity being in Spain to fully develop the use of the language, especially in its professional context.
What can Belize expect from Rolando Caballero in perhaps, the next 5 years?
Well, I am one of those who believe that we do not have much control over the future. Belize can expect me sitting in a chair where I would be able to make systematic changes in order to propel our country forward. Perhaps, a policy maker? An honourable minister of government? The Prime Minister?
I also must highlight that I have considerable interest in being an international civil servant, like my mother, by joining one of the many agencies of the United Nations to serve my country and the people of the world.
10. What three words do you have to say to young Belizeans?
Follow Your Fears.
“Create your story, define your story, tell your story.”
-Rolando A. Caballero
